University of Phoenix and U.S. Black Chambers to Pilot Step Up Entrepreneurs Program
August 20 2015 - 7:20AM
Business Wire
Opportunity connects entrepreneurs in select
markets with USBC experts, resources and training
University of Phoenix® School of Business and the U.S. Black
Chambers, Inc. (USBC) today announced a new educational training
program for USBC members and African-American small business
owners. The USBC Step Up Entrepreneurs Program, powered by
University of Phoenix, includes a three-course, 15-week
credit-bearing component that includes online classroom instruction
taught by University of Phoenix School of Business faculty, and
takes students through courses including personal cash flow, market
analyses and financial performance.
Students will create their business plans following completion
of the courses to develop a business model, strategy, financial
forecasts, competition benchmarks and implementation and
performance tracking. Starting in January 2016, the program will
begin in five major cities throughout USBC’s regions across the
country and is backed by a $500,000 grant from University of
Phoenix.
“University of Phoenix is pleased to partner with USBC to
provide African-American small business owners and entrepreneurs
with an exclusive opportunity, integrating teachings from business
courses with insights from local market experts who understand the
economy in their communities,” said Byron Jones, chief financial
officer, University of Phoenix. “The U.S. Black Chambers
Entrepreneur program allows participants to experience some of the
most challenging exercises business owners undergo with the
training, support and counsel they need from seasoned professionals
with demonstrated success in owning and managing a business.”
At the start of each course, participants are encouraged to
attend an in-person micro workshop with a local USBC expert on
topics such as accounting and finance, marketing, operations and
customer service. A key component of this opportunity includes the
creation of a feasibility plan that can be submitted for either a
traditional bank or micro plan partner. Students who complete the
courses will earn nine hours of college credit, which can be
applied towards a certificate or degree program at University of
Phoenix.
“Gaining access to capital continues to be a major hurdle for
African-American small business owners, and properly navigating
that process is often the difference between success and failure,”
said Ron Busby, Sr., president, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. “We are
excited to collaborate with University of Phoenix on the U.S. Black
Chambers Step Up Entrepreneurs program to help provide needed
resources to support Black entrepreneurs, and believe it is an
excellent example of local leaders and educators working together
to improve the lives of our citizens and communities.”
“University of Phoenix is committed to discovering and
developing the next generation of African-American business
leaders, and with nearly ten percent of University of Phoenix
alumni survey respondents reporting they currently own a business,
the collaboration with USBC small business owners is a natural
fit,” said Ruth Veloria, executive dean, University of Phoenix
School of Business. “Knowledge and training drive success. That’s
why the select courses in the USBC Entrepreneur program will
provide participants relevant skills that can positively and
quickly impact their businesses.”
For more information about University of Phoenix School of
Business certificate and degree programs, visit
www.phoenix.edu/education. For more information about USBC, visit
www.usblackchambers.org.
About University of Phoenix School of Business
University of Phoenix School of Business offers associate,
bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that prepare students to be
creative problem solvers for the new economy. The School of
Business also offers non-degree programs, including certificates,
individual courses and non-credit professional development.
Doctoral programs are available through the School for
Advanced Studies. To learn more about University of Phoenix School
of Business programs, visit www.phoenix.edu/business.
About U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC)
The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) provides committed,
visionary leadership and advocacy in the realization of economic
empowerment. Through the creation of resources and initiatives, we
support African American Chambers of Commerce and business
organizations in their work of developing and growing Black
enterprises. An association of more than 100 self-sustaining viable
Black Chambers and small business associations nationwide. The USBC
serves close to 250,000 small businesses. The infrastructure of the
USBC allows for a quick mobilization of messaging and support in
all 50 states. The USBC is headquartered in DC, has five regional
directors, and 115 Black Chamber Associations. More information can
be found at www.usblackchamber.org.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working
adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly
changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses,
and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue
career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives.
As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL),
University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering
associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from
campuses and learning centers across the U.S., as well as online
throughout the world. For more information,
visit www.phoenix.edu.
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University of PhoenixHeather McLaughlin,
714-338-6429heather.mclaughlin@apollo.edu
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