Emerging Entrepreneurs Mentoring Program Seeks Applications from Minorities and Women

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Minority and women entrepreneurs from the Buffalo-Niagara region are encouraged to apply for the Minority and Women Emerging Entrepreneurs Mentoring Program, sponsored by the Office of Urban Initiatives, Inc., the University at Buffalo School of Management Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and the UB Center for Urban Studies.

To be eligible, an applicant must own a business that either is in the early stages of development (2 to 10 years old) or has survived more than 10 years, but still has not reached a more advanced stage. Applications are due by Dec. 22.

Ten applicants will be selected to participate in the program. Each selected entrepreneur will be matched with a successful business owner or executive who will assist the entrepreneur in formulating realistic business goals and strategies. Mentors will provide entrepreneurs with technical advice on various aspects of running a small business, such as marketing, merchandising, pricing, inventory control, accounting, long-range financial planning and basic legal advice. The culminating activity for the entrepreneur will be a new or revised business plan.

According to program organizers, the mission of this program is "to construct a pathway that enables minority and women entrepreneurs to move their companies to the next stage of development."

Applicants will be notified of their selection to the program by Dec. 31.

The program will begin with an orientation meeting on Jan. 21, 2004, followed by a business development session, "How to Develop a Business Plan" on Jan. 28. Entrepreneurs and their mentors will be expected to meet at least four times between Feb. 1 and Aug. 31. A second business development session will be held in November 2004, and then entrepreneurs and their mentors are expected to meet one final time by Dec. 31, 2004. An awards dinner will be held Dec. 8, 2004.

To obtain an application for the program or to request more information, call the UB Center for Urban Studies at 829-2714 or send an email to mgt-cel@buffalo.edu.