Minority entrepreneurs at Howard University (HU) will be getting some entrepreneurship training and support from this new program.
The prominent HBCU is teaming up with the Inclusive Innovation Incubator (In3DC) and financial services tech provider Fiserv to launch the Inclusive Innovation Labs, a program dedicated to helping entrepreneurs of color launch and scale their businesses plans. The program will also be supported by the National Black Chamber of Commerce.
The inaugural cohort will welcome 15 HU-affiliated ventures to a virtual program that includes a full day of pitch preparation, one-on-one coaching sessions and entrepreneurship workshops. In3DC will lead and provide the tailored training throughout the program.
“We have been committed to serving the underrepresented and underserved communities,” said In3DC Founder and CEO Aaron Saunders in a statement. “In3DC was established to provide this type of programming with educational partners such as Howard University and companies like Fiserv. ”
Sponsored by a grant from Fiserv, participation with this initiative is part of its Back2Business program, in which the company pledged to invest in more communities that are home to small, minority-owned businesses. Associates from Fiserv will lead some workshops focused on financial technology, cybersecurity, payments and more.
The Inclusive Innovation Labs will conclude with a pitch competition for participants to present their ventures to an expert panel of judges and vie for some cash prizes. First place will take home $25,000, second place will be awarded $10,000 and the third place winner will get $5,000. The program is looking to attract minority-led entrepreneurs working in the financial technology sector or those with patentable products.
