Center for Entrepreneurship

The Urban League serves as the front door for current and aspiring Black business owners who are seeking to start, stabilize, or expand their business. By providing accessible entry points and vital support, the Urban League is dedicated to fostering success at every stage of business development.

The key components of starting, growing, and most importantly, managing a business involve assembling all the necessary elements that form the foundation of a sustainable enterprise. The Center for Entrepreneurship guides business owners through understanding and applying essential business concepts such as Infrastructure, Operations, Finances, and Marketing. With strategic tips and expert guidance, entrepreneurs are empowered to develop and execute plans that help them achieve their business goals.

The Center for Entrepreneurship provides a robust suite of services designed to support business owners at every step. These offerings include:

• Education: In-person workshops, virtual group learning sessions, and digital modules provide business owners with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
• Business Coaching: Entrepreneurs receive individualized coaching from LUL staff, focusing on goal setting, strategic planning, and establishing foundational infrastructure crucial for business operations.
• Financial Coaching: Business owners are supported in preparing revenue and expenses, pricing, setting up budgets, and achieving capital readiness through personalized financial guidance.
• Ecosystem Resource Connections: The Center connects entrepreneurs to accelerators, sources of capital, revenue generation opportunities, professional service providers, and networking groups, helping them to tap into a broader business ecosystem.

Step 1: Complete Your Application

Begin by fully completing the application form. Be sure to provide a current email address to ensure you receive timely communications.

Step 2: Application Review and Notification

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed. Applicants will be notified of their status via email.

Step 3: Attend the Program Overview Session

All applicants are required to attend an overview session. This session will explain the program, available resources, and business tracks. During the session, participants will be introduced to the Center for Entrepreneurship staff.

(Emerging or established business tracks, up to one year in program, individual goal setting, access to one-on-one coaching (office hours), and certificate of completion after finishing assigned courses, and completing an action plan. Overview will be held once a month.)

Step 4: Complete the Client Assistance Agreement

Applicants must complete a client assistance agreement. This agreement outlines the expectations for both CFE staff and clients. A link to the agreement will be provided during the overview session.

Step 5: Begin Your Journey

After all previous steps are completed, clients are ready to meet with their coach and begin the program. An initial onboarding meeting will be scheduled to start this process.

Taking Care of Business Tuesdays is a monthly education series by the Center for Entrepreneurship that features a presentation on various business topics followed by the opportunity to have a micro session immediately after with a coach for tips on how to apply to your business.

Topics covered:

• Business Model Canvas
• Marketing Essentials
• Business Banking
• Smart Goals

Sessions are held in person at the Louisville Urban League office.

The Ben Richmond Small Business Development Grant was named in honor of Benjamin K. Richmond, who served as President and CEO of the League from 1987 to 2015. He was a significant advocate for economic equality and educational attainment in Louisville. The endowment established in 2023 will support Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs participating in Black Business programs and training affiliated with the League.

The inaugural Ben Richmond Small Business Development Grant was awarded to Nathanial Moreland, owner of All Gold Customs, in December 2024.

Join the movement to support Black-owned businesses in Louisville!

As a result of the Path Forward collaborative, the increased focus on Black-wealth building, and the sheer number of entrepreneurs who have contacted the League looking for assistance, LUL has expanded its Jobs focus to work collaboratively with other organizations dedicated to helping Black businesses succeed in Louisville. Collectively, we are providing better, more coordinated technical assistance and access to capital for Black businesses in our city.

Key partnerships include:

• AMPED Russell Technology Business Incubator
• LHOME
• Louisville Independent Business Alliance
• MELANnaire Marketplace
• Russell: A Place of Promise
• Small Business Development Center

The Urban League Center works collaboratively with other organizations dedicated to helping Black businesses succeed in Louisville. Key partnerships include the AMPED Russell Technology Business Incubator, the Louisville Small Business Development Center,  and the Black Business Association/Buy Black Lou. Collectively, we are providing better, more coordinated technical assistance for Black businesses in our city.