ARG Cultivators Community

The SEE ME Program raises the visibility and opportunities for black owned business owners across the state of Arizona. The three program pillars are: 

• Business Development 
• Connectivity 
• Access to capital

The solutions of the program support the growth and vitality of each business and position them to be lendable. The inaugural cohort of 20 businesses launched June 2021 as an 18 month program.

The program provides each business with immediate access to capital, gifting each with a total of $16,500 to invest back into their business. 

The first 6-weeks of the program the cohort meets weekly for the business accelerator, which offers business fundamentals for growing and scaling a business and requires them to submit a 2-5 year financial projection with a business plan incorporating the use of the grant funds. 

The accelerator and program speakers are community leaders, bankers, investors, university professionals, and business owners specializing in business growth. 

The cohort then meets in monthly mastermind sessions for the duration of the program. The cohort act as high level advisors holding each other accountable for their goals. 

Midway through the program, there is an investment pitch and mentor day, introducing the cohort to over 15 bankers, investors, and financial professionals who provide immediate feedback, creating visibility for the business owners, as well as new connections.

We leverage technology in a few ways:

• Shared drive and forms to track the cohorts financial progress
• Zoom for a virtual meeting platform
• Learning Management Software for housing the accelerator course materials.

Black businesses are wildly underrepresented in Arizona’s ecosystem. As a whole African Americans represent 5.8% of the total population in the state, yet represent less than 1% of the employer firms in the area. 

The state doesn’t adequately track business demographics, which lends to the larger problem, what doesn’t get measured, doesn’t grow. 

Prior to the pandemic, there were limited programs and resources allocated to BIPOC. In fact, the grant awarded to ARG Cultivators Community to support the growth and vitality for black owned businesses was the first and largest of its kind to ever be awarded in the state. 

Black businesses owners are generally discriminated against during the lending process, and they tend to lack the banking relationships that white business owners have. Making it difficult for them to gain access to the funds to scale their businesses.

Research conducted through the State of Arizona suggests that most black owned businesses in the state were created out of necessity rather than opportunity. 

These problems indicate black businesses are at a disadvantage due to lack of representation, lack of resources, experience, and opportunity. 

Through the efforts of the SEE ME program, the team has created a holistic approach to address these problems. The program breaks relationships barriers, building generational networking opportunities and generational wealth. 

The program facilitates introductions that build stronger business connections and banking relationships. It also allows both parties to “see” each other, breaking the systemic barriers that exist in the business ecosystem.

The SEE ME, which stands for Social and Economic Equity for Minority Enterprises Program, touches all four dimensions of the Challenge. The two that are most prominent are “connecting small business owners and key stakeholders…” and “assisting with access to capital…” The Solution (SEE ME Program) has been successful because of the collaborative nature of the program. The team has built a network of speakers, mentors, bankers, policymakers weaving them into the program. This human centered design engages various stakeholders in the community and exposes the cohort to new opportunities, connections to a broader network, and potential partnerships. 

To date, this inaugural cohort has brought in over $1.2 million additional dollars through lending and grant funds as a direct result of the program connections. Some businesses have expanded to multiple locations, received opportunities to partner with larger entities across the state, and are collaborating with each other. The impact is both tangible and intangible. 

ARG Team continues to look for ways to meet the needs of the cohort, through continuous surveying of the businesses to ensure that we are providing them with valuable and relevant information. The SEE ME Program is not just local to the Phoenix Metropolitan area, it has a statewide footprint touching multiple cities and counties across the state. Additionally, the businesses range in complexity, from startups to franchise businesses. And each business owner's needs are met. The SEE ME Program is cultivating and creating the ecosystem needed for BIPOC and women business owners to thrive in.

The SEE ME cohort are black business owners across Arizona. They range in age from the youngest business owner in his late 20s to the oldest in her mid 60s and every age in between. 

Cohort Business Overview:

• 15 % Retail
• 5% Automotive
• 30 % Health, Wellness, Beauty
• 15% Media/Productions
• 10% Hospitality 
• 25% Professional Services/IT 

Years in Business:

• 30% Startup 
• 45% 1-5 years
• 25% 6 years

Gender & Other Distinction:

• 11 women-owned firms 
• 9 male-owned firms
• 2 veteran owned firms
• 2 franchise business owners
• 2 nonprofit organizations 

The cohort and team meet every month to review business goals and to discuss gaps or barriers that they are experiencing. During monthly cohort meetings, the team asks, what are the needs and how can we help meet those needs. Then the team invites facilitators who can assist either through training and/or provide connections into the community who have been vetted and proven to provide the services for the businesses. As indicated before, the program is highly adaptive and we try to respond quickly so that the business owners know that they are supported.

Every business owner in the cohort has a unique story that led them to where they are today. Many of the existing businesses were unable to secure PPP funding and struggled to make ends meet. The relief that the program provided fueled them and kept them going. Also, their faith in banking was broken, the program has taught them how and created a space for them to build banking relationships with bankers, which has proven to be invaluable. 

The team has also created a space where the business owners are seen and heard. They bring real problems and work together to build real solutions. SEE ME Program has built community in a once isolated position for the owners.

As of right now, the nonprofit's focus is to make an impact in Arizona. There is a lot of work to do in the state. The team is not opposed to building in other markets, if opportunities make sense. The SEE ME Program is transferable. It would require building a network and ecosystem to tap into for the businesses in the targeted markets. Something to explore.

Our mission is to bridge the economic wealth gap for minority and women-owned businesses. Our primary focus is to sustain small businesses. 

There are businesses that have gone through the program that have launched their small business, but they have a strong concept and are ready to take their business to market. 

SEE ME Program goes beyond business development. It creates a space for generational networking and connections, gaining access to capital, thus improving the overall financial health and vitality of minority owned businesses.

When it comes to banking, black Americans are at a deficit with redlining, lack of resources, and relationships. The need to bridge these gaps with banking and relationships is critical to the overall health of the state and black Arizonans. 

Most white business owners have immediate access to their bankers or even the president of the bank, through their parents or family members. We call this generational networking. Unfortunately, the same generational networks do not exist in many of the business owners that we are supporting. 

When we break down the theory of change in our program, the long term outcome is improving the overall health and vitality for minorities in business in the state. The other is becoming lendable. While some of the businesses have already got there, the successes have largely been attributed to reaching out and making the connections and building over the life of the program, So arguably, this could be a medium or long term outcome. 

Medium outcomes for the program are business growth and stability. The businesses create a plan in the first few weeks and work the plans. Showing return on their investment over time through revenue increase and growth in viable connections that leads to closed business. 

Those short term outcomes are feeling more confident as a business owner, and also a valued member of society. They quickly understand the importance of building out relationships and within weeks of the program, we begin to hear their success stories of collaboration and introductions. 

Owners see innovative ways to reposition their businesses while going through the activities: 

• Business accelerator

• Capital planning and budgeting

• Mentoring, coaching, and masterminding 

Our theory of change is that as the community invests in minority businesses and builds stronger networks for the black community, it is in return increasing the wealth and vitality of the businesses and the state as a whole.

50 businesses applied for the program in 2021 and were vetted. Even though the funding limited support 20 businesses, we were able to support a total of 36 businesses last year by inviting them to be part of the business accelerator and educational seminars. 

Our goal is to continue to invite the applicants to the accelerators which would then position them to be better prepared as a business owner. 

YTD 

• 16 businesses through the business accelerator only
• 20 businesses on going for duration of the program 
• 36 cumulative total for the year

Next Year

• 31 projected businesses through the business accelerator only
• 40 businesses ongoing support for duration of the program
• 20 launching a youth entrepreneur program
• 91 cumulative total for the two years 

5 Years

• 91 projected businesses through the business accelerator only
• 120 businesses though the full SEE ME Program 
• 100 youth entrepreneur program
• 311 cumulative total of businesses for the five years

By inviting each cohort alumni to come back each year, it gives us the opportunity to continue tracking each cohort. Additionally, having the alumni mentor the new group of business owners, and youth, pays it forward and builds more connectivity throughout the community. 

The initiative is statewide, this first cohort reaches 3 counties and 8 cities across the state of Arizona. To date the businesses have brought in an additional $1.2M in funding either through lending or grants as a direct result of being in the program.

This particular solution serves black businesses in the state of Arizona. The stakeholders are local investors, which is comprised of local representatives from national corporations, private donors through a community foundation, and local sports teams. Other stakeholders are banking professionals, and local advocacy groups. 

The key decision makers are the leadership team and the board of ARG Cultivators Community. This particular solution was developed based on the needs of the state. During COVID, black businesses in Arizona shuttered and there was a call for help. The community (stakeholders) responded with financial support. 

ARG Cultivators Community responded by stepping up to fulfill the need. ARG's organizational strategy is driven by the board, the team members, and the needs of the community that ARG supports. 

The founder and President of ARG is a small business owner herself. She serves on local boards and national committees that focus on propelling women and minority businesses forward and is also part of spaces that bring diverse communities together to understand the unique needs of business owners and the solutions that are being tried and tested in the Arizona market. 

The start of the nonprofit was a direct result of her own frustration from lack of resources and systemic issues across the state. During her presidency with NAWBO Phoenix, she began to dive deeper into the disparities that existed in the state’s see article here. During COVID, it was even more heart wrenching for her as she watched businesses close, (see her article here) so she knew that she had to create awareness and a solution. 

ARG’s team collaborates closely with organizations like the State of Black Arizona, local NAACP chapters, AAALC, Arizona Corporation Commission, and Arizona State University to understand the historical data and to gather information to deliver the best possible solution for the businesses. We stay active in the community to ensure that we always have a pulse on what is happening across the state. 

From the conceptualization phase to market, the SEE ME Program leaders wanted to design a community based program that touched everyone from  policy makers, to corporations, to small business owners, and everyone in between. 

In Arizona, the black population is less than 6%. In order to have successful and thriving black owned businesses in the state, it was necessary to tap into various sectors, community and organizational leaders, banks, etc. Also, understanding that the small business ecosystem is widely dominated by white men, inviting them to the table to discuss best practices, understand how to penetrate markets, and to break down barriers were critical to the success of the program. 

The program could not be one dimensional. Continuing to get feedback and input from the business owners themselves allows the program to support their immediate needs and also allows for more community engagement. Acceptance of the grant funds went beyond just receiving the money, it was about fostering relationships and communities which are needed to see a more equitable and functional ecosystem for BIPOC and women business owners. 

SEE ME members are encouraged to build community amongst themselves. By placing them in their “core 4” groups, during mastermind calls, they act as advisors and think tanks for each other when one is exploring new product or services ideas or need to talk through challenges that they are faced with. ARG team members are assigned to a core 4 group to guide as needed and also to understand what the businesses need, from which there we bring in different speakers or resources, especially if there is a common trend. Or we make introductions or reach out to our extended networks to make the connection. This is how we keep the solution community and place based.  

People do business with those they know and trust. Building trust starts with consistency. Showing up consistently. Following up consistently. Being who you say you are and meaning what you say. 

A member of the team has The team stays connected in our individual communities. We share the same messages and ensure that we have a united front. In many cases, we will craft letters or messages to share, to ensure that we are on the same page. 

ARG’s primary ways to engage is through email, phone calls and virtual meetings. Email is the best method for the team because we are able to track and follow up as needed.

The impact goals for the nonprofit within the next year to five years are to: 

1. Increase capacity building for minority and women owned business
2. Remove barriers that impacts generational networking and wealth 
3. Increase banking and funding opportunities for minority and women owned businesses
4. Influence policy changes in the state. 

ARG team recognizes that the large part of our impact goals are contingent on the success of the businesses. This requires the team to continue to create a safe space for open dialogue and continuous learning opportunities for ourselves and the businesses. 

Part of our growth plan is to roll out a teen and young adult program for minorities in the state within the year. This allows the SEE ME Program to open up possibilities and connections to a new generation of budding minority entrepreneurs. 

This supports impact goals 1 and 2. Introducing teens and young adults into the program means that we are shifting the way they think about generating wealth, building connections, and launching businesses based on opportunities vs. necessities.  

Continuing to innovate with the first iteration of the SEE ME program by asking for feedback from the cohort and keeping them engaged so that we create a continuous learning environment. 

Our continued participation in various organizations like AAALC or NAACP will help to influence and shape policies in the state that impacts business ownership. 

The SEE ME team consists of 4 individuals. 

A business development strategist, who brings over 20 years of experience in leading and managing high performing organizations. She has been in business for the last 6 years and has built a successful change management consulting firm working with both larger corporations and small businesses across the nation. 

A business banking specialist, who brings 4 years of banking experience and networking connections into the banking world and the small business community. She specializes in bringing the small business community together as well as helping to reduce barriers to lending. Having been a small business owner herself, she understands the challenges that small businesses face. 

A Certified public accountant (CPA) who brings over 20 years of accounting experience and business structure experience. Her focus has been to ensure that businesses understand how their numbers drives their success. 

A community activist with over 50 years in Arizona. He serves in areas like NAACP, AAALC, and on committees with the governor and senator of the state. He supports the program by ensuring that the needs and successes of the cohort members are addressed by the community at large. 

The Truist Foundation Inspire Awards aligns with the overall mission of ARG Cultivators Community and the goals of the SEE ME Program. The team has been living, breathing, and moving through this challenge together as we break systemic barriers in the Arizona community. 

We look at partnership from three vantage points:

1. How are we helping Truist Foundation and MIT Solve live out their mission.
2. How will the grant support the community we serve. 
3. Finally, how will the partnership benefit our nonprofit. 

Truist Foundation and MIT Solve will gain a trusted partner in the Arizona market whose mission directly correlates with  the specific challenge and dimensions set forth in the grant. The solution will expand Truist Foundation and MIT Solve’s reach into a new market, making a bigger impact while expanding across the US as outlined in the FAQs and the video. 

The community of business owners that go through the program will receive additional resources that are outside of the state. Giving them access to new connections and even thought leaders in the business ecosystem, which in return creates innovative ideas and conversations about how to scale their businesses. 

Securing the grant will position the nonprofit in two ways, going through a cohort with other nonprofits will support our own leadership growth and help move us from growth to scale. Secondly expanding our reach and introduction to other resources that we might not be able to tap into locally. The financial aspect will help us with our organizational growth strategies.

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Public relations and technology are two high price items that have long term strategies to nurture client relations. For many BIPOC businesses, it is the last item to budget and the first to cut during economic downturns. The pandemic has proven that to be true according to an article blog written through Berkeley. This confirms that BIPOC businesses had to cut back on expenses and marketing dollars, which puts them at a disadvantage compared to their white counterparts.

Introductions to various partners that would be willing to sponsor technology needs of the businesses, like CRMs or website development through in kind donations to the nonprofit would go a long way. Brand experience weekend to host a hands event that would walk the businesses through brand development and clarify messaging. 

Some members of the cohort are having to spend the bulk of their funds on these items or do it themselves. By partnering with organizations in ways mentioned above, the program would have professionals that specialize in those respective areas and the businesses could allocate their funds towards strategies that would have a quicker ROI.

Introductions to the right decision makers would help make these partnerships a reality.

The organizations that we would like to partner with increases the visibility and the reach of the businesses, as well as helps to improve their current market positioning. 

Finding a local owned Marketing company, like Inspired Vibe, to do a Co-Op with for the Program to first create each business brand identity and then tell their story would be huge. Over the span of the 12 month, the SEE ME Program can launch a social media campaign that highlights each business. 

The basic foundation of a business presence is their website. Partnering with GoDaddy's website builders to help the businesses enhance their online presence would bolster business owners. Most of them have built the websites with little to no knowledge and unfortunately, it can impact the perception of their value. 

Partnering with social media platforms: 

• Facebook
• Instagram 
• LinkedIn

Sponsorship in the forms of ad credits for the SEE ME Program participants, the businesses could promote their products and services without incurring the cost needed to promote. 

These are high price items and a barrier for many BIPOC businesses. This would alleviate a huge financial burden and the funds for the program can be spent in other areas.