WHO IS B.E.T.A
B.E.T.A – Black Entrepreneur Training Academy is a year-long business support program designed to empower Black entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and support necessary to thrive in the competitive business landscape. B.E.T.A offers a 5 month intensive, comprehensive curriculum covering six key business models. Participants also benefit from weekly office hours with coaching, a microgrant of up to $5,000 upon completion, and lifelong community support and technical assistance. As of April 2025, B.E.T.A has successfully completed four cohorts, with 47 businesses graduating, and 11 more set to begin with the fifth cohort, for a total of 58 cohort members. This is a joint program venture between Black Wall Street Kalamazoo and Sisters and Business. Black Wall Street Kalamazoo 501(c) (3) serves as the lead organization.
WHY WE EXIST
The B.E.T.A. (Black Entrepreneur Training Academy) program is committed to closing the persistent gaps in information, resources, access to capital, and wealth- building opportunities for Black business owners and entrepreneurs. Through targeted education, increased awareness, strategic resource access, and direct capital support, B.E.T.A empowers participants with the tools needed to grow and sustain their businesses. Recognizing the urgent need for racial equity in the entrepreneurial landscape, Black Wall Street Kalamazoo (BWSK) and Sisters in Business (SIB) partnered to launch B.E.T.A as a comprehensive, wrap- around business development program. This initiative not only addresses systemic barriers but positions Black entrepreneurship as a key strategy for achieving economic justice and mobility. By investing in Black businesses, B.E.T.A helps cultivate thriving enterprises that contribute to lasting community wealth.
B.E.T.A. IMPACT ON OUR COMMUNITY
Explore a snapshot of the BETA Impact Report. For full details, view the complete report here.
47
Businesses Successfully Completed the Program
$286,000
Capital Grants Distributed
11
Active participates in current Cohort
4
Completed Cohort Programs
HIGHLIGHTS
5 b.E.T.A pitch winners went on to win and place in other pitch competitions
9 participants open new online stores/websites launches
5 businesses secured loans or investment capital
6 participants recieved grants totaling between $5k-$32k
BWSK IMPACT STORY
13,972+
FACEBOOK GROUP COMMENTS COUNT
12,622+
FACEBOOK GROUP HAS SEEN IN POST
58,565+
VIEWS IN JUST 28 DAYS
EMPOWERING THE BLACK COMMUNITY THROUGH PURPOSEFUL ENGAGEMENT
At Black Wall Street Kalamazoo (BWSK), we are committed to empowering Black entrepreneurs and fostering generational wealth within our community. The engagement on our Facebook group is not just about activity—it is about intentional support, access to resources, and business growth. The conversations taking place on this platform are not casual or superficial; they are about real economic opportunities, connecting Black providers with potential clients, and sharing resources that directly impact business success.
Focused Community Engagement: A Platform for Business Growth
In the last month alone, our Facebook group has seen 12,622 posts and 13,972 comments—numbers that reflect active engagement from entrepreneurs and community members focused on building generational wealth. These posts are not casual social media chatter. They are requests for services, promotions of Black-owned businesses, and valuable resources such as grants, educational tools, and business development opportunities. This is a purpose-driven platform that directly serves the entrepreneurial spirit and economic mobility of our community.
Real Impact on Income and Business Growth
The interaction metrics underscore the powerful business potential within the community. The 2,563 unique individuals who posted or commented are not engaging for entertainment—they are actively seeking business services or offering resources that help drive economic growth. The entrepreneurs in the group have reported income increases of 25% to 60%, and many have secured retail placements or even opened brick-and-mortar stores. This shows that access to resources, connections, and mentorship is directly translating into real-world business success.
Access to Resources for Empowerment and Success
Our platform serves as a hub for opportunity, with 58,565 views in just 28 days. This visibility allows Black entrepreneurs to connect with mentors, investors, and clients, and gain access to capital and business development resources. The resources shared—whether they’re about grants, business consulting, or educational opportunities—are critical to the success of these entrepreneurs. Each post and comment is a step toward sustainable wealth-building and community empowerment.
TRUTH AND PARKS INNOVATOR EXCHANGE CENTER
Empowering black entrepreneurs through innovation and collaboration.
Innovation, Education, and Collaboration
This tagline encapsulates the core values of the Truth and Parks Innovator Exchange Center—a space where innovation is nurtured, education is accessible, and collaboration is encouraged. Our goal is to be a community catalyst that drives economic growth and development for Black entrepreneurs in Kalamazoo and beyond. in Black history, Sojourner Truth and Rosa Parks, this center serves as a living tribute to their legacies of resilience, advocacy, and empowerment.
Impact Goals
The Innovator Exchange Center is not only a physical space but a launchpad for economic mobility and community development. By providing business education, access to resources, and space for collaboration, we help entrepreneurs overcome barriers, scale their businesses, and contribute to the broader economic growth of Kalamazoo. Through this center, we aspire to be a key player in building generational wealth by empowering individuals and communities with the skills and opportunities to succeed and lead.
