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2026 Young Entrepreneurs of Color Tickets Here:
View the Full Digital Event Book
Click below to view the 2025 full program, honoree bios, and sponsor highlights
About Podcast
Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
- Empower716 Young Entrepreneurs of Color is a six-month initiative designed to empower, spotlight, and support 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) ages 25 and from the Buffalo/Niagara Region.
- The program equips participants with critical business skills, mentorship, and resources to help them grow their businesses.
- Culminates in an awards gala to recognize outstanding young entrepreneurs and celebrate their achievements.
About the Initiative
The Young Entrepreneurs of Color Initiative is led by RL Experience, LLC in collaboration with True Community Development Corporation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This partnership is committed to empowering youth of color across Western New York through recognition, training, and community-building.
Support the Mission
To make a tax-deductible contribution, please make checks payable to:
True Community Development Corporation
Attn: Young Entrepreneurs of Color Initiative
275 Kehr Street, Buffalo, NY 14211
Or scroll down to see sponsorship levels and the option to donate online.
Your support helps sustain and expand this impactful work for the next generation of leaders and business owners.
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Our Mission
To foster entrepreneurship among underrepresented youth of color by providing the tools, resources, and network necessary to thrive in today’s economy.
Our Vision
To create a more inclusive and equitable business landscape by building a pipeline of young, diverse entrepreneurs who will drive innovation and community impact.
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The Young Entrepreneurs
of Color Initiative at a Glance
Proven Impact since 2023
Proven Impact since 2023
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40+ Youth and Young Adults entrepreneurs recognized
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$25,000.00 + awarded in stipends, pitch prizes, and business investments
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Over 80% of honorees saw measurable business growth after the program.
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900+ community members engaged through programs and events
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Sponsorship Opportunities
Silver Sponsor
$5,000
Benefits:
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5 tickets to the ceremony celebration.
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Half-page ad (8.5" x 5.5") in the Digital Event Book.
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Logo recognition on event signage and website.
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Verbal acknowledgment during ceremony program.
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Supports youth mentorship and leadership development workshops
Bronze Sponsor
$2,500
Benefits:
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4 tickets to the ceremony celebration.
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Quarter-page ad (4.25" x 5.5") in the Digital Event Book.
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Logo displayed on sponsor board and in printed materials.
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Supports youth stipends and vendor business experiences.
Community Sponsor
$1,000
Benefits:
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2 tickets to the ceremony celebration.
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Business-card-size ad (3.5" x 2") in the Digital Event Book.
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Recognition on the Empower716 website and in social media highlights.
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Supports entrepreneurship coaching sessions and pitch contest activities.
Friends of Empower716
$500
Benefits:
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1 ticket to the ceremony celebration.
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Name recognition listed in the Digital Event Book.
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Supports youth recognition materials, awards, and development toolkits.
Supporter of Empower716
$1 to $499
Benefits:
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Name recognition in the “Supporters of Empower716” section of the Digital Event Book.
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Supports ongoing Empower716 workshops and youth engagement experiences.