Inaugural Cohort of BIPOC-led Small Business Owners Graduate Digital Accelerator Program
3.14.2022
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LISC StoriesEconomic Development
The Keep our Shops on the Block Digital Accelerator Program concluded with a virtual graduation ceremony on December 10, 2021. The 6-week intensive hosted 23 BIPOC-led small businesses in the food and beverage, personal care, and retail industries, training them to leverage digital technology towards business growth. At no cost to the participants, each business had access to one-on-one mentorship, group workouts and modules, networking events with industry leaders like Shopify, Facebook and Google, and customized digital growth strategy plans.
This program highlighted the need for digital literacy in each small business’ pandemic recovery and continued path to success. Through the generosity of Wells Fargo, and with the help of consultant IXL Center, LISC LA empowered these business owners to take their businesses to the next level through strategic growth plans in the digital space.
The proof is in the numbers. Ninety-five percent (95%) of the cohort predict the program will positively impact their revenue in the new year, with more than half already seeing positive impacts since the start of the program. Half of the cohort also reported an expanded customer base. Lastly, 55 new jobs have been created in total, demonstrating increased capacity across the cohort.
Behind the numbers are the testimonies. Dora Herrera, President of Yuca’s Pasadena, remarks, “This program invigorated me and rekindled my passion for the work I do!” Lara Curtis, owner of Mingles Tea Bar also looks back at the program with gratitude. “This was such an amazing experience – I am personally thankful for the opportunity and for the belief in Mingles Tea Bar.”
We at LISC LA are proud to have driven this initiative forward, fueled by our commitment to uplifting small businesses in our community. We look towards continuing supporting our local small businesses through our economic development initiatives in 2022 and beyond.
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