The 10,000 Black Business Program is MBCC's signature business-development platform — a structured experience designed to support entrepreneurs throughout the business lifecycle.
The program combines education, technical assistance, mentorship, strategic relationships, capital readiness, market visibility, and access to opportunity into a single, comprehensive framework.
The goal is not simply to help entrepreneurs start businesses. We are building businesses positioned to grow, compete, secure contracts, create jobs, and build long-term economic value.
Module 01 — Launch
BUILD THE FOUNDATION.
Every business needs a strong foundation. The Launch module helps entrepreneurs clarify their business model, understand their market, build their brand, establish legal and financial structures, and develop the operational foundation for sustainable growth.
This module is designed for entrepreneurs who are starting a new business or strengthening the foundation of an early-stage company.
📝 WHAT YOU'LL COVER:
- Business model development and validation
- Market research and competitive analysis
- Brand identity and positioning
- Legal structure and business registration
- Financial setup: banking, bookkeeping, accounting
- Basic operations and systems
- Early customer acquisition strategy
Module 02 — Grow & Scale
STRENGTHEN THE BUSINESS AND PREPARE FOR EXPANSION.
Growth requires systems, not just effort. The Grow & Scale module helps established businesses strengthen their operations, build teams, expand capacity, improve customer acquisition, and develop the infrastructure required to take on more business.
This module is designed for businesses that are operating and generating revenue and are ready to invest in the systems and capacity required for the next level of growth.
📝 WHAT YOU'LL COVER:
- Systems and operational efficiency
- Hiring, managing, and retaining talent
- Customer acquisition and retention strategies
- Sales pipeline development
- Scaling operations without sacrificing quality
- Strategic planning and goal setting
Module 03 — Pitch. Position. Promote.
STRENGTHEN YOUR MESSAGE, MARKET POSITION, AND VISIBILITY.
How you communicate about your business matters. This module helps entrepreneurs clarify their value proposition, refine their pitch, develop marketing strategies, build their brand presence, and increase visibility with customers, partners, and procurement decision-makers.
📝 WHAT YOU'LL COVER:
- Value proposition and messaging clarity
- Pitch development for investors, partners, and buyers
- Marketing strategy and content development
- Digital presence: website, social media, online listings
- Media and press preparation
- Brand positioning in a competitive market
Module 04 — Financial Fitness
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS. BUILD FINANCIAL STRENGTH.
Financial health is the foundation of business growth. The Financial Fitness module covers financial statements, cash flow management, pricing strategy, financial planning, and the financial literacy required to access capital and pursue growth opportunities.
📝 WHAT YOU'LL COVER:
- Reading and interpreting financial statements
- Cash flow management and forecasting
- Pricing strategy and profit margin analysis
- Business credit building
- Tax strategy and compliance
- Financial projections and business planning
- Preparing for capital conversations
Module 05 — Legal Matters
PROTECT THE BUSINESS. PREPARE FOR GROWTH.
Legal foundations protect everything you build. This module addresses business structure, contracts, intellectual property, employment law, regulatory compliance, and the legal preparation required to pursue larger contracts and corporate relationships.
📝 WHAT YOU'LL COVER:
- Business structure and entity selection
- Contracts: reading, negotiating, and enforcing
- Intellectual property protection
- Employment law and HR compliance
- Regulatory and licensing requirements
- Legal preparation for government and corporate contracting
Module 06 — Risk & Results
STRENGTHEN OPERATIONS, MANAGE RISK, AND IMPROVE PERFORMANCE.
Growing businesses face growing risk. This module helps entrepreneurs identify operational vulnerabilities, develop risk management strategies, build performance measurement systems, and improve the operational execution required to deliver consistently at higher levels.
📝 WHAT YOU'LL COVER:
- Operational risk identification and management
- Business continuity planning
- Insurance and risk mitigation
- Key performance indicators and business dashboards
- Quality management and customer satisfaction systems
- Preparing for audits, due diligence, and contract compliance
Who Should Apply
The 10,000 Black Business Program is designed for Black entrepreneurs and business owners across Minnesota who are committed to building a stronger, more competitive business.
We work with entrepreneurs at different stages — from those launching their first business to established companies preparing for their next stage of growth. Applicants do not need to complete all modules; participants select the modules most relevant to their current stage.
Program Format
📝 Update with actual program details: format (in-person/virtual/hybrid), session length, cohort size, cost, application process, dates.
[Program format and schedule — to be updated with 2026 cohort details]
[Cost and scholarship information]
[Application process and requirements]
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