Customized and Unique

Tailored for Your Success

We recognize that each business journey is unique. That’s why our services are designed to meet you wherever you are on your path to success. From personalized business advice to strategic funding assistance, we’ll provide you the tools and resources to thrive.

ACCESS TO CAPITAL

BBA knows how important money and support are for keeping a business running. There are lots of ways to get help for startups and small businesses, but finding them can be tough.

We’ve teamed up with other groups to make it easier for our members. We focus on getting more money to businesses in places with high unemployment and cities that don’t get enough support. Our goal is to help these businesses succeed and make more money, reducing the chances of them failing.

Your Pathway with the Funding Superhighway

Looking for capital to grow? Check out the Funding Superhighway, our exclusive, invitation-only 12-week program aimed at enhancing your financial savvy and connecting you with vetted funding partners. It’s designed for growth-stage businesses in the New Haven area, focusing on building a wealth-attracting mindset, networking with a supportive entrepreneur community, and gaining insights from expert mentors. Plus, it’s flexible to fit your schedule, with virtual classes and a retreat. Dive into this program to elevate your business and prepare for expansion.

OUTREACH AND TRAINING

Connecting You to Success

BBA engages with communities across the state to inform, educate, and highlight the resources available for business owners. Our focus groups pinpoint critical needs within the community, ensuring you have the knowledge and tools necessary for your business’s success.

Sharpening Your Skills

BBA engages with communities across the state to inform, educate, and highlight the resources available for business owners. Our focus groups pinpoint critical needs within the community, ensuring you have the knowledge and tools necessary for your business’s success.

  • Launching your business

  • Writing effective business plans

  • Enhancing customer service and retention

  • Specialized seminars on maintaining your business

Our goal is to make minority business owners aware of growth resources and to bolster your business know-how, ensuring long-term success and a stronger community impact. We track progress with follow-up assessments, dedicated to your continuous improvement.

EVENTS AND NETWORKING

We link entrepreneurs, creating a collaborative ecosystem. At BBA, our mission is to foster business connections across Connecticut, enhancing the growth of small to medium Black-owned businesses.

The BBA acts as a strong advocate for startups and small enterprises, using our extensive network of partnerships. This opens up a wealth of opportunities and growth at every stage.

The BBA hosts impactful events and initiatives, including:

Matchmaker

This program connects successful businesses with emerging entrepreneurs, suppliers, and large corporations, broadening access to vital resources and growth opportunities.

Tweak My Biz

Our premier quarterly event offers direct, actionable advice in a “Shark Tank” style format from a panel of experienced entrepreneurs from a variety of industries and locations, providing immediate benefits for businesses involved.

Business After Hours

A monthly business meetup across the state (regionally) providing opportunities to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and meet potential funders and/or corporations.

Cupcakes & Cocktails

A quarterly networking event for female founders that provides a safe space for connection and collaboration.

Crown Gathering & Tea

This business & leadership award for Black women celebrates and honors women making broad community impact

Noire Exposé

This groundbreaking pitch competition designed for technology-enabled startups, offers $100,000 in grants, including an unprecedented first prize of $35,000. The event encompasses pre-competition workshops and seminars, the pitch contest itself, and post-competition technical support, underscoring our commitment to investing in the future of innovation.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Streamlining Your Path to Funding

At BBA, we’ve streamlined a process to swiftly identify and address the specific needs of small businesses, preparing them to secure funding. Through a comprehensive assessment, our technical counselors, armed with over 30 years of financial and business expertise, pinpoint exactly what your business requires to shine in the eyes of lenders.

Many business owners excel in their trade but may lack experience with financial statements or other key administrative tasks critical for funding applications. That’s where we step in. We remove the technical hurdles standing between you and your capital, guiding you through every step of the funding application process.

Our counselors offer assistance in essential areas such as:

  • Crafting clear financial statements, including balance sheets and cash flow statements.

  • Developing a robust business plan that covers everything from your executive summary to detailed financial projections.

  • Writing resumes that effectively showcase the business owner’s professional background.

  • Our guides host bootcamps to walk (step by step) through funding applications, assist with answering questions, and provide training on AI tools for efficiency.

  • Planning the use of funds to ensure capital is effectively allocated within your business.

  • Preparing cash projections to demonstrate your company’s ability to repay loans.

  • We’re your champion. Before you submit a loan application, we’ll talk to lenders with you so you’re application ready. We also check in after submission to make sure everything’s going well. If your loan doesn’t go through, we’ll work with you to fix any issues and try again. We’re in your corner, pushing lenders to keep their promises.

We translate the often-complex language of business finance so you can focus on what you do best, knowing the technical side of funding preparation is in capable hands.

MAIN STREET AND BEYOND

Elevating Your Business

We’ve created a concise group coaching experience with a dynamic 12-week program designed to launch, reset, or grow your business. Guided by expert coaches and supported by fellow entrepreneurs, you’ll collaboratively create a 90-day action plan tailored to your business goals. This no-cost program not only promotes accountability but also offers a nurturing environment for development, connecting you with a network of resources and ensuring you and your peers have the foundation to thrive together.

Is Main Street & Beyond™ Right for You?

  • If you’ve started your business and are making sales.

  • Whether you’re running a home-based, online, or brick-and-mortar business.

  • If you’re aiming to increase your earnings or expand your network.

  • If you’re committed to planning and scaling your business over the next three months.

What Makes MS&B Unique?

We understand the hustle. That’s why MS&B offers:

  • Flexible, mostly virtual scheduling to fit your busy life.

  • Small group settings for personalized support.

  • Expert coaching tailored to your business needs.

  • Access to essential resources and a supportive community.

Program Perks

  • Collaborate with businesses in similar locations or sectors.

  • Receive expert advice and coaching.

  • Connect with significant resources and a network of Black entrepreneurs.

  • Opportunity to qualify for technology or marketing improvement grants.

Join the Black Business Alliance, Connecticut’s leading community for Black entrepreneurs, and gain access to specialized technical assistance, advocacy, education, and an exclusive network dedicated to your growth.