Brooklyn Entrepreneur Academy
The Brooklyn Entrepreneur Academy is designed to promote economic equity and assists BIPOC women entrepreneurs gather the tools and financing they need to launch a successful business in Brooklyn
Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC)-owned businesses face many hurdles such as the lack of access to business education resources, financing, and business networks, which have been exacerbated by COVID-19 and the economic shutdown throughout the pandemic.
The Brooklyn Entrepreneur Academy (BEA) is a free program designed to promote economic equity for BIPOC women in Brooklyn. As part of this commitment, the BEA will partner with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce (BCC), the Brooklyn Alliance (Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s Community Development Financial Institution), and TD Bank Foundation to assist BIPOC women entrepreneurs to gather the tools and financing they need to launch a successful business in Brooklyn.
BEA will provide experienced facilitators, business experts, and a network of supportive peers. Participants will take part in a rigorous business curriculum. Post-coursework, the BEA will offer business consulting, mentorship, technical assistance, and advanced training to BEA graduates.
For more information contact Dina Rabiner drabiner@brooklynchamber.com
Brooklyn Entrepreneur Academy participants will:
- Complete an intensive Business Basics education which includes coursework in operations, finance, marketing, and basic legal knowledge
- Receive one-on-one business consulting from an experienced, first-in-class Business Coach
- Complete a Business Plan Participate in a Pitch competition in front of a panel of business leaders and experts
- Gain the knowledge and skills they need to launch a profitable business
- Join a cohort network with fellow entrepreneurs in the program
Applicant Selection Criteria
- Live in Brooklyn
- Have a specific idea for a new business or have recently launched a business (1 year or less)
- Complete the program application and interview screening process to be accepted to BEA
- Previous work experience (2-5 years)
- Have conducted initial market research for business and identified target customers
- Business must be located in Brooklyn
**APPLICATIONS HAVE CLOSED FOR THE CURRENT COHORT**
TIMELINE
Application Deadline: April 7, 2023
Decisions sent: week of April 17, 2023
Program begins: May 2, 2023
SCHEDULE
All classes will be held from 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Classes begin: May 2, 2023
Class schedule:
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
June 6, 13, 20, 27
July 5 (note this is a Wednesday), 11, 18
Pitch Competition: Aug 1
FAQs
Have questions? Email: Dina Rabiner drabiner@brooklynchamber.com.
COURSEWORK
Business Basics coursework will focus on:
- Identifying target markets and developing competitive advantage
- Determining the key components of a strong business plan by learning how to set realistic financial goals and manage business operations
- Identifying steps to profitability by building a branding and marketing strategy
- Identifying potential sources of funding and developing a business pitch
- Testing business products/services to assess their financial viability