Entrepreneurship
Center

Building Towards a Life of Stability and Growth Through Entrepreneurship

The Entrepreneurship Center (EC) was created for the sole purpose of empowering, mentoring, and supporting our cohort of entrepreneurs, particularly entrepreneurs of color, in gaining the wisdom, knowledge, and skills to become self-sufficient and triumphant business owners by providing the foundation necessary to create successful enterprises.

By providing the resources to under-resourced entrepreneurs, we can provide the pathway towards increasing the economic health of communities in need of revitalization and redevelopment.

Promising Community Members a Life of Stability and Growth Through Entrepreneurship

“

As an entrepreneur, you never stop learning.

Daymond John

Core Programs

Small Business Development University (SBU)

One of the most vital programs that we offer is the Small Business Development University (SBU). Through a curriculum created and approved by some of the brightest business minds in the Houston community, subject-matter experts, and community partners, SBU will inspire our cohort of entrepreneurs to fulfill their goals of becoming successful business owners. This will provide economic security for themselves and their loved ones and uplift the communities in which these businesses will serve. The SBU program offers all of the skills necessary to launch a successful enterprise, such as management skills, finding and securing capital, building social and professional networks, and foundations of business management.

Learn more about or register for SBU

SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program

The Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP) focuses on reaching and supporting underserved small businesses, including micro and rural businesses, with emphasis on those owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals to help them recover from the effects of COVID-19.

Recovery services include financial assistance, access to capital, contracting and procurement assistance, marketing, operations, business development, export, and industry-specific training. The Program will operate on a national scale using NUL as the Hub administering and supporting the program, partnered with Urban League (UL) affiliates in 25 cities serving as Spokes delivering counseling, training, and technical assistance to small businesses in each city.

Pepsi Co. Black Restaurant Accelerator Program (BRAP)

Pepsi has announced that The National Urban League is launching the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program, which is expected to boost approximately 500 Black-owned businesses over the next five years. The PepsiCo Foundation is providing a $10 million grant to fund the program. The money will provide current and aspiring Black restaurateurs with access to the necessary capital, training, mentorship, and other services that are needed to run a successful business.

“This is a game-changing program that will provide Black restaurateurs with access to business-building resources tailored to meet their specific needs,” said Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, in a written statement.

Through National Urban League Entrepreneurship Centers in 12 different cities spread across the United States, the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program will help Black entrepreneurs gain access to loans and capital that are not typically available due to biased community perceptions and gentrification challenges.

To read the full article, click here.

One on One Consulting

The One on One program is dedicated to providing counsel and individualized mentoring to business owners that need direction, inspiration, and resources to become better entrepreneurs. Our business mentors will deliver targeted, concise information to entrepreneurs. This strategic manner in which our business mentors give guidance ensures that entrepreneurs will only be provided with the counsel that is specific to their needs and the needs of their businesses. Our mentors are subject-matter experts with decades of entrepreneurial success. They are also individuals who will provide our enrollees with confidence, determination, and integrity to propel them on the path towards long-term success.

Advisors

The Entrepreneurship Center provides entrepreneurs with business advisors who have decades of experience. They provide prospective business owners with targeted, specific knowledge and skills that can redirect business owners facing difficulties, obstacles, and specific concerns regarding their respective establishments.

Our Advisors

Eric Goodie

Area Vice President and Entrepreneurship Center Director

Phillip Yates

Entrepreneurship Center Program Consultant

Branden Morris

Entrepreneurship Center Business Consultant

Upcoming Events

The EC provides year-round events dedicated to our cohort of business owners. Our events provide inspiration, guidance, skills, and other resources to empower the 21st-century entrepreneur. To learn more, inquire, or attend any EC event, please visit our program calendar.

No events to display.

Partner with the EC

Entrepreneurs need all of the expertise and guidance to face the challenges they come across every day. Your experience can make all the difference. Become a HAUL/EC partner today.

Become A Partner Today