The U - Where Culture + Business Collide

Where Culture + Business Collides

Hello from

the CEO

Over the last few years, we have worked to align ourselves in spaces and opportunities that removes the obstacles for black businesses to reach success. This includes partnering with Urban Launch School, the City of Columbus, Broad Street Presbyterian Church and other organizations to design programming and distribute resources that empowers black businesses.

In a sense, our goal is to create a world where systemic oppression is not an obstacle for black businesses. As The U evolves, we will continue to evolve our approach in how we bridge the gap of success for black entrepreneurs by bridging access to culturally competent resources, engagement, mentorship and education.

LoLo

Chief Executive Officer & fOUNDER

Urban Business Development Center

at the U

We develop businesses in the most culturally competent way.

Who we are

As black entrepreneurs ourselves, we recognized a gap in the support systems for our community. Resources are not necessarily scarce in the ecosystem, but we noticed a shortage of resources that truly resonated with the black entrepreneurial experience. We knew that there had to be a better way to help black businesses reach their goals, so we created The U. For Us By Us

What we do

Our organization supports black-owned businesses in two ways. Firstly, we collaborate with entrepreneur support organizations or cities to create culturally relevant and effective educational courses. Secondly, we work with established small black-owned businesses to optimize systems and develop sustainable business models through consultation and custom strategic development sessions.

What we’ve accomplished

Our team has spent the last five years creating a culturally competent curriculum that has been successfully implemented in top organizations, including GiveBackHack, Columbus Urban League, and My Brother's Keeper. The acclaimed Urban Launch School Accelerator currently houses our reputable culturally competent business curriculum.

Highlights

Bold Ideas Turned into Reality

It is essential to develop educational environments and resources tailored specifically to the black entrepreneurial experience. Studies indicate that such focused support leads to greater business success and sustainable growth for black entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurship education involves more than standard business instructions. To significantly benefit black businesses, it's crucial to address aspects of entrepreneurship that uniquely affect individuals of color. An example would be emphasizing non-traditional funding options is vital, particularly in light of the historical systemic racism evident in traditional funding sources.

This comprehensive approach to entrepreneurship education not only empowers black business owners but also fosters a more equitable and inclusive economic landscape for future generations.

1. Fragmentation in Resources

While Columbus provides many different business resources and has an active government invested in the growth of small businesses, 8 out of 10 entrepreneurs are still finding it difficult to locate the right resources that fit their needs.

problems we're solving

2. Demand for Guided and Direct Support

There is a high demand for hands on guided navigation through the business building processes and assistance leveraging tools currently available in the ecosystem. Technology can solve this problem.

3. Access to Culturally Competent Curriculum

Lastly, POC are expressing the desire for business education and mentors that are outside of the one-size-fits-all curriculum model and resonate with the barriers that are often present in their communities.

our approach

Technology

Our final goal is to build technology that centralizes the entrepreneur's business growth journey while easily giving access to tools that ESOs offer

Space

Our goal is to build a central hub to serve as the front door and navigator to urban entrepreneurs.

Connection

We are currently working to centralize and provide pathways to entrepreneurial resources for urban businesses.

Mentorship

We offer access to business development mentorship and consulting to design powerful strategic plans and systems.

Education

We design culturally competent curriculum that has proven to successfully launch and grow minority businesses.

2019 - 2023 Achievements

Playful Professional Corporate Company Values

2023 Business Advocate Award - Presented by COAACC

The Business Advocate Award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team at The U.

Top Six Startup Accelerators in Columbus

Recognized as one of the top accelerators for entrepreneurs in the Columbus area.

Community Leadership Award

Was presented with the Community Leadership Award presented from Xi Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporate

THe U over next 5 years

Programming

We aim to broaden our partnerships and implement more culturally sensitive business curriculum into Entrepreneur Support Organizations throughout the country.

Technology

Our team is currently working on software that will serve as a gateway for urban businesses to recognize their current position in their growth journey, requirements, available resources, and how to leverage them.

Communities

The ultimate objective is to revitalize urban communities and promote sustainability among minority-owned businesses.

our 10 year journey