Capital Readiness Program
The Capital Readiness Program will help socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs and small business owners grow their business, access funding, and build their community of resources.
What We Do
The Capital Readiness Program, powered by the Minority Business Development Agency, is designed to help you get access to capital and take your business to the next level. Through guided workshops, networking, and signature evnets, you’ll find the knowledge, support, and success that you’ve been dreaming of.
Our Services:
Business Accelerators
Join an accelerator of entrepreneurs seeking funding to grow your business. By the end of the 8 weeks, you’ll have a strong business plan, and the tools needed to write a winning proposal to access funding. Next Courses: Q1 2025
Access to Networks
We make the process easier for small businesses to get grants, loans, and opportunities to expand. You’ll have access to our corporate business leader experts in our technical assistance programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Any business owner who can be identified as SEDI - a socio-economically disadvantaged individual. The Capital Readiness Program is open to all SEDI small business owners.
A Socially, Economically Disadvantaged Entrepreneur is defined as a person who has
(1) Membership in a group that has been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias within American society;
(2) Gender
(3) Veteran status;
(4) Limited English proficiency
(5) Disability
(6) Long-term residence in an environment isolated from the mainstream of American society;
(7) Membership in a federally or state-recognized Indian Tribe;
(8) Long-term residence in a rural community;
(9) Residence in a U.S. Territory;
(10) Residence in a community undergoing economic transitions (including communities impacted by the shift towards a net-zero economy or deindustrialization); or
(11) Membership in an underserved community.
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The accelerator and coaching sessions are all held virtually. Business owners from all 50 states and D.C. are eligible to participate.
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Yes, while we encourage business owners to attend the live sessions to engage with the coach and other business owners, the sessions will be recorded and sent out to any individual who registered for the program.
OUR IMPACT BY NUMBERS
CRP Year 1 Results
$49M+
distributed in grants, loans, and venture capital
300+
businesses scaled or formed.
700+
AAPI entrepreneurs empowered through the program.
450+
participants enrolled in 3 Virtual Accelerators
30+
In-Person Events hosted nationwide.
SUCCESS STORIES
Stories of Resilience and Growth
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Treetip Intarakhao, Owner of Thai Pastry
Treetip turned pandemic hardships into success by securing crucial grants with the help of a CRP Business Coach. Now, her restaurant thrives as a symbol of resilience and community support.
Major Milestones Since Launch
PROGRAM MILESTONES
Your Entrepreneurial Journey Awaits
Access the tools, resources, and community support you need to succeed. The Capital Readiness Program is here to help you thrive.