On Wednesday, December 4, the 15th cohort of African American Business Development Program participants was graduated by the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio’s Business Development & Entrepreneurship Department (BD&E).
The globally acclaimed Kauffman Foundation’s FastTrac Program serves as the model for the African American Business Development Program (AABDP), which was founded in 2008.
This three-month, extremely selective program is tailored to the particular requirements of African American company owners, giving participants the resources they need to create long-lasting companies that support local job growth.
More than 100 African American company owners have graduated from the AABDP since its start, which has significantly boosted the region’s minority-owned enterprises’ economic growth.
Twelve vibrant business owners who have completed three months of rigorous training with a variety of teachers, subject matter experts from the U.S. Bank, peer-to-peer collaborators, and one-on-one coaching from BD&E business advisers make up AABDP Class XV.
Participants this year are:
- April Jordan, Owner, It s ALL Good Hair April s Mane Focus
- Catherine L. Jones, CEO, Catherine s Good Eats
- Charlene Davis Zanders, President, C. Renee HR Consulting, LLC
- Cynthia Douglas, Owner Director, Today s Babies Tomorrow s Future
- Lisa D. White, CEO, Harvest Staffing LLC
- Marissa Dumas, CEO, Pretty Pick Up
- Markus Cook, Owner, Creative Director, Moncharl
- Michael Horton, Owner & Operator, Horton Enterprise LLC
- Paula Willis, Co-Owner, Now and Zen DIY Studio
- Ronald D. Akbar, Owner, D-Line Courier Service
- Ronald Williams, Owner & President, The Williams Frances Theatre LLC
- Valencia L. Everhart, Owner, A Tad of Hair Studio
According to Charolette D. Harris, Vice President of the Business Development & Entrepreneurship Center at ULGSO, the African American Business Development Program keeps changing the entrepreneurial landscape in our region by giving African American entrepreneurs the resources, networks, and self-assurance they need to be successful.
As we commemorate the 15th cohort, we also honor the prosperous enterprises, employment opportunities, and financial empowerment that these company owners provide to our neighborhood.
AADBP is generously supported by the U.S. Bank Foundation, which in July granted the program a $300,000 grant. Support from the foundation shows its dedication to advancing human potential, community investment, and economic development.
Assisting small company owners and entrepreneurs will promote prosperous communities and increase economic progress.
Alicia Townsend, community affairs manager at U.S. Bank, stated, “We are honored to collaborate with groups like the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio to give more people access and opportunities to realize their business dreams.”
The keynote speaker this year was Stephanie DeVane, vice president of the National Urban League’s Entrepreneurship and Business Development Division. DeVane advocates for the empowerment of marginalized business owners across the country.
Under her direction, 13 National Urban League Entrepreneurship Centers—which offer vital assistance for business development and capacity-building—are managed. As a forward-thinking mentor, DeVane’s advice will inspire the graduating class to keep aiming for success in their business ventures.
On December 4, applications for the upcoming AABDP cohort became available. For additional information, interested candidates should visit https://www.ulgso.org/entrepreneurs or get in touch with Vanessa Sanchez, Program Manager, at 513-559-2218 or [email protected].
Top to bottom (left to right): April Jordan, owner of It’s All Good Hair/April’s Main Focus; Paula Willis, co-owner of Now and Zen DIY Studio; Cynthia Douglas, owner/director of Today’s Babies, Tomorrow’s Future; and Charlene Davis Zanders, president of C. Renee HR Consulting LLC.
In the center (from left to right) are Michael Horton, owner and operator of Horton Enterprise LLC; Marcus Cook, owner and creative director of Moncharl e; Ronald Williams, owner and president of The Williams Frances Theatre LLC; and Ronald D. Akbar, owner of D-Line Courier Service.
Front (left to right): Marissa Dumas, CEO of Pretty Pickup; Lisa D. White, CEO of Harvest Staffing LLC. as well as Catherine Jones, Catherine’s Good Eats CEO.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.