Title
Receive a presentation on the Chatham County Funding Partnership with Webb Squared and determine next steps
Abstract
Introduction & Background: In 2022, Chatham County conducted the "Minority Entrepreneur and Small Business Needs Assessment," revealing significant support gaps for minority entrepreneurs despite the county's growth potential. The report highlighted entrenched disparities in income, wealth gaps, opportunity gaps, lack of trust among historically marginalized entrepreneurs and the broader business community, and an urgent need for an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Discussion & Analysis: WEBB Squared's initiatives focus on integrating intentional racial-economic equity systems to develop and enhance an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Chatham County. The approach aims to create an environment that supports BIPOC entrepreneurs and addresses existing disparities.
The FY27 project goals include:
* Design and publish the WEBB Squared Entrepreneur Coaching Manual, documenting our culturally responsive coaching framework.
* Launch a Train-the-Trainer initiative that equips ecosystem partners, business leaders, and volunteer mentors to support entrepreneurs using the Innovation Lab framework.
* Expand the Innovation Lab's coaching capacity and reach, enabling WEBB Squared to support more entrepreneurs through trained mentors and aligned partners.
* Continue providing direct coaching while connecting entrepreneurs to technical assistance through the Innovation Lab's network of ecosystem partners as they navigate business formation, growth, and procurement opportunities.
* Strengthen ecosystem collaboration by sharing insights, training tools, and evaluation findings with Innovation Lab partners.
WEBB Squared received $35,000 in the FY27 non-profit competitive grant process. This request is for a direct allocation apart from the competitive process to provide contracted program staff, executive leadership coaching, workspace rent at 79...
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