This Female Entrepreneur Can Expand Her Consulting Business Thanks to the Kiva & LISC Partnership

2.14.2019 — LISC StoriesEconomic Development

Dr. Nicole Johnson, Founder/CEO of TetraCore Consulting, grew up in South Central LA during the 80's. This era was tough for Nicole as gang violence and drugs were prevalent in her neighborhood. Nicole’s parents shielded her from the gang violence by sending her to private school and keeping her engaged in ballet school. Her dad was a strict US Air Force Sgt. and people in the neighborhood knew not to mess with Mr. Simmons or his girls. Things like this set her apart when she grew up. Her family focused on education and entrepreneurship. They were in "by the time the street lights came on" even if that meant 7:30 pm with the sun still high in the sky. They were often laughed at as they were called in when the lights flickered.

Watching the neighborhood change from a diverse middle class area to businesses moving away after the ‘92 riots impacted Nicole’s desire to start a business. Today, Nicole is among the few from her neighborhood with a college degree and a business. She recently obtained an office and was invited to speak at the WIN SUMMIT in NYC. Her dream is to continue growing her business, TetraCore Consulting.

TetraCore Consulting provides consulting in organizational leadership training, communication and strategic planning, educational and executive skills, and management and professional development.

In 2015, LISC and KIVA partnered to advance a shared mission: expand financial opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses in the U.S. For the past 4 years, LISC has deployed micro-loans on the KIVA platform to low to moderate income business owners across the country. The LA LISC office is now working with several partners across the county to provide flexible capital that creates, grows and retains small businesses.

With this 0% interest loan, TetraCore was able to purchase training materials and boost marketing and advertising.