The Neighborhood Development Center’s new program hopes to boost minority women entrepreneurs.
Black and Latina Opportunity Connect (BLOC), will offer the 14 women in its first cohort mentoring and training in how to own and grow their businesses.
Accounting, finance, the credit review process, marketing, operations and management will be covered in BLOC’s training.
The first cohort will run from this September to August 2023.
“Black and Latina women are two of the most entrepreneurial demographics, and yet, they are the least likely to be able to access capital and become full-time business owners,” said Renay Dossman, president of the NDC, in a statement.
The first cohort of BLOC includes:
“I’m thrilled to be part of NDC’s pilot to support Black and Latina women entrepreneurs. I hope to gain additional knowledge and resources to make my hospitality business a success” said Akins, in a release. She’ll be using the cohort training opportunities and resources to focus on building her startup bed and breakfast business.
BLOC is supported by a three-year $450,000 investment from Allianz Life Insurance Co. of North America (Allianz Life).
“We’re excited about this initial group, and we’re already working on subsequent program phases, which may include mentorship, childcare stipends, Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), and credit repair coaching, followed by small business grants and loans with flexible terms customized to each entrepreneur’s needs.” Dossman said.
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