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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Black History Month

by Community Contributor • February 16, 2022 • Comments Off

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HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize the month of February as Black History Month. This month is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the contributions of Black Americans throughout history. During this time, and throughout the entire year, the EDC is committed to supporting Black-owned small businesses. The EDC strives to provide equitable access and inclusive services, leading to stronger economic outcomes that support businesses and our region as a whole. The following are a handful of programs that provide support for Black-owned small businesses:

Programs Available for Black-Owned Businesses

EDC’s Small Business Development Center: EDC offers programs designed to assist businesses in key areas with one on one technical advising through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). In partnership with the SBDC, this program provides entrepreneurs with high level business consulting at NO-COST. CLICK HERE for more information.

EDC Loan Program: As the region’s largest economic development public-private partnership, the Economic Development Collaborative provides access to capital and direct business advising to nearly a thousand businesses a year. CLICK HERE for more information.

Webinar: Keys to a Successful Black Owned Business Startup: New businesses are on the rise across the United States, and particularly in the black community. If you’re an entrepreneur with a good idea, it might be the right time to finally start your business. Join this educational webinar, presented by Owner & CEO of PKJ Consulting Phyllis Johnson, where she will break down how to plan your start up, grow your business, and succeed in your industry. Sponsored by: Equitable. CLICK HERE for more information.

8(a) Business Development program: Helps socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses grow by limiting competition for certain contracts to participating businesses, allowing them to become solid competitors in the federal marketplace. CLICK HERE for more information.

HUBZone program: The government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses in historically underutilized business zones. The program aims to award at least three percent of federal contract dollars each year to HUBZone-certified companies. CLICK HERE for more information.

Small Disadvantaged Business: Register to contract with the government as a Small Disadvantaged Business. CLICK HERE for more information.

Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting program: The federal government’s goal is to award at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year. CLICK HERE for more information.

Veteran assistance programs: Learn about federal programs that help veteran-owned small businesses access federal contract awards and surplus personal property. CLICK HERE for more information.

SBA Mentor-Protégé Program: Enables eligible small businesses (protégés) to get valuable business development help and win government contracts through partnerships with more experienced companies (mentors). CLICK HERE for more information.

Recognizing Staff & Advisors

In recognition of Black History Month, we would like to celebrate some of our advisors and staff! Since the start of 2020, the EDC SBDC has helped access over half a million in capital for Black and African American business owners.

Click on the staff/advisor’s photo to read their full bio and learn more about their background.

Marvin Boateng

Director of Lending

Erica Bristol

Legal and Intellectual Property Protection Advisor

Jonathan Davis

Government Procurement & Marketing Advisor

Anthony Curtis Elliott

Finance Business Advisor

Lauryn Nwankpa

High-Tech & Marketing Advisor

Looking for NO-COST Business Consulting Services?

The EDC SBDC call team and experienced advisors are available to answer questions and help you navigate today’s complex business environment. The Economic Development Collaborative hosts the Small Business Development Center and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Signing up as a client takes just a few minutes and provides you with lifetime access to all of our no-cost services.

Get started today with no-cost consulting by calling our

Business Assistance Line at 805.409.9159.

Resources and advising are available in English and Spanish.

Access our Loan Program by calling 805.409.9497.