ENTREPRENEURSHIP

CULTIVATING FINANCIAL WELLNESS

Our entrepreneurial initiatives have empowered local visionaries, fostering innovation and economic growth. By providing mentorship, resources, and access to capital, we’ve witnessed the birth of new businesses and the expansion of existing ones. These ventures not only contribute to the local economy but also create employment opportunities for our community members.

KEY PROGRAMS

One-Day Boot Camps

Our one-day entrepreneurial boot camp on “Creating Your Story” is an intensive workshop designed to help participants craft a compelling narrative that defines their brand and vision. Through interactive sessions, attendees will learn how to effectively communicate their mission, connect with their audience, and build an authentic story that resonates with customers, investors, and stakeholders. By the end of the day, participants will leave with a polished pitch and actionable insights to elevate their entrepreneurial journey.

Young Entrepreneur Academy Launch Pad

The Young Entrepreneur Academy’s one-day Launch Pad event is an engaging workshop designed to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with essential networking skills to build meaningful connections and grow their ventures. Participants will gain practical insights on how to establish a strong professional network, connect with mentors, and collaborate with peers. The event concludes with an overview of our transformative 6-week academy, offering attendees the opportunity to take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR ACADEMY (YEA)

Our YEA is a 6-week training program aimed at promoting youth entrepreneurship in underserved communities. The program empowers young high school entrepreneurs from low to moderate income backgrounds to create and grow job-creating businesses, as well as to pursue higher education and career endeavors. Participants complete three modules: business basics, leadership and business idea development. Each class culminates in a public pitch competition event where finalists present their business ideas to a panel of business leaders for a chance to win a start-up grant. Since 2015, the program has funded over $100,000 to 18 participants who launched new businesses.

Banking on Your Success (BYS)

Our 6-week entrepreneur training program is designed to develop minority-owned business owners by creating pathways to access capital as well as coaching and technical assistance. BYS empowers people from low to moderate income backgrounds to create financial self-reliance and grow job-creating businesses. Participants complete two modules:

Business Essentials; formation and structure, financial management, operations, sales and marketing
Access to Capital; credit and financial preparation, leadership, and business plan development.

Participants also have an opportunity to showcase their business ideas by participating in our pitch competition events.