Model 4: SBDC | Urban Business Growth Initiative Program

Model 4: SBDC | Urban Business Growth Initiative Program

Regionerate has supported several program offerings of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Small Business Development Center, including its Urban Business Growth Initiative (UBG). UBG programs bring together resources within the community to support urban business growth and accelerate and enable the development of companies from early to late stages. Through the SBDC-hosted program, entrepreneurs can access any of the components they need to start or grow their business: 1. Outreach and Awareness 2. Credit-Building Tools 3. Training and technical assistance 4. Ongoing counseling and technical assistance 5. Financing

A key role for partner provider organizations is reaching out to the community to make these resources visible and accessible. Resource navigators act as a central clearinghouse for the program. Business owners may enter the pipeline through partner organizations; all partner organizations use a common approach to assessing needs and making referrals.

Clearly, culturally embracing navigators were needed at the community level to introduce entrepreneurs to the existing programs and resource providers. It helped if the partner organizations had broad awareness of the current ecosystem to support all companies, especially BIPOC businesses.

Learn More at: www.sbtdc.umkc.edu