section-d694847
Program Description
The Empower716 Young Entrepreneurs of Color Program is dedicated to supporting and celebrating young entrepreneurs of color in Western New York. This initiative aims to empower youth from underserved communities by providing mentorship, business development resources, and opportunities for growth and recognition.
The program is divided into two cohorts:
Honoree Cohort: Recognizes young entrepreneurs, ages 25 and under, who have made a meaningful impact in their communities through their business ventures. Honorees must be nominated by a community member, teacher, or mentor who can attest to their accomplishments. Selected honorees will receive stipends, personalized mentorship, and professional branding opportunities. Self-nominations and previous winners are not eligible.
Program Participant Cohort: Open to young people in grades 8-12 who are interested in building entrepreneurial skills and advancing their business ideas. Participants may apply directly and must commit to attending at least 80% of the sessions to receive a certificate of completion. This cohort focuses on foundational business training and networking.
Both cohorts include participation in program sessions, culminating in an awards event in April. Applications and nominations are due by January 3, 2026.
- Description and Eligibility:
- “The Honoree Cohort is for young entrepreneurs, ages 25 and under, residing in Western New York, who are must identify as a youth or young adult from a historically marginalized racial or ethnic community (e.g., Black or African diaspora, Latino/a/x or Hispanic, Asian, Indigenous/Native American, Middle Eastern/North African, or other underrepresented communities) and have made a meaningful impact in their communities through their business ventures.”
- Eligibility Requirements: Honorees must be nominated by someone else (e.g., community members, teachers, mentors); self-nominations and previous winners are not accepted. Honorees must attend all program sessions and the awards event.
- Nomination Process:
Nominate an Honoree- Nominations are due by January 3, 2026.
2026 Pitch Contest Date:- Wednesday, April 15, 2026 6pm-9pm
- Awards Ceremony:Saturday,April 25,2026 11am-2pm
- Description and Eligibility:
- “The Program Participant Cohort is open to young people in grades 8-12 who are interested in developing their entrepreneurial skills. Participants must reside in Western New York, must identify as a youth or young adult from a historically marginalized racial or ethnic community (e.g., Black or African diaspora, Latino/a/x or Hispanic, Asian, Indigenous/Native American, Middle Eastern/North African, or other underrepresented communities), and commit to attending at least 80% of the sessions.”
- Eligibility Requirements:Participants may apply directly without a nominator and must attend at least 80% of the sessions to complete the program.
- Application Process:
Apply for Program Participant- Applications are due by January 3, 2026.
- Session Dates and Times:
2026 Pitch Contest:
>Wednesday, April 15, 2026 6pm-9pm - Awards Ceremony:Saturday, April 25, 2026 11am-2pm