Catalyst

A 10-week, hybrid accelerator launched to support Black women and femme founders actualize their entrepreneurial and business goals.

Why Black women and business?
Recent growth in the rate of business ownership by Black women has been faster than any other group in the nation.
From 2002-11, the number of businesses owned by Black women increased 179% compared with 52% for all women-owned businesses and 20% for all businesses. However, many Black women who own businesses have difficulty accessing credit and face capital constraints.
What can we do?

Expand

research on Black women business owners and founders

Create

more access to diverse funding sources

Develop

Develop local, culturally relevant business education and training programs that center and are led by Black women and femmes

Our commitment

To provide intentional space for Black women founders to actualize their entrepreneurial vision and gain economic liberation.
To provide information, support and learnings specific to/focused on Black women looking to start, grow and maintain their business.

Grant opportunities

Outside of our own programming and investment strategies, we are committed to connecting Black women and femme founders with the resources needed to scale and sustain their emerging businesses. Check out this list of external grant opportunities: 

Omaha 100’s Small Business Lending Program

 

Frequently Asked Questions

This is program is exclusive to Black women, femme and girl startup founders in the greater Omaha metro area.

Eligible applicants are required to complete an application online.

Applications will be available in February 2023. After our review process, we will select 5-7 business owners for the next cohort.

There is no cost for participation.

Selected business owners will participate in a hybrid learning model. 

In addition to tailored support to scale your business, all participants will receive a grant after the successful completion of the course to invest in their business.