Longstanding 4th Avenue Business District organization plans to implement youth entrepreneurial initiative citywide
Birmingham, AL (Oct. 16, 2024) — Urban Impact, Inc. in partnership with Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and efforts powered by Prosper, is excited to announce the launch of the B.I.G CAP (Building and Investing in Generational Capital) Youth Entrepreneurship Program.
The afterschool initiative aims to empower passionate and creative students from Birmingham City Schools by providing them with essential entrepreneurial skills and resources. The B.I.G CAP Youth Entrepreneurship Program launched its first cohorts at Carver High School on Sept. 11 and Woodlawn High School on Oct. 2. The program spans over eight weeks (about 2 months) and is offered as an afterschool program directly (on campus) at participating schools.
B.I.G CAP is designed to equip 12 students per cohort with practical knowledge in areas crucial to starting and sustaining a business. These include, but are not limited to, developing business concepts, understanding essential business terminology, and mastering budget techniques. Participation in the program is free of charge for both students and schools thanks to funding awarded through a Request for Proposals (RFP) from local nonprofit Prosper. This partnership ensures accessibility to all interested students and schools.
“We believe in the potential of our youth to drive positive change in our community. Communities often are the best solvers of their own problems,” stated Courtney Craig, Program Manager at Urban Impact, Inc. “Through the B.I.G CAP program, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of Birmingham’s entrepreneurs, by equipping them with tools they need to turn their ideas into reality. This initiative not only supports their entrepreneurial aspirations, but fosters creativity, critical thinking, and leadership skills essential for their future success.”
The B.I.G CAP program brings entrepreneurship into the classroom, offering youth a comprehensive suite of resources and learning experiences. Using a curriculum from NFTE, students engage in interactive workshops that develop essential business skills and foster critical thinking. At least 85% of participants are expected to achieve key milestones, leaving with fully developed business concepts, knowledge of essential terminology, and opportunities to form business entities in Alabama.
Additionally, B.I.G CAP provides valuable internships, mentors who are local business leaders, and real-world experiences. Experienced professionals lead each session to ensure these young entrepreneurs are set up for success in the Southeast and beyond. Notably, at least two local youths will have the opportunity to compete in NFTE’s national pitch competition for funding and other prizes.
Urban Impact, Inc. has a formidable reputation for helping to lead, build, and grow Black-owned businesses. Now, with a strategic partnership with Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and efforts powered by Prosper, they are taking decades of impact within the Black business community to empower the next generation of business owners. Urban Impact believes there is a pressing need for students to have access to practical entrepreneurial education that prepares them for the future. By partnering with them, schools can enrich their offerings and help empower the next generation of innovators and leaders by fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive in their entrepreneurial journeys.
For more information on B.I.G CAP, contact the Program Manager Courtney Craig, via email at [email protected].
About Urban Impact
Urban Impact, Inc. is a 501c (3) non-profit that exists to create economic opportunity and impact for Black people, places, and businesses in Birmingham and is the community economic development agency that serves Birmingham’s historic 4th Avenue Business and Civil Rights Districts. Since 1980, Urban Impact, Inc. has committed to removing barriers for Black entrepreneurs and underserved communities. Through educational programming, financial services, and district revitalization, Urban Impact operates as an empowerment hub for minority entrepreneurs and small business owners. For more information, visit https://www.urbanimpactbirmingham.org.
About NFTE
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school, and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit nfte.com to learn more.
About Prosper
Prosper is a nonprofit founded in 2021 with a vision to build the most inclusive and thriving economy in the Southeast by aligning Birmingham and Jefferson County around inclusive Job Creation, Job Preparation, and Job Access goals and strategies.
Press Release Source/Contact:
Joe’l Bethany Brock
Urban Impact, Inc.
Public Relations/Storyteller
Email: [email protected]
