Free Program Empowers Entrepreneurs In This Michigan City

Starting, owning, and maintaining your own business is one of the most difficult yet rewarding and sought after things in the American economy. The ability to be able to work for yourself, possibly not have to pay employees and make your own schedule are some of the highlights but just like anything else in the world, there are cons to this as well.

Many people in Michigan own their own businesses and can tell you that there are several different challenges that will arise over time. Some of those challenges are financial, others are physical, some are seasonal, and many others but there is always help if you're willing to reach out and ask or accept the help.

One of the main barriers is a lack of knowledge, support, and determination which you need a lot of all three of those things you're your business is going to be successful. Kalamazoo is a Southwest Michigan city that has seen lots of successful and failed businesses and will see many more on both sides.

That's why the Black Entrepreneur Training Academy (BETA) was established to help new businesses owners get where they need to be and establish a support cohort for one another. This group was put together by Black Wall Street Kalamazoo and Sisters in Business over the last couple years and is already seeing great results.

In November, BETA graduated their 4th cohort and are excited to continue offering more help. The BETA program is free 5-month cohort-based program that teaches students Entreprenurial skills from experts and pitch competitions. The program does have 6 modules that must be completed in addition to this, students also learn financial planning, marketing and establishing an LLC. They have free access to professional bookkeepers and business coaches.

The process doesn't stop at graduation as the BETA leaders will check in with the graduates over time to see if they need assistance and how they are doing. This year's cohort graduation raises the total to 49 graduates.