By Vanessa Sanchez, Program Manager
On Wednesday December 4, the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio Business Development & Entrepreneurship Department (BD&E) graduated the 15th cohort of its African American Business Development Program.
Launched in 2008, the African American Business Development Program (AABDP) is modeled after the nationally recognized Kauffman Foundation’s FastTrac® Program. This three-month, highly selective program is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of African American entrepreneurs, equipping participants with the tools necessary to build sustainable businesses that foster job creation within the community. Since its inception, over 100 African American business owners have graduated from the AABDP, contributing to the significant economic development and growth of minority-owned businesses in the region.
AABDP Class XV includes 12 dynamic business owners who have completed three months of intensive training with various instructors, U.S. Bank subject matter experts, peer-to-peer collaborators, and received one-on-one coaching from BD&E business advisors.
This year’s participants include:
- April Jordan, Owner, It’s ALL Good Hair April’s Mane Focus
- Catherine L. Jones, CEO, Catherine’s Good Eats
- Charlene Davis Zanders, President, C. Renee HR Consulting, LLC
- Cynthia Douglas, Owner Director, Today’s Babies Tomorrow’s Future
- Lisa D. White, CEO, Harvest Staffing LLC
- Marissa Dumas, CEO, Pretty Pick Up
- Markus Cook, Owner, Creative Director, Moncharlé
- Michael Horton, Owner & Operator, Horton Enterprise LLC
- Paula Willis, Co-Owner, Now and Zen DIY Studio
- Ronald D. Akbar, Owner, D-Line Courier Service
- Ronald Williams, Owner & President, The Williams Frances Theatre LLC
- Valencia L. Everhart, Owner, A Tad of Hair Studio
“The African American Business Development Program continues to transform the entrepreneurial landscape in our region by equipping African American business owners with the tools, confidence, and networks they need to succeed,” said Charolette D. Harris, Vice President of the Business Development & Entrepreneurship Center at ULGSO. “As we celebrate the 15th cohort, we also celebrate the thriving businesses, jobs, and economic empowerment that these entrepreneurs bring to our community.”
The U.S. Bank Foundation is a generous supporter of AADBP, awarding the program a $300,000 grant in July. The foundation’s support underscores its dedication to supporting economic development, community investment and powering human potential.
“Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses will help drive economic growth and build thriving communities. We’re proud to work with organizations like the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio that are creating access and opportunities for more people to make their business dreams a reality,” said Alicia Townsend, community affairs manager at U.S. Bank.
This year’s keynote address was delivered by Stephanie DeVane, Vice President of the Entrepreneurship & Business Development Division at the National Urban League. DeVane is an advocate for empowering underserved entrepreneurs nationwide. Her leadership spans oversight of 13 National Urban League Entrepreneurship Centers, providing critical business development and capacity-building support. As a visionary mentor, DeVane’s insights will inspire the graduating class to continue striving for excellence on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Applications for the next cohort of AABDP opened on December 4. Interested applicants can visit https://www.ulgso.org/entrepreneurs or contact Vanessa Sanchez, Program Manager, at 513-559-2218 or via email at VSanchez@ULGSO.org for more information.
Feature Image: From the top (Left to right): Cynthia Douglas, owner/director, Today’s Babies, Tomorrow’s Future; Paula Willis, Co-owner, Now and Zen DIY Studio; April Jordan, Owner, It’s All Good Hair/April’s Main Focus; and Charlene Davis Zanders, President, C. Renee HR Consulting LLC.
Middle (Left to right): Ronald Williams, Owner and President, The Williams Frances Theatre LLC; Ronald D. Akbar, Owner, D-Line Courier Service; Marcus Cook, Owner/Creative Director, Moncharl’e; and Michael Horton, Owner and Operator, Horton Enterprise LLC.
Front (Left to right): Lisa D. White, CEO, Harvest Staffing LLC; Marissa Dumas, CEO, Pretty Pickup;. and Catherine Jones, CEO, Catherine’s Good Eats.
Not in Picture: Valencia L. Everhart, Owner, A Tad of Hair Studio.