Women entrepreneurs across Michigan have a new resource available for growing, improving, and funding their small businesses, thanks to a new first-of-its-kind program from Operations School and Michigan Women Forward.
Racheal Allen, founder and CEO of Operations School (or OSchool), a nonprofit organization that trains, empowers, and equips minority business owners for success, and Carolyn Cassin, CEO of Michigan Women Forward, a nonprofit dedicated to the economic empowerment of women and minorities, are pleased to announce the launch of “The Forward Program” Michigan’s first all-virtual, statewide small business coaching program for women entrepreneurs.
The Forward Program is a six-month initiative that will support up to 20 Michigan-based, women-owned businesses in scaling their operations and preparing for funding. The program will target founders who are positioned to be approved for business loans of up to $50,000 and will provide support in navigating the loan process.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Michigan Women Forward to help women across the state build thriving businesses that drive economic growth,” said OSchool CEO Racheal Allen. “Our goal is to provide valuable lessons in building a profitable business and give entrepreneurs who are positioned to be approved for a business loan the support they need to get across the finish line.”
“The best part is that this program is all-virtual, so no matter where you are located in the state of Michigan, this opportunity is available to you,” Allen added.
The Forward Program, which will run from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm on Mondays, will draw from OSchool’s flagship “Get Your Business Legit” curriculum, with topics including loan readiness, branding and marketing, AI and automation, strategies for growth, and more. The program will also include coaching and technical assistance.
“Partnering with OSchool presents the perfect opportunity to combine their flagship curriculum for small business owners with Michigan Women Foward’s expertise in small business loans,” said Michigan Women Forward CEO Carolyn Cassin. “This program will have a ripple effect of success and economic prosperity that propels women business owners forward. We’re excited to launch and see it all unfold.”
The Forward Program September 15. The program is accepting applications through August 10 at https://tinyurl.com/OperationsSchoolSubmission.
The Forward Program will support women founders in Michigan who are positioned to be approved for business loans of up to $50,000
Applications are open for the 6-month program, which will combine education, coaching, technical support, and loan readiness support.
About OSchool:
Founded by Racheal Allen in 2019, Operations School, or OSchool, is a nonprofit business service organization with a mission to train, empower and equip BIPOC startup and nonprofit leaders with the skills to successfully manage and scale their organizations. OSchool has served nearly 2,000 entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders, awarded more than $100,000 in small business grants, and expanded its reach across Michigan through partnerships with the Apple Developer Academy, the Lansing Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Black Business Alliance, and more.
OSchool is located inside Centric Place, a first-of-its-kind hub for Black arts, culture and entrepreneurship in metro Detroit. Learn more at: operationsschool.com.
About Michigan Women Forward:
Michigan Women Forward is a community development financial institution dedicated to expanding economic opportunity for women and entrepreneurs of color. Through access to capital, business resources, and leadership programs, MWF works to build a stronger, more equitable economy across Michigan. Learn more at miwf.org.
