We serve diverse business owners who (a) have been in business for at least one year, and (b) have generated at least $100,000 in revenue. Whether the venture is in healthcare, construction, technology, environment, manufacturing, transportation, consumer products or is socially-purposed, the Capital Pathways program will provide resources and connect a national network of our community’s most established entrepreneurs. With a model that infuses local partnerships and outreach, we aim to highlight home-grown founders and CEOs, as well as promote inter-generational connections for collective economic growth and empowerment.
Dynamic workshops, panels and speakers will engage entrepreneurs across ten cities: Atlanta, Dallas, Oakland, Las Vegas, Washington, DC, New Orleans, Beaufort, St. Louis, Phoenix and Chicago between March and August 2017. In addition to in-person workshops, entrepreneurs per market will be eligible to receive ongoing support, mentorship and consultation from the U.S. Black Chambers and partners on issues of business development, marketing and outreach, legal, finance and accounting and mentoring.
Capital Pathways is funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency’s Broad Agency Announcement.
Workshop Descriptions
- Credit Assessment: It’s Best to Know
Need help with improving your credit score? Possessing and maintaining good credit is the key to gaining access to business capital. Participants will learn how to apply valuable principles and strategies to successfully increase their personal and/or business credit score from leading credit experts and apply the knowledge learned as leverage to apply for business funding.
- Technical Assistance: How Can I Continue to Build My Business?
Many minority business owners experience challenges in expanding their business operations. Other minority business owners are not large enough to receive a loan from a bank. Business owners must continue to grow and evolve to remain successful and competitive and this requires access to capital. Prior to applying for business capital business owners need to know what funding options are available to ensure they select the right funding option to meet their current and future funding needs. So what alternatives are available to minority business owners? Participants will learn about traditional and non-traditional funding options from leading experts such as bankers, angel investors and venture capitalists to assist them with expanding their business operations.
- Capital Connector: Where Can I Go to Get What I Need?
There are times when a business owner needs resources, support and advocacy. Have you ever said to yourself, I need help? We will provide participants with mini-counseling sessions with service providers. The session will include credit counselors, mentors, lawyers, bankers and accountants that will answer your most pertinent questions. Participants will be connected to service providers in their local area to receive additional follow-up and support.