Venture Noire’s $1.3M “In The Black” Entrepreneurship Accelerator Now Accepting Applications
Venture Noire, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Black and minority entrepreneurs, is now accepting applications to its new In The Black program. The program will facilitate eight-week courses dedicated to advancing the overall health of Black-owned businesses in key fields like consumer technology, healthcare and fintech. In the Black cohorts will culminate with a showcase in Northwest Arkansas attended by industry leaders and investors.
The program is backed by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation.
“Venture Noire is making significant strides in advancing inclusive entrepreneurship in Northwest Arkansas,” said Yee Lin Lai, program officer with the Walton Family Foundation. “Through innovative programming, the organization will support local Black-owned businesses and draw minority talent to the region.”
Instead of focusing on securing investments, a time consuming process which often takes the entrepreneurs focus away from operations and growth, Venture Noire’s In the Black courses will educate entrepreneurs on identifying and achieving other key impact metrics such as increased revenue and payroll per employee.
“I see a lot of entrepreneurs lose confidence when they’re not able to pull in millions of dollars in VC investment like we constantly see of some startups in the news. Seeing this pains me because too many entrepreneurs believe that VC capital is the only way to be successful, or to prove that your business is successful,” said Keenan Beasley, Founder of Venture Noire. “It’s my goal to teach aspiring entrepreneurs that there are other, often more attainable ways to scale a business and I hope that by doing so we will create healthier and longer lasting Black-owned businesses. I am extremely grateful to the Walton Family Foundation for continuing their belief in Venture Noire and the change we’re looking to create.”
In addition to the launch of In The Black, Venture Noire is also launching educational networking events and a podcast through its Cafe Noire program to create a community and a space for exploration for aspiring entrepreneurs.
To apply for a spot in the cohort, click here.
