Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Launches Entrepreneur Academy for Women of Color

Applications for the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s BIPOC Brooklyn Entrepreneur Academy are now open.

The academy is aimed at promoting equity for entrepreneurs of color across the borough, the inaugural cohort will focus on women of color. 

“Our BIPOC academy accelerator will help Brooklyn’s Black business owners get back on their feet and share in both the City and Brooklyn’s comeback,” said Randy Peers, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.  “Economic opportunity is critical to breaking down systemic racism.”   

Businesses owned by women of color face unique hurdles such as a lack of access to capital, business education resources, and mentorship programs. Structural inequities exacerbated by COVID-19, and the economic shutdown throughout the pandemic, have made it harder for minority-led businesses to reopen, according to the Chamber of Commerce. 

The Brooklyn Entrepreneur Academy will provide mentorship in the form of experienced business experts and a network of supportive peers. Participants will take part in a rigorous business curriculum. 

Post-coursework, the BEA will offer business consulting, mentorship, technical assistance, and advanced training to BEA graduates.

Qualifying business owners can apply here.