Louisville — Twenty-one minority business owners have been selected to participate in the fourth cohort of Greater Louisville Inc.'s Power to Prosper Minority Business Accelerator, funded by Papa John's and Beam Suntory. This eight-month program began yesterday and continues through November, teaching participants how to grow their business, foster connections, and grow revenue and operations.
Greater Louisville Inc. is a metro chamber of commerce representing 15 counties in Kentucky and Indiana. GLI's mission is to grow business and the local economy.
“We are proud that this is Power to Prosper's largest group to date. Our goal is to create opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to grow their businesses in our region.” Greater Louisville said Sarah Dabasher Wisdom, president and chief executive officer of the company. “Thanks to the support of GLI investors, we have supported more than 30 ethnic minority businesses. Women-owned businesses are growing, and this year we will help 21 more increase their revenue and impact.” I’m looking forward to doing it.”
The participants selected for the fourth group are:
- Marla Boad, Owner, Diesel Engine Repair LLC
- Sharita Brown, Owner, I AM Construction Cleaning LLC
- Michael Busch, owner of Goal Line Trucks
- Elijah Carradine, Next Level Supportive Services Owner
- Marie Etienne, Owner, West Indies Family Cleaning LLC
- Mel Fisher, owner of Froggy's Popcorn
- Tonesha Hahn, Children's Safe Haven Owner
- Terrence Humphrey, Owner, Terrence F. Humphrey Photography LLC
- Paula Kaeser, Owner, CostCredible Consulting LLC
- Sandra King, Owner, Rebirth & Renewal Family Resource Center LLC
- Lashonna Mansfield, Owner, The Learning Tree Child Development Center LLC
- Desmond Martin, Owner, Martin Elite Realty Company
- Quintina McDowell, owner of Sea Moss by J. Cortez
- Jessica Piasta, Owner, MAPS Security LLC
- Timothy Pruitt, Owner, God Particle IT Group LLC
- Tyeshia Halsell-Richards, THR Pediatrics and Wellness Center Owner
- Abaz Tahilovic, owner of A-Baznian Express
- Lakisha Thomas, Owner, Thomas Tax Pros.
- Nikki Washington, Owner of Royal Beauty Wellness Elite LLC and DLNI Hair &Fitness LLC
- Richard Wilson, Owner, Cardinal Technology PLLC
- Dawn Urrutia, Georgia Sweet Potato Pie Company Owner
Launched in 2021, the Power to Prosper Accelerator is a comprehensive program designed to provide entrepreneurs with the critical skills and knowledge they need to grow their businesses. This program is worth $15,000 per participant and is provided free of charge thanks to the generous support of Papa John's and Beam His Suntory.
The program's content comes from a partnership with Interise, a national consulting firm, leveraging its nationally recognized Street-Wise MBA™ model. Participants will learn important business skills such as growth strategy, strategic planning, financial literacy, marketing and sales, human resources, securing financing, and understanding government and large corporate contracts.
The program is led by Dana Johnson, GLI's senior director of diversity, equity and inclusion, and Dr. Eric Jordan, GLI's senior manager of diversity and inclusion and program manager for the Power to Prosper Accelerator. His CEO of F5 Enterprises, Miguel Hampton, will return as an instructor and participant mentor.
“Power to Prosper” is part of GLI's ongoing efforts to move the needle on inclusive economic development to bring wealth to underrepresented communities. One year after the graduation of each group, the participants will be surveyed about their business achievements and progress. Here are the results for his first two cohorts:
- A total of 65 jobs were created and retained.
- 79% are following the growth plan established by the program.
- Businesses have an average revenue growth rate of 58%.
- 30% took out loans to help grow their businesses.
- 96% are employed from the local community.
“The success of the first two cohorts confirms this program’s focus on economic equity. Investing in minority-owned businesses is not only good for the individual business, it is good for the community as a whole. That's great. “This program is creating jobs and helping small businesses become a major economic driver,” Johnson said.
Click here to learn more about the Power to Prosper Majority Business Accelerator.