Morehouse Innovation Ignites Growth for Minority-Owned Small Businesses
Client Story: Morehouse Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Morehouse Innovation Ignites Growth for Minority-Owned Small Businesses
For the fourth year, Bridge Innovate is proud to have partnered with Morehouse Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center's Small Business Executive Certificate Program.
Beginning in January 2020, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) was awarded a $2.8M grant to accelerate growth in minority-owned small businesses. For four years now, ACE has partnered with Morehouse Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC) to ignite economic growth by accessing capital, contracts, and one-on-one coaching with each CEO. These leaders then give back by coaching, mentoring, and/or offering internships to Morehouse scholars. In June 2023, MIEC’s Small Business Executive Certificate Program celebrated the completion of Cohort IV, with business leaders from industries including construction, business management, facility services, technology security, and transportation.
Cohort IV participants share their stories of growth at the celebration event.
Cohort IV focused on growing business relationships with the aviation industry, specifically Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Delta Air Lines. Bridge Innovate® came alongside the twelve participants by hosting the Exercise Strategic Agility Session, as well as working one-on-one with each CEO as they develop their strategy canvas.
Over the course of the four-month program, Cohort IV businesses collectively gained:
25 contracts/customers secured
42 new employees
$1.1M Capital
$14M Revenue
The Morehouse College Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC) is a global model for collaboration between higher education and industry that connects education with student leadership development, along with community-focused resources and support. The Center is grounded in the Morehouse legacy and committed to building a program that supports bridging the growing gap between the wealth of non-minorities and that of people of color. MIEC's programs and services have one goal: to help black businesses grow and thrive.
Jenny Whitener and Glenda Hicks attend the Small Business Executive Certificate Program Celebration event.
We are thankful for our partnership with MIEC and the opportunity to be a part of this important initiative.
MIEC’s work continues with the upcoming Ascend National Cohort Program. MIEC is currently looking for entrepreneurs of color and women owned businesses with $2M to $9M in annual revenue who are interested in learning how to scale their business and do business with IBM in the industries software, hybrid cloud services, IT managed service, and staff augmentation. More information or applicants can apply at https://ascendcities.com/ascend-national-cohort-registration.
How can a strategy canvas ignite your own growth? Contact us today to learn how Bridge Innovate can develop your strategic agility and prepare you for growth.