JFCS Navigate and Wells Fargo reimagine technical assistance for entrepreneurs
If you’re an entrepreneur who doesn’t know much about human resources, e-commerce or accounting, what do you do? How do you keep it from limiting your business growth? Entrepreneurs can’t be expected to know every aspect of running a business, so when access to capital is combined with technical expertise, small businesses typically see greater success.
For over 25 years, JFCS Navigate has been a leader in the community, originally serving refugees and expanding our reach to serve a range of marginalized and underserved entrepreneurs. We provide technical assistance through a coaching approach that engages them in active goal setting and planning. JFCS recognizes the need for greater technical assistance to help entrepreneurs face business challenges with confidence, and now that need is greater than ever.
As small businesses in Greater Louisville face challenges during the ongoing pandemic, Wells Fargo announced a new wave of support for entrepreneurs from its Open for Business Fund. We are proud to announce that the company awarded grant funds to JFCS Navigate to provide minority-owned small businesses in West Louisville and other underserved neighborhoods with greater access to technical assistance, outreach, support, experts and recovery resources that can help them grow. Our goal is to help as many small businesses as possible, including diverse and women-owned business owners as they face ongoing challenges due to systemic inequality and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We need to help small businesses get back to growing again. Having access to trusted experts can be a critical turning point for small business owners facing financial hardships and other business challenges,” said Valecia Quinn, Director of JFCS Navigate. “Through the Open for Business Fund, Wells Fargo is challenging nonprofits like JFCS to reimagine technical assistance for entrepreneurs and offer a mix of resources and support systems that can help small business owners emerge from the pandemic even stronger and more resilient.”
The funding from Wells Fargo will enable JFCS to aid pre-venture, startup, and existing businesses in acquiring the tools needed to overcome barriers that may impede growth. We will also facilitate business workshops, foster networking opportunities focused on neighborhood connections and provide access to capital through JFCS Navigate loan products.
For small businesses facing financial hardships and other business challenges, having access to trusted experts in areas like marketing, business planning, technology and legal can be a critical turning point for getting back to growth. The pandemic made it clear that capital is only part of the answer to an inclusive long-term recovery for the small business community. These grants will make experts in business planning, accounting, financial management, legal, marketing and more available to small business owners for coaching and guidance.
JFCS Navigate is passionate about helping more small businesses pivot from surviving to thriving, and this partnership with Wells Fargo will enable us to expand possibilities for entrepreneurs in Greater Louisville. Interested in learning more about the Open for Business Fund and JFCS Navigate? Contact services@jfcslouisville.org or 502-452-6341 x120.