Multicultural Catalyst Program: Accelerating BIPOC business growth in WNC
In October 2020, Mountain BizWorks launched the Multicultural Catalyst Program. The program creatively redesigns equitable access to capital in an effort to disrupt traditional lending practices that often prevent entrepreneurs of color from starting businesses. A key component of the program is the Catalyst Cohort, an inclusive entrepreneurship program to provide ongoing business and leadership skills development for entrepreneurs of color. Now in its third year, 32 BIPOC business owners have participated in the program.