Is this the right program for me?
Are you a Black-owned business that has been operating for at least six months and wants to do business on Hilltop?
As the nation responds to a global pandemic, a threatened small business economy, and explosive and transformative Black Lives Matters protests, there has never been a time of more promise for marginalized communities. For Black entrepreneurs and business owners there is a major shift happening towards economic empowerment.
Locally, community members have demanded the establishment of and increased support for Black-owned businesses, especially on Hilltop. In response to community engagement and requests, Spaceworks Tacoma is launching a new business development program that specifically centers Black entrepreneurs and prepares them for the +100,000 square feet of retail space slated to arrive in the coming years. The Black Business Accelerator aims to continue the long and rich history of Black-owned businesses on Hilltop and to decrease systemic barriers in a changing neighborhood.
Under the leadership of Kiara Daniels and Drea Baines, our approach adapts our existing Incubator and centers Black owners and entrepreneurs to:
- Develop and execute winning business plans for the purpose of starting, growing, and funding their enterprises
- Learn top strategies, tools, and resources for growing a sustainable business
- Learn about upcoming opportunities from community partners and developers
- Engage with a broader network of invested individuals, entities, and groups
- Prepare for, and receive advocacy on behalf of, obtaining a physical location on Hilltop
This is a multi-year effort that brings together community partners, business professionals, and developers. The first phase is a 2-month pilot cohort, launching this summer and limited to 12 businesses. Applicants will be considered based on their commitment, business model, and desire to contribute to the community and economy on Hilltop. Additional resources and programming will become available in future phases.
To get involved and to support the Black Business Accelerator, please contact KiaraD@tacomachamber.org
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