The University of Phoenix School of Business has entered into an agreement with the U.S. Black Chambers (USBC) Inc. to provide an educational training program for USBC members and other African American small business owners.
The USBC Step Up Entrepreneurs Program will consist of a three-week online course of study that will educate students in cash flow, market analysis, and financial performance. The courses will be taught by University of Phoenix faculty. After the students complete their courses, they will create a business model, strategy, financial projections, competition benchmarks, and performance tracking. These plans can then be submitted to a financial institution for possible funding of the small business. Students who complete the training will receive nine credit hours that can be applied to a University of Phoenix degree or certificate program.
Byron Jones, chief financial officer at the University of Phoenix, said that the “University of Phoenix is pleased to partner with USBC to provide African-American small business owners and entrepreneurs with an exclusive opportunity, integrating teachings from business courses with insights from local market experts who understand the economy in their communities. The U.S. Black Chambers Entrepreneur program allows participants to experience some of the most challenging exercises business owners undergo with the training, support and counsel they need from seasoned professionals with demonstrated success in owning and managing a business.”
Jones is a graduate of Tuskegee University in Alabama and holds an MBA from the University of Virginia.
Ron Busby, Sr., president, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., added that “gaining access to capital continues to be a major hurdle for African-American small business owners, and properly navigating that process is often the difference between success and failure. We are excited to collaborate with University of Phoenix on the U.S. Black Chambers Step Up Entrepreneurs program to help provide needed resources to support Black entrepreneurs, and believe it is an excellent example of local leaders and educators working together to improve the lives of our citizens and communities.”
