Black women may be the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S., but our connection to capital continues to hold us back.
While a number of factors play a role in this reality, veteran marketing professional Linda Spradley Dunn is working to eliminate at least one of them with a new video series.
Starting next week, the CEO of Odyssey Media will roll out three 40-minute digital workshops that focus on helping women of color perfect their pitch.
“I have been talking with other Black women and Latina sisters and access to capital is a huge problem. After examining the problem, talking to my audience and people who claim they want to loan to us, I decided to do something about it. I asked lenders, and angel investors ‘What is the issue?’ What I found out is there’s not enough training on how to pitch, and how to pull stuff together for the bank. Nobody trains you on how to do it. So I decided to take $25K of my own company’s money and put my money where my mouth is,” Dunn told ESSENCE.
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‘Keys to Success’ digital workshops will be available through May 5, and will offer tips and tools from well-respected experts to help entrepreneurs expand their business.
In addition to sound advice, female minority business owners who register for the online workshops and virtually attend all three classes will have the opportunity to enter a pitch competition hosted by Odyssey Media.
Anybody who enters the contest will receive exposure to experts in the field of business, finance and career coaching. Three finalists will win an all-expense paid trip to Amelia Island, FL, the opportunity to present their business ideas in front of a panel of judges, onsite coaching, and the chance to win $25K for their business. Deadline for submitting a pitch is May 5.
ESSENCE readers interested in registering can use code ODYVIP17 to waive the $30 registration fee.