“When I started this business, my tagline was, ‘The genesis of all change is awareness.’ I am now more aware of how far I came and aware of my abilities and the possibilities that lay ahead. SMIF’s support through the Prosperity Initiative has been priceless. I wanted to do this business so that I could help others, support myself and still spend time with my children. I’m doing all of those things today and more. You’ve allowed me to take my passions and dreams and turn them into something really amazing. I never stopped dreaming, but now I’m able to dream in color again.”
– Prosperity Initiative graduate
The Prosperity Initiative promotes inclusive entrepreneurship and business growth for entrepreneurs who identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color (BIPOC). The program provides regular education, coaching and business resources to BIPOC business owners in SMIF’s 20-county region.
According to the US Census Bureau, 29% of Minnesota’s population will be people of color by 2040, an increase from only 4% in 1980. The Prosperity Initiative was designed to respond to this rapid growth and help remove barriers to success for entrepreneurs.
Join the 2021 Prosperity Initiative Cohort!
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However, we encourage people to apply in time to join the 2021 cohort meetings starting in July 2021.
Guidelines | Application (English)
Directrices | Aplicación (en español)
Si necesite ayuda con estos adjuntos en español, contacta a Annie Nichols 651.338.1816 o annie.nichols@cedausa.com.
The Prosperity Initiative is a partnership between SMIF, Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA), Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce, Hourglass Consulting, Region Nine Development Commission and Rochester Diversity Council. This program is made possible by generous funding from Dan and Angie Bastian and Target Foundation.
To learn more about becoming a Prosperity Initiative client contact Pam Bishop at 507-214-7013 or pamb@smifoundation.org.
