Rochester Reporter

Mayor Malik D. Evans met today with 50 city entrepreneurs representing various industries—the first cohort of the City’s Prepare to Prosper Entrepreneurship Training Program. An initiative of the Mayor’s Office of Financial Empowerment, the program aims to narrow the racial wealth gap in Rochester by utilizing an innovative business education model focused on fostering sustainable and profitable growth for start-up, existing, and expanding small businesses.

“Entrepreneurship is a true driver of economic growth and mobility in our city,” Mayor Evans told the group. “This program is providing opportunities for Black and Brown residents to hone their business acumen and create generational wealth, which ultimately enriches the health and wealth of our city. I look forward to seeing the positive impact and contributions that each of you will have on our city.”

The 12-month pilot program, which began in February, emphasizes networking and relationship building with other businesses, financial institutions, tax professionals, and attorneys to help meet business goals. Participants receive guidance tailored to their specific business needs and learning styles. They get assistance with business plans, LLC filing and publishing, website development, bookkeeping, profit and loss statements, marketing strategies, projections, and more.

During the event, entrepreneurs participated in a fireside chat to share how the program has impacted their businesses. Representatives from local banks and other business service providers also attended.

“No one has ever supported my small business in this way,” said Jadé Reed, one of the participants and owner of Le Meilleur’s School of Beauty Inc. “I had tried to do my own website, and with the help of the Prepare to Prosper program, I now have a professional website and email list.”

The Prepare to Prosper training program pilot is funded by a grant from Living Cities—a collaborative of philanthropic foundations and financial institutions that promote equitable and inclusive wealth building through homeownership and entrepreneurship.