The Academy is a 10-week, hands-on entrepreneurship training experience designed to equip aspiring and current business owners with the tools, mentorship, and community support needed to build and grow sustainable businesses.

Created with financially under-resourced entrepreneurs in mind—including educators, first responders, and service workers—the Academy combines practical instruction with real-world application to build both knowledge and confidence.

Participants engage in weekly 2.5-hour sessions focused on step-by-step business development, create a clear and actionable business plan, learn from experienced instructors and guest speakers, and receive personalized mentorship throughout the program. The experience culminates in a pitch competition and graduation, where entrepreneurs showcase their ideas, compete for a $5,000 prize, and connect with community leaders and supporters.

While the Academy delivers more than $1,000 in value, it is offered at a significantly reduced cost through sponsorship, ensuring accessibility without compromising excellence.

Academy Class Topics

• Entrepreneurial Mindset & Vision
• Lean Canvas & Idea Validation & Market Research
• Business Models & Revenue Streams
• Branding, Messaging & Customer Clarity
• Business Structure, Licensing & Compliance
• Financial Basics: Pricing, Budgeting & Cash Flow
• Marketing, Sales & Customer Acquisition
• Operations, Systems & Growth Planning
• Pitch Development & Storytelling
• Final Pitch Presentations & Graduation

         Next cohort: April 11, 2026.