“When I started this business, my tagline was, ‘The genesis of all change is awareness.’ I am now more aware of how far I came and aware of my abilities and the possibilities that lay ahead. SMIF’s support through the Prosperity Initiative has been priceless. I wanted to do this business so that I could help others, support myself and still spend time with my children. I’m doing all of those things today and more. You’ve allowed me to take my passions and dreams and turn them into something really amazing. I never stopped dreaming, but now I’m able to dream in color again.”
– Prosperity Initiative graduate
The Prosperity Initiative promotes inclusive entrepreneurship and business growth for entrepreneurs who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), and underserved individuals. The program offers multiple entry points for entrepreneurs depending on the stage of their business development. The Prosperity Initiative provides regular education, coaching and business resources to minority business owners in SMIF’s region for up to one year.
The Prosperity Initiative is supported, in part, by State of Minnesota through a grant from the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Partners serving on the advisory committee include Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA), Region Nine Development Commission, Merchants Bank – Winona, Minnesota Council of Churches – Tapestry Project and Otto Media Group.
To learn more about becoming a Prosperity Initiative client contact Kara Sorensen, Business Program Specialist, at phone: 507-214-7025 or email: karas@smifoundation.org.
