an economic development 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Our Mission -
TO SUPPORT LATINO AND BLACK ENTREPRENEURS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS IN LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES THROUGH EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
How we fulfill our mission
Through a series of ongoing entrepreneurship and business programs.
- Business and Technology Incubators -
where ideas become a reality
Sample Program Content
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Intro to Ideation
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Building a prototype
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Lean startup theory
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Design thinking
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Weekly educational workshops
Sample Program Structure
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30 entrepreneurs per cohort
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6 months; 20 hours per week
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Co-working space
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Experienced mentors and instructors
- Educational Events
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build a foundation of knowledge
Product
Development
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Intro to Ideation
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Lean startup theory
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Design thinking
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Building a prototype
Entrepreneurship Skills
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Leadership
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Public speaking
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Risk taking
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Resilience
Access-to-Capital Education
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Intro to Bank Financing
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Intro to Venture Capital
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Access to capital basics
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Pre qualification Assessment
Business Fundamentals
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Finance 101
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Accounting basics
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Sales & Marketing
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Operations Management
- Technical assistance -
practical consulting sessions for entrepreneurs and business owners
Access-to-Capital Assistance
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Pre qualification assessment
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Calculate repayment ability
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Prepare loan submission
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Communication with banks
Accounting Assistance
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Establish accounting method
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Set up chart of accounts
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Setup A/R, A/P, and payroll systems
Legal & Compliance
Assistance
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Establish policies and procedures
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Obtain permits and licenses
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Obtain key insurance policies
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Entity select and formation
Operational Assistance
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Optimize profitability
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Analyze pricing and cost structure
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Assist with controlling costs
- Business and Technology Accelerator Program-
converts a startup team into an investor read and scalable company
Sample Program Content
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Customer discovery
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Product or Market fit
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"Go to market" strategies
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Customer validation
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Demo day with investors
Sample Program Strucure
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10 startups per cohort
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10 weeks; 40 hours per week
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Co-working space
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One mentor per team and Board of Advisors
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Weekly workshops and networking
- Networking Events -
bring investors and entrepreneurs together
Entrepreneurship
Networking
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2 week window to apply
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Majority minority led teams
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First to apply, first to be reviewed
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May be industry specific
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Must have user traction or revenue
Investor
Networking
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Angel investor group formation
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Investor panel discussion
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Cafecito meetups
- Pitch Events -
test the skills of motivated entrepreneurs
Application Process
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2 week window to apply
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Majority minority led teams
-
First to apply, first to be reviewed
-
May be industry specific
-
Must have user traction or revenue
Sample Program Structure
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4 hour event
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10 teams
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10 minutes for pitch
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10 minutes for Q&A
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Real investors to judge
- Startup Weekends -
where many entrepreneurs are born
Application Process
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2 months to receive and review
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Majority minority led teams
-
First to apply, first to be reviewed
-
May be industry specific
Sample Program Structure
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From Friday to Sunday
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50 Participants
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Facilitator and 3 organizers
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One mentor per team
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Office space at Indie Desk
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Demo day
Our Sponsors
Acelera Financial
supported by our sponsors committed to our mission
- CDFI Certified