Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Turning Dreams Into Ventures
Our Aspiring Entrepreneurs program helps new and early-stage founders turn their ideas into real, workable businesses. With step-by-step guidance, expert mentorship, and practical tools, CBEE supports you from your first concept to your first customer—so you can start strong, stay confident, and build with purpose.
Eligibility
- Ages 18+
- Must have a business idea or early-stage concept
- Open to all industries and experience levels
- Commitment to attend workshops and coaching sessions
On-Boarding Programs
Foundational Learning & Exploration
Dream to Venture Lab
A pre-incubation program helping aspiring entrepreneurs explore ideas, identify passions, and assess market fit through culturally grounded workshops and peer support.
Side Hustle to Startup Bootcamp
A weekend intensive for individuals with informal or part-time ventures, guiding them through business registration, pricing, branding, and customer discovery.
Founders 101: Business Basics for Beginners
A 6-week course covering entrepreneurship fundamentals—legal structures, budgeting, marketing, and mindset—designed for first-time founders.
Youth Enterprise Launchpad
A program for Black youth (ages 16–29) to explore entrepreneurship through mentorship, pitch competitions, and seed funding for early-stage ideas.
Ideation, Validation & Coaching
Idea to Impact Studio
A guided journey from concept to prototype, including design thinking, customer validation, and business model development.
One-on-One Startup Coaching
Personalized coaching sessions with Black business advisors to help refine ideas, build confidence, and map next steps.
Community Pitch Nights
Safe, supportive spaces for aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas, receive feedback, and build visibility within the ecosystem.
Entrepreneur Readiness Assessment
A culturally responsive tool to help individuals assess their entrepreneurial mindset, skills, and support needs before launching.
Navigation, Access & Support
Startup Navigation Hub
A concierge-style service connecting would-be entrepreneurs to local resources, funding opportunities, and culturally relevant supports.
Black Women Founders Circle
A dedicated space for Black women exploring entrepreneurship to build confidence, community, and clarity around their business vision.
Financial Literacy for Founders
A foundational course on personal finance, credit, budgeting, and startup capital—tailored to the realities of Black aspiring entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurship & Wellness Series
Workshops and peer circles focused on mindset, resilience, and self-care for those navigating the emotional journey of starting a business.
JOIN THE PROGRAM
How to Apply
Fill out the form below, and a CBEE team member will contact you soon.
“Before joining this program i had a business idea but no clue where to start. CBEE broke everything down in simple steps and helped me shape my idea into something real. The support felt personal not rushed. I finally believe i can build the business i’ve been dreaming about.”
Alicia Grant Creative Director, Grant Innovations