10-Week Program Kicks Off September 6, Aiming to Generate Millions in New
Revenue for Chicago-Area Businesses
CHICAGO, July 24,
2024 /PRNewswire/ - Applications are now open
for the Fall 2024 cohort of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago's Breedlove
Accelerator program. The program, which begins September 6, 2024, aims to address the staggering
$146 million funding gap faced by
women of color entrepreneurs in Chicago.
This initiative offers crucial support to later-stage women of
color entrepreneurs, providing resources, mentorship, and funding
opportunities to scale their businesses and build generational
wealth.
The Breedlove Accelerator, a cornerstone of YWCA's Women's
Entrepreneurship Center, targets women of color business owners
with at least 2 years of experience and $100,000+ in annual
revenue.
Running bi-yearly, the program has supported 60 women-owned
businesses since its inception, generating more than $10 million in new revenue and creating dozens of
jobs in the Chicago area.
Participants in the Fall 2024 cohort will receive:
- 10 weeks of intensive instruction on financial management,
marketing strategies, and operational scaling
- One-on-one mentorship from industry leaders and successful
entrepreneurs
- Introductions to potential funders, including venture
capitalists and angel investors
- Ongoing support to implement growth strategies
- Access to a powerful network of fellow entrepreneurs and
program alumni
"The Breedlove Accelerator is a crucial component of
Chicago's economic development
strategy," says Cheryl
Hudson-Jackson, Director of Breedlove Entrepreneurship
Center at YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. "By empowering women of color
entrepreneurs, we're not just changing individual lives – we're
building stronger communities and fostering innovation across our
city."
The program is supported by key partners including BMO, the
Coleman Foundation, Mightyhum and Tether. Eligible
applicants include women of color business owners in the
Chicago area meeting the program's
criteria.
Interested entrepreneurs can apply online,
https://bit.ly/BreedloveApplication, before the August 12 deadline.
About Breedlove Entrepreneurship Center
The YWCA's Breedlove Entrepreneurship Center is named for Madam
C.J. Walker, America's first self-made female millionaire. Born to
formerly enslaved parents as Sarah
Breedlove, and orphaned at the age of six, she rose to
success with sheer determination and grit. Breedlove built a hair
care empire which employed 3,000 workers and trained 20,000
"Walker's Agents," creating sales jobs and a pathway to the middle
class for many Black women. In that spirit, we are empowering women
of color to "open their own shops," grow their own empires, and
endow the next generation of Madam C.J. Walkers.
Entrepreneurs interested in the next Breedlove Entrepreneurship
Center cohort can visit
https://ywcachicago.org/our-work/economic-empowerment/breedlove/ to
apply and learn more about the program.
About YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
Founded in 1876, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is a social
enterprise committed to eliminating racism, empowering women, and
promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. As a leading
association among a national network of more than 200 YWCAs, YWCA
Metropolitan Chicago touches tens of thousands of women and
families annually through comprehensive human services provided
across the region. YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is a leader in the
areas of sexual violence support, early childhood and child care
provider services, family support, youth STEM programming and
economic empowerment. A commitment to racial justice, equity and
inclusion is foundational to all YWCA programs and services. Learn
more at www.ywcachicago.org and follow @ywcachicago on Twitter,
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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SOURCE YWCA Metropolitan Chicago