Deadline: 31-May-21
We Rise Business Accelerator Program by Local First Arizona is accepting applications to build equitable systems for Arizona’s local businesses and communities that create a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable Arizona economy by strengthening, supporting, and celebrating entrepreneurship, rural and urban community development, racial equity, environmental action, and food access.
Local First Arizona’s We Rise business accelerator is a new, no-fee program offering comprehensive six-month cohorts for Arizona’s Black entrepreneurs.
Meeting bi-weekly, participants will receive classroom instruction and mentorship from Black entrepreneurs with firsthand experience and expertise in starting or growing a small business in Arizona.
The We Rise business accelerator will expose start-up businesses or experienced businesses that are missing fundamental components of entrepreneurship to the nuts and bolts needed to build a successful business in Arizona’s economy.
Business Benefits
Learn from local Black entrepreneurs with firsthand experience and expertise in starting a small business in Arizona.
- Get one-on-one support for your planning and business needs to differentiate and strengthen your business model.
- Join a community of local Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and business professionals working to build equitable systems for Arizona’s local businesses and communities.
- Build financial skills, savings, and access to capital.
- Safely explore the social aspects of being a Black-owned business in Arizona.
Eligibility Criteria
The following are criteria for individuals interested in applying for the We Rise business accelerator:
- Self identifies as a Black-owned business.
- Must be 18+.
- A Black American entrepreneur with some experience of running a business. The prospective candidate must have some knowledge of entrepreneurship but needs assistance with the fundamentals of establishing or growing a business such as creating a business plan, registering their business, etc.
- Business owner(s) must be available bi-weekly on Wednesday nights from 5 to 7 p.m. to attend class. Given the rigor of the program, participants can only have 1 absence of class. Please inquire about child care options for parents who are accepted into the program.
For more information, visit https://localfirstaz.com/we-rise