Minority Business Academy to officially launch at the start of 2025 | Local [Video]

(KIMT NEWS 3)–As Rochester continues to grow and address the needs of community members– a new business academy is also making sure resources are available for minorities to bridge the gap in business resources

The Minority Business Academy (MBA), led by Tawonda Burks, is a new initiative created under the Minority Owned Business Foundation. It is aimed at supporting minority entrepreneurs by providing resources, mentorship, and education. The initiative will be housed within the Economic Development Center (EDC) and will work with organizations like RAEDI, SBDC, 504 Corporation, SCORE, and Collider. The MBA’s goal is to close the gap in entrepreneurial resources for minority communities by offering practical training, technical assistance, and access to a network of business development resources– and promote economic equity and inclusiveness.

Burks who is also the Director of operations for the Rochester Area Economic Development Inc. (RAEDI) said it’s essential to make sure participants not …