24-02-2025
Nonprofit to expand support to local minority-owned small businesses
(WKBN) — A local nonprofit has received more funding to support the growth of local minority-owned small businesses.
The Mercy Health Foundation awarded a $200,000 Community Health Fund grant to Intentional Development Group (IDG) for their Cornerstone Collective: Minority Business Accelerator.
The program is designed to provide business coaching, technical assistance, community support and working spaces.
A 12-week program will be offered in Youngstown, while IDG will also partner with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Lorain County Community College to facilitate a four-week training program.
While there is a dedicated focus on women, minority, veteran, and DBE-certified enterprises, the Cornerstone Collective is expanding its scope to serve all small businesses.
'This initiative is more than just a business program—it's a movement to create sustainable economic growth in under-resourced communities,' Carmella M. Williams, CEO of Intentional Development Group, said in a news release. 'We are excited to work alongside Mercy Health to bring meaningful resources to small business owners in Youngstown and beyond.'
For more information on the Minority Business Accelerator, visit IDG's Facebook page.
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