The Racial Equity Economic Incubation Grant Program, a collaborative effort between MVCC’s thINCubator, HMJ Consulting, and the NAACP Utica-Oneida Chapter, aims to empower underrepresented solo-preneurs and business owners, particularly Black women entrepreneurs, by addressing their unique challenges and unlocking their economic potential.

This grant, delivered by the New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN), aims to foster inclusive growth and economic inclusion in underserved communities.

Our initiative aims to support and promote black entrepreneurs in Utica through data collection, networking opportunities, and resources. The goal over the next year is to conduct in-depth market research by surveying local business owners. This will identify barriers they face, their needs, and where they are in the process of launching, legitimizing or growing their businesses.

The survey results will then be leveraged to design targeted programs and apply for additional funding to meet the specific needs of this demographic. Examples could include incubator services, access to contracting opportunities, or a shared back-office model.

Simultaneously, the project seeks to build community and visibility for existing black businesses. Entrepreneurs who complete the surveys will have their stories highlighted through video profiles and placement in a digital business directory. This will help connect them to resources like the Small Business Development Center, Chambers of Commerce, Banks & Credit Unions, and other business partners while also introducing them to local decision-makers, potential clients, and each other. The hope is this network persists annually to strengthen black entrepreneurship in Utica over the long term.

Will you help us? Start by filling out our interest form and we’ll be in touch with next steps, opportunities and ways you can get plugged in.

MVCC’s thINCubator is the Mohawk Valley’s hub for Entrepreneurship. We provide new and existing entrepreneurs the guidance and programs they need to turn their ideas into businesses. It’s the home of the Refinery accelerator program, the Small Business Development Center, and a network of mentors and experts to help you succeed.

HMJ_logo

HMJ Consulting is a leading consulting firm specializing in racial equity, economic development, and community engagement. With a track record of impactful initiatives, HMJ Consulting is committed to driving positive change in underserved communities.

NAACP Utica Chapter

The NAACP Utica-Oneida Chapter is dedicated to advancing racial justice, economic equity, and civil rights in the community. As a partner in this initiative, the chapter underscores its commitment to creating opportunities and breaking down barriers for underrepresented entrepreneurs.

NGIN Logo

The New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN) is a national initiative that supports projects, pilots, and ideas that foster inclusive growth and economic inclusion. NGIN provides customized support, technical assistance, and funding to city teams striving to create equitable outcomes in their local economies. Through expertise, resources, and funding, NGIN empowers cities to drive impactful change.

Collaborative Initiative Wins National Grant: thINCubator Partners with HMJ Consulting and NAACP Utica-Oneida Chapter to Drive Economic Equity in Utica, NY

Utica NY, 09/11/23] – The city of Utica, NY is celebrating a landmark achievement as one of only four cities in the nation selected to receive a prestigious grant funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This grant, delivered by the New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN), aims to foster inclusive growth and economic inclusion in underserved communities. This initiative, led by MVCC’s thINCubator in partnership with HMJ Consulting and the NAACP Utica-Oneida Chapter, has been chosen as a beacon of innovation and dedication to creating equitable economic outcomes.

The Racial Equity Economic Incubation Grant Program, a collaborative effort between MVCC’s thINCubator, HMJ Consulting, and the NAACP Utica-Oneida Chapter, aims to empower underrepresented solo-preneurs and business owners, particularly Black women entrepreneurs, by addressing their unique challenges and unlocking their economic potential.

Over the next year, this project aims to provide targeted support and increased visibility for black entrepreneurs in Utica. Through conducting in-depth market research, we will identify the specific barriers these business owners face and understand where they are in the process of legitimizing and growing their ventures.

By surveying local underrepresented business owners, we will gather data on their needs, challenges, and opportunities. This data will then be used to inform and design resources tailored to meet the needs of this demographic. Whether through incubator services, assistance accessing contracting opportunities, or a shared back-office model, the goal is to address the barriers identified in the research.

Utica’s success in securing this grant is a testament to the community’s dedication to creating a vibrant, inclusive local economy. The NGIN grant offers customized support, technical assistance, and funding for projects that foster economic inclusion. Over the next 12 months, Utica’s project will benefit from NGIN’s in-depth team expertise and support, in-person site visits, and a $30,000 budget for expert topic analysis and consultations tailored to meet the city’s precise needs.

“This designation is a testament to the commitment of our community to address racial inequities and drive economic empowerment,” said Ryan Miller, Director  of MVCC’s thINCubator. “We are honored to join forces with HMJ Consulting and the NAACP Utica-Oneida Chapter to seize this opportunity and create lasting change.”

Hilda Jordan, Founder of HMJ Consulting, emphasized that this partnership will enable Utica to build the capacity required to deliver equitable outcomes in the local economy. “Our collaboration is a recognition of the potential that exists within Utica’s diverse business communities. Together, we will leverage NGIN’s support to create lasting change and empower entrepreneurs.”

The NAACP Utica-Oneida Chapter’s involvement is a testament to their dedication to advancing economic equity and racial justice. This collaboration underscores the importance of community-led efforts in driving meaningful change.

For media inquiries and more information, please contact:

Ryan Miller

Director, MVCC’s thINCubator

ryan@thincubator.co

315.880.0511

About MVCC’s thINCubator:

MVCC’s thINCubator is the Mohawk Valley’s hub for Entrepreneurship. We provide new and existing entrepreneurs the guidance and programs they need to turn their ideas into businesses. It’s the home of the Refinery accelerator program, the Small Business Development Center, and a network of mentors and experts to help you succeed. Our 8,500 sq. ft. facility is home to the region’s best co-working space, with membership plans to fit the solo-preneur, freelancer, or small teams in our shared workspace.

About HMJ Consulting:

HMJ Consulting is a leading consulting firm specializing in racial equity, economic development, and community engagement. With a track record of impactful initiatives, HMJ Consulting is committed to driving positive change in underserved communities.

About NGIN:

The New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN) is a national initiative that supports projects, pilots, and ideas that foster inclusive growth and economic inclusion. NGIN provides customized support, technical assistance, and funding to city teams striving to create equitable outcomes in their local economies. Through expertise, resources, and funding, NGIN empowers cities to drive impactful change.

About NAACP Utica-Oneida Chapter:

The NAACP Utica-Oneida Chapter is dedicated to advancing racial justice, economic equity, and civil rights in the community. As a partner in this initiative, the chapter underscores its commitment to creating opportunities and breaking down barriers for underrepresented entrepreneurs.