Venture Jobs Foundation, a local nonprofit organization and Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship and job creation, has announced the launch of its new Capital Access For Entrepreneurs (CAFE) Program, designed to help small businesses accelerate their growth and success and access capital.
In a recent survey (April 2023) from Goldman Sachs, nearly 80% of small business owners are concerned about their ability to access capital, leaving entrepreneurs feeling less confident in their ability to access affordable capital to grow and scale their businesses.
Venture Jobs Foundation’s mission is committed to supporting local small business owners and entrepreneurs. Over the past six years, Venture Jobs Foundation has supported Rochester business owners and is excited to increase access to lending opportunities to the business community.
Denny DeLeo, President of Venture Jobs Foundation, shares, “As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we can support local businesses with not only programs and resources but also with increased access to funding via business lending and microloans.”
The new CAFE Program offers a unique blend of networking, education, and resources, all focused on helping entrepreneurs enhance their skills in managing their business finances. Participants in the program will have the opportunity to connect with other business owners, learn from expert speakers and trainers, and receive guidance through a hands-on learning experience to support their growth and prepare them to apply for business loans.
“The CAFE Program is part of our ongoing commitment to support small business owners in Rochester,” said Kenneth Marienau, Director of Community Services for Venture Jobs Foundation. “We know that access to funding and advisors can be a game-changer for small businesses, and we’re proud to offer a program that provides both.”
Thanks to the generous support its sponsor, the CAFE Program is free to all participants. Capital Access For Entrepreneurs is open to all Rochester small business owners. Participants can expect an in-depth and hands-on learning experience that covers understanding the basics of financial statements, preparing and presenting the information necessary to attract lenders or funders, and leveraging advisors and peer support to increase the success of their business.
By participating in the CAFE program, business owners will also have the opportunity to collaborate and connect with other entrepreneurs, building valuable relationships that can lead to new partnerships and opportunities.
“By supporting small businesses in Rochester, we’re not just supporting the business owner – we’re also supporting the incomes of their employees, the spending that circulates through the community, and the creation of new jobs and opportunities,” said Marienau. “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and they provide essential goods and services to community members. By helping these businesses succeed, we’re creating a ripple effect of prosperity that benefits everyone in the community.”
The Capital Access For Entrepreneurs program will launch on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, and run through Wednesday, August 16, 2023. Interested business owners and entrepreneurs can learn more and apply at https://vjfbusinessnetwork.org/cafe-program/.
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