Empowering Community Members to Create and Grow Successful Businesses
The Urban Poverty and Business Initiative is a collaboration among universities and non-profit organizations working together to support individuals in underserved communities who are trying to start and/or grow a venture.
We are currently running the program in San Diego during the months of September and October. Watch the videos below to see a glimpse of our Pilot Program and testimonials from participants. To support local businesses that have gone through this program, please click here.
We are currently running the program in San Diego during the months of September and October. Watch the videos below to see a glimpse of our Pilot Program and testimonials from participants. To support local businesses that have gone through this program, please click here.
Goals
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Foster the creation of new, profitable ventures by those facing economic or other disadvantages |
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Work with community members on the development of both the person as an entrepreneur and the business as a successful venture |
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Assist existing small businesses owned by those with disadvantage in becoming sustainable and growing |
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Identify and share best practices in poverty alleviation through entrepreneurship |
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Measure and track the development and performance of entrepreneurs and their ventures based on program participation |
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Celebrate entrepreneurial achievements of those facing or overcoming adversity |
Program Outline
- Community Bootcamp: Community members participate in a six-week bootcamp that introduces the essential tools, concepts, and principles needed to start and grow a business. The program is designed for individuals with limited resources who are seeking practical guidance and support.
- One-on-One Consulting: After completing the training, participants receive individualized consulting support. Faculty, graduate students, and community partners work directly with entrepreneurs to address specific business challenges and help them move forward.
- Mentoring: Participants are matched with retired business executives from SCORE San Diego who provide mentorship and guidance. These mentors bring significant professional experience and industry knowledge to support entrepreneurs at different stages of growth.
- Resource Connect: Entrepreneurs are connected to valuable community resources through forums, events, online platforms, and other communication channels. These connections help participants access information, networks, and support services that can strengthen their ventures.
- Microcredit: Local organizations and financial institutions work together to support a microcredit fund that offers low-interest, no-interest loans, and grants. These resources help entrepreneurs access the financial support they need to launch or grow their ventures.
- Research and Tracking: Program partners collaborate to document the challenges entrepreneurs face, track participant progress, and identify the strategies and program elements that are most effective in supporting long-term success.
Get Involved Become a speaker during our training event or volunteer to become a mentor. Students can also sign up to be part of our student consulting work. Our Community Boot-Camp is taught by seasoned faculty, subject matter experts, and successful entrepreneurs. Please sign up here.
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Eligibility & Cost
The program is open to community members facing challenging circumstances. We focus on helping individuals in underserved communities who are ready to start and grow a business, as well as existing entrepreneurs who need support to strengthen or sustain their venture.
The Community Bootcamp fee is $500. For applicants with financial need, scholarships of up to $400 are available. Every applicant is considered for scholarship assistance.
The Community Bootcamp fee is $500. For applicants with financial need, scholarships of up to $400 are available. Every applicant is considered for scholarship assistance.