Projects
New York State
MWBE Business Growth
Accelerator (BGA 3.0) Program Design and Implementation
The New York State MWBE Business Growth Accelerator (BGA 3.0) is an 18-month business acceleration initiative designed to help Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) increase capacity, strengthen operations, and compete successfully for public and private sector contracting opportunities. Serving businesses across New York City, Syracuse, Utica, and Rochester, the program provides a comprehensive framework that combines strategic business development, executive coaching, technical assistance, and procurement readiness to accelerate sustainable business growth. Through targeted outreach and recruitment, the program identifies high-potential MWBE firms and delivers a customized growth experience that includes a comprehensive business assessment, an individualized Business Growth Plan, and an intensive business development curriculum focused on leadership, financial management, operations, marketing, access to capital, government contracting, supplier diversity, and scaling strategies. Participants also receive one-on-one coaching, mentorship from industry experts, and personalized technical assistance to address their unique business challenges and growth objectives. The program connects participating businesses with government agencies, major corporations, prime contractors, procurement professionals, and financial institutions through networking events, matchmaking sessions, and strategic partnerships that expand opportunities for collaboration and contract awards. The ultimate goal of the Business Growth Accelerator is to transform promising MWBEs into contract-ready, growth-oriented enterprises by strengthening their operational capacity, increasing competitiveness, and positioning them to secure new business opportunities, create jobs, and contribute to New York State’s inclusive economic development.
New York State
Regional Incubator For Sustainable MWBE Capacity Building Project
The Expanding Certified NYS MWBEs Economic Vitality and Generational Wealth Building Initiative is a strategic business growth program designed to strengthen the capacity, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability of New York State-certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) in the construction industry. Serving businesses throughout New York City and Long Island, the initiative equips growth-oriented construction service and construction consulting firms with the knowledge, resources, and strategic support needed to scale their businesses, compete for larger contracts, and build lasting economic prosperity. Through a comprehensive combination of business training, customized technical assistance, executive coaching, and curriculum development, participants receive practical guidance in business strategy, financial management, procurement readiness, operational excellence, leadership, marketing, and government contracting. The program is designed to help firms strengthen organizational capacity, expand market opportunities, improve operational performance, and successfully pursue public and private sector contracting opportunities. A key focus of the initiative is increasing the participation of minority- and women-owned businesses in New York’s construction and infrastructure economy by reducing barriers to growth, enhancing business capabilities, and creating pathways to larger procurement opportunities. By empowering MWBEs to achieve sustained business growth, create quality jobs, and build generational wealth, the initiative advances supplier diversity while contributing to a more inclusive, resilient, and equitable economy across New York State.
Miami Dade College
Business Entrepreneurship Development Project
The Business Entrepreneurship Project is a transformative initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce to cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders. Designed for undergraduate students, the program equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience needed to launch new ventures, commercialize innovative products and services, and compete successfully in both domestic and global markets. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, mentorship, and hands-on business development training, students gain practical expertise in entrepreneurship, innovation, business planning, market validation, technology commercialization, and venture creation. The program fosters an entrepreneurial mindset while preparing students to identify market opportunities, solve complex challenges, and develop scalable business solutions that drive economic growth. Serving as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and innovation, the Business Entrepreneurship Project strengthens the entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting students with industry leaders, business mentors, investors, and community partners. By promoting innovation, business creation, and economic development at the undergraduate level, the initiative helps build a diverse pipeline of entrepreneurial talent, supports job creation, and contributes to enhancing the long-term global competitiveness of the United States economy.
TruFund Financial Services
The Industrial Business Leadership Program
The Industrial Business Leadership Program (IBLP) is a strategic small business development initiative designed to strengthen the resilience, competitiveness, and long-term success of businesses located in the Hunts Point industrial corridor and the South Bronx. Funded by TruFund Financial Services, the program empowers entrepreneurs and business owners with the leadership skills, strategic planning, and operational expertise needed to navigate change, accelerate growth, and build sustainable enterprises. Developed to address the unique opportunities and challenges facing industrial and small businesses in one of New York City’s most important economic districts, the program delivers executive-level training, business advising, and technical assistance in areas including leadership development, financial management, operational efficiency, workforce development, strategic planning, succession planning, and business growth. Participants receive practical tools and personalized guidance to improve organizational performance, strengthen decision-making, and position their businesses for long-term success. By supporting the continued growth of locally owned businesses, fostering stronger leadership, and enhancing the competitiveness of the Hunts Point business community, the Industrial Business Leadership Program contributes to job creation, economic resilience, and sustainable economic development throughout the South Bronx. The initiative helps ensure that local businesses remain vital contributors to one of New York City’s most significant industrial and commercial hubs while creating lasting opportunities for entrepreneurs, workers, and the surrounding community.
Urban League of Broward County
Entrepreneurship Center Ubiz Co -Lab
The UBIZ Co-Lab Small Business Growth Initiative was launched by the Urban League of Broward County in partnership with SunTrust and Mastercard to accelerate the growth and long-term success of minority-owned businesses in economically challenged communities throughout Broward County. The initiative was created to strengthen local entrepreneurship by providing high-potential small businesses with the strategic resources, expert guidance, and business development support needed to increase revenue, expand operations, and achieve sustainable growth. Through a comprehensive business acceleration model, participating entrepreneurs received premium business development services, including executive coaching, strategic planning, financial management, marketing, operational improvement, access to capital readiness, and leadership development. The program equipped business owners with practical tools and customized strategies to improve organizational performance, strengthen competitiveness, and position their companies for expansion into new markets. Beyond supporting individual businesses, the UBIZ Co-Lab was designed to foster inclusive economic development by helping minority-owned enterprises build capacity, create jobs, and generate lasting economic impact within underserved communities. By empowering entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and strengthen their financial resilience, the initiative contributed to a more vibrant local economy while advancing equitable access to opportunity, business ownership, and long-term community prosperity across Broward County.
Florida Atlantic University and SBDC Entrepreneurship/
Small Business Success Initiative
The Small Business Success Initiative is a comprehensive entrepreneurial development program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners start, grow, and succeed. Serving communities throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties, the initiative provides practical business education, technical assistance, and personalized coaching that empower participants to transform business ideas into sustainable enterprises and accelerate the growth of established companies. Built around four specialized business development tracks, each serving a dedicated cohort of participants, the program delivers targeted support tailored to the unique needs of entrepreneurs at different stages of the business lifecycle. Participants receive hands-on training in business planning, financial management, marketing, operations, leadership, access to capital, digital technology, and strategic growth, complemented by one-on-one advising and mentorship from experienced business professionals. The initiative is designed to strengthen the regional small business ecosystem by increasing entrepreneurial capacity, supporting business expansion, and creating pathways to long-term economic success. By helping entrepreneurs launch new ventures, strengthen existing businesses, generate revenue, and create jobs, the Small Business Success Initiative contributes to inclusive economic growth and enhances the economic vitality of Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
