City of Cincinnati Awards $430,000 Grant to Urban League's Entrepreneurship Center

CINCINNATI - Oct. 9, 2024 - PRLog -- The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio (ULGSO) received a grant of $430,000 from the City of Cincinnati's Department of Economic Inclusion to support the launch of the Women of Color: Access to Capital Bootcamp, a program designed to assist small businesses, specifically those with 100 or fewer employees and annual revenue under $5 million.

Developed through a partnership between the Urban League's Entrepreneurship Center and the City of Cincinnati's Department of Economic Inclusion, this groundbreaking initiative aims to empower historically marginalized entrepreneurs by equipping them with the essential tools, knowledge, and connections needed to secure business funding and drive economic growth. By ensuring access to crucial resources and opportunities, the Bootcamp will foster a thriving business community where all entrepreneurs can succeed.

"We appreciate the city's partnership and commitment to inclusive growth and are grateful for their investment in this work," said Christie Kuhns, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio. "This program will allow us to support and grow minority entrepreneurs by helping them improve their business acumen, expand their networks, better understand the funding landscape and receive the support necessary for business success which in turn strengthens our local economy."

"Our success as a city and region depends on a strong community of minority and women owned businesses," said Mayor Aftab Pureval. "Through this partnership, we are investing in a Cincinnati where small businesses and entrepreneurs of all backgrounds have the opportunity to grow and thrive. We're grateful for the Urban League once again stepping up to support this critical shared goal."

"I am really excited about this opportunity offering women of color access to more tools to help them succeed and build thriving businesses right here in Cincinnati. This is just one more way we as a city are working to build up and support our aspiring entrepreneurs," said Sheryl Long, Cincinnati City Manager.

The Bootcamp application opens October 11. While the program is primarily focused on businesses located within the City of Cincinnati, entrepreneurs from the greater Hamilton County area are also encouraged to apply by visiting https://www.ulgso.org/entrepreneurs or by contacting Vanessa Sanchez, Program Manager at 513-559-2218 or VSanchez@ULGSO.org.