Contact: Nelson Soler
(414) 383 4633,
soler@multiculturalinstitute.com
This program will assist low income entrepreneurs and emerging enterprises in Milwaukee County
The Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute, Incorporated (MEI) has been selected by the Social Development Commission (SDC) to conduct a Small Business Entrepreneurial Program for 25 low income entrepreneurs and emerging enterprises in Milwaukee County. The initiative is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and it is the largest award provided by SDC under the Act for a total of $437,500.
The training programs created under this project aim at strengthening the success of low income entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs in Milwaukee County. The program utilizes a culturally sensitive curriculum developed by MEI to train urban entrepreneurs in the Greater Milwaukee Area and will be offered in Spanish as well. The MEI programs are very comprehensive and contain unique components including business entrepreneurial education, business mentoring and financial coaching, strategic networking events as well as the opportunity to compete for startup, or business, enhancement grants.
The program designed by the MEI has two tracks: a track for existing entrepreneurs and a track for established enterprises. The training program is a six months, comprehensive program that provides participants with business, financial awareness and computer training. Some of the unique features of the program include business coaching, structured networking events and a grant component. Those participants who successfully complete the program, and all its requirements, will compete for business formation or business enhancement grants.
“It’s a great opportunity for someone in our community to have access to a valuable education and resources while having the opportunity underwrite the cost of starting or enhancing an enterprise” states Nelson Soler, Chief Instructor and Program Manager.
Grants can be up to $8000.00 per participant, however the process is competitive and the grant funds are limited to a total of $96,000.
Acceptance to the program will be based on a written application, an interview and testing to ensure that each participant is provided with adequate support. Income verification is also required. Deadline to apply is January 15, 2010. Interested participants are encouraged to apply for the program by calling (414) 383-4633 or faxing a request to (414) 383- 7533.
About MEI
The Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute was founded in 2006 by Nelson Soler with the mission of assisting entrepreneurs to reach their business dream through education, consulting and technical assistance. MEI’s vision is to foster economic wealth creation practices among all individuals wishing to realize their entrepreneurial dreams. MEI, Inc. is a certified Minority-Owned Business Enterprise-State (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)-National Minority Council, Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE).
About Social Development Commission
As the Community Action Agency for Milwaukee County since 1964, the CR-SDC is a recipient of Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding. Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program funds are contracted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities and empower low-income individuals and families to become self-sufficient. The CSBG program provides Community Action Agencies with funds to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities.
About American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
The CR-SDC has received a grant award from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) designated for use with CSBG ARRA projects in Milwaukee County. Projects that are funded in part by CSBG ARRA designated monies are required to use funds in a manner that meets the short-term and long-term economic and employment needs of low income individuals and families, and communities; and make meaningful and measurable progress toward the reform goals of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act with special attention to creating and sustaining economic growth and employment
