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Capital Readiness Program (East Coast Hub)

ACE FOUNDATION

Foundation Grants for Minority-Owned BusinessesSmall Business GrantsWorkforce Development Grants

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Capital Readiness Program - East Coast Hub

Funder: Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) with National ACE and The Outpost

Status: Launched May 31, 2024 (East Coast Hub officially opened)

Geographic Scope: East Coast, United States; initially launched in Alexandria, Virginia area

Focus Areas: Supporting socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs, minority business enterprises (MBEs)

Program Overview:
Comprehensive 8-week virtual accelerator program and capital readiness initiative designed to enhance regional economic development and help minority business enterprises access funding and contracts.

Key Program Components:

    Accelerator Program (8 weeks):

  • Business model refinement workshops
  • Expansion strategy sessions
  • Funding access improvement training
  • Mentoring and networking opportunities

    Additional Support:

  • Personalized business coaching in multiple languages
  • Connections with corporate leaders
  • Technical assistance programs
  • Facilitation of grant opportunities
  • Loan access support
  • Expansion opportunity identification and connections

Eligibility:

  • Socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs

  • Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs)

  • Small business owners seeking to expand capabilities

  • Entrepreneurs needing capital access support

    • Focus:

  • Business model refinement

  • Expansion strategies

  • Improving access to funding

  • Contract acquisition

  • Building business capabilities

    • Partners:

  • National ACE: Mission to connect MBEs with funding, networks, and tools to grow businesses

  • The Outpost: Strategic partner providing resources, technical expertise, and government contract support

  • MBDA (Minority Business Development Agency): Federal agency providing grant funding and oversight

    • Contact Information:

  • Email: efuder@nationalace.org

  • National ACE: www.nationalace.org

  • The Outpost: Strategic partner working on East Coast Hub operations

  • MBDA: Federal resource for minority business development

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    Program Overview:
    The Capital Readiness Program is an 8-week comprehensive virtual accelerator and coaching program. Specific application deadlines not provided in available documentation.

    Program Components:

    Accelerator Program (8 weeks):

    1. Workshops - Business model refinement, expansion strategy, funding access 2. Mentoring - Expert guidance and support 3. Networking - Connections with peers and industry leaders

    Business Coaching:

    1. Personalized, one-on-one business coaching 2. Available in multiple languages 3. Customized to individual business needs

    Resource Connections:

    1. Introduction to corporate leaders 2. Technical assistance program connections 3. Grant opportunity identification 4. Loan program access 5. Expansion opportunity identification

    How to Participate:

  • Contact East Coast Hub directly for enrollment information

  • Complete intake assessment

  • Enroll in 8-week virtual accelerator

  • Participate in coaching and networking sessions

  • Access connected resources and funding opportunities

    • Program Focus Areas:

  • Business model refinement and optimization

  • Expansion strategy development

  • Capital and funding access improvement

  • Government contract opportunities

  • Technical assistance needs

  • Loan and grant identification

    • Support Offered:

  • Free or subsidized accelerator program

  • Personalized business coaching

  • Resource connections (no application needed for connections)

  • Network access to corporate partners

  • MBDA and government funding pathway guidance

    • Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    minority-businessessmall-businessesworkforce-development

    Categories

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