Black Business Strategies is a business education, consulting and technical assistance program geared to help level the playing field for Black-owned businesses disproportionally affected by limited access to capital and systemic obstacles that can stifle their growth and sustainability.
The next BBS cohort begins Fall 2024.
About the Black Business Strategies Program
Black Business Strategies (BBS) provides one-on-one consulting, opportunities to access capital, and training on topics ranging from cash-flow analysis and understanding business financials to sales for the non-salesperson and social media strategies .
By completing the program, business owners will acquire practical business management skills, learn methodologies to help enhance cash flow and guide other core business functions, access opportunities for loans and grants, and develop business strategies to help navigate an uncertain economic climate.
Additionally, participants will receive customizable, one-on-one consulting on critical business issues from seasoned professionals with more than 30 cumulative years of business experience – all at no cost.
BBS Program Benefits
1. No Cost; Big Impact
Consulting and business training valued at tens or thousands of dollars, provided to your business at no cost.
2. Jumpstart Your Marketing Strategy
A framework for developing a marketing plan, including approaches to social media marketing and advertising that meet your unique needs and position you to achieve your business goals.
3. Introductions to Lending Industry Executives
Introductions to bank and lending industry executives for insight into small business lending criteria.
4. Ongoing Confidential Consulting After Successful Program Completion
Access to ongoing, cost-free and confidential consulting is available to cohort alumni as long as they wish to continue to receive assistance.
5. Tools and Resources
Business productivity tools and other resources from BBS partners.
6. Social Media Assistance
Customized social media analysis and market research, based on your business needs.
7. Practical Instruction to Help Facilitate Business Growth
Practical and applicable instruction about issues critical to your business.
The BBS Approach
High-Caliber Business Training
Instructions provided by seasoned professionals.
Customized Consulting
One-on-one consulting on critical business issues from experts with over 30 cumulative years of business experience.
Insight About Growth Opportunities
Insight from private and public sector executives about business growth opportunities.
BBS Program Criteria
• At least 1.5 years in business
• At least two employees, including business owner
• Greater than $125K in annual revenue
• Business is a stable venture able to remain in business for at least two (2) years after workshop
• Business is located in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, or Ventura county
• Applicant is able to commit at least 2 hours per week to BBS webinars and/or technical assistance sessions
The next BBS cohort will launch in the Fall of 2024. You may submit an application below to be considered for the upcoming cohort.
BBS Program Vision
BBS was started as a collaboration between the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center, Long Beach community-leader Darick Simpson, and California State University Long Beach College of Business. Intended to help address the disparities in access to pandemic-relief funding experienced by Black business owners during the COVID-19 outbreak, the program’s stakeholders recognized its potential as an instrument to help address longstanding, systemic inequities that hinder the success of Black-owned businesses.
To help mitigate those inequities, the BBS program seeks to provide Black-owned companies with the resources, tools, education, and access to capital they need to gain equal opportunities for success. In so doing, it helps small business owners develop the strategic focus and practical skills required to manage each facet of their business in a manner that results in the excellent products and high-caliber services needed to satisfy market needs.
Black Business Strategies is an initiative of the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center Network at Long Beach City College.
