We Rise business accelerator is powering Black Phoenix entrepreneurs one startup at a time
10 business owners are leveling up and building generational wealth as they graduate from Local First Arizona’s Black-centered business academy
(Jan. 20, 2023) — From makeup artistry to office support and kids’ parties to custom clothing, 10 graduates from Local First Arizona’s We Rise business accelerator are leveling up their enterprises and building generational wealth.
We Rise is a no-cost, six-month training program designed, produced and taught by Arizona’s Black small-business owners to impart comprehensive and practical business skills to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
With a goal of building an inclusive, sustainable Arizona economy, Local First Arizona has graduated more than 40 leaders since 2020 from We Rise and more than 800 leaders since 2013 from its Spanish-language counterpart, Fuerza Local.
The programs aim to end age-old racial wealth gaps and unfair banking and lending practices by connecting Black and Hispanic business owners to mentors, customers, the community and sources of capital.
During the six-month program, We Rise participants are required to save at least $1,000 while developing a plan to use the funds to grow their business. Upon graduation, Local First will match the amount the participants have saved dollar for dollar up to $1,000.
We Rise participants meet bi-weekly, covering topics such as business model development and planning, financial literacy, business licensing, customer service and networking. The program also opens a dialogue between mentors and participants about social injustice issues associated with being a Black business owner and how to navigate doing business while Black.
Participants must be at least 18 years old, have some experience running a business, need assistance with the fundamentals of their business, and attend classes twice a month on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. online. Scholarships to fund high-speed home internet, childcare and other needs are available.
Come celebrate this session’s newest business leaders and their continued success!
We Rise Business Accelerator Graduation
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30
Where: Arizona Heritage Center, 1300 N. College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85288
RSVP: localfirstaz.com/we-rise-rsvp
Light refreshments will be served.
We Rise January 2023 graduates
(High-res photos are available upon request. A complete guide to graduates’ businesses and websites/social media is available here.)
Jacquelyn Clark
Best Choice Notary Services: Mobile notarization services
Frances Edison
Blushed Ambition: Makeup artistry and instruction
Chelsea Johnson
Chill X Chel: Event planning and production
Debra Johnson
Sweets by Deb: Chocolate strawberries and pretzels, cupcakes and more
Miss-Ashley Kendrick
Balance Her Hustle: Self-care subscription box for professional women
Veronica Lupampa
Melmikay's: African-print online clothing store
Marylee Nickerson
Slaydown Makeup Studio: Makeup application and lessons
Dizzie Ramsey
Just ENERGY Entertainment: Entertainment production for kids and corporate events
Leslie Jean Ross
Covered By Grace: Online Christian clothing store
LaRama Sullivan
Virtuous Innovations: Document organization and administrative support
Applications open for the next We Rise session on May 1.
Visit the We Rise website to learn more about the program, hear from past graduates and apply.
About Local First Arizona
Founded in 2003, Local First Arizona is a community and economic development organization working to strengthen local economies. Local First’s areas of focus include developing entrepreneurship, rural and urban community development, racial equity, environmental action and food access. Local First is the largest local business coalition in the U.S. and advocates for independently owned businesses of all sizes by assisting local owners with technical assistance designed to help them compete and collaborate, which ultimately strengthens Arizona's economy and builds hometown pride. Visit www.localfirstaz.com for more information and a directory of more than 3,000 locally-owned businesses.
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