- Courses taught by industry experts.
- New tools and resources.
- One-on-one mentoring.
- Expanding your network.
Our business courses are designed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re an established business owner or a startup, the Launch and Growth Academies have a simple goal: Helping you take your business to the next level.
NCRC CDF offers a dual path accelerator program for startup and established small business owners, Launch and Growth Academies, held quarterly.
Launch Academy is a business support services program that teaches small business owners the 17 foundational steps of launching a successful business. It is designed with small business owners in mind who are early in their entrepreneur journey or are in the start-up phase of business. The course concludes with the creation of a one-page business plan and polished elevator pitch to market the participant’s business concept.
Growth Academies guide established small business owners through the steps needed to scale their business and gain access to capital. The program covers all possible fundraising options from debt to equity and crowdfunding. Guest experts lend valuable lessons during Q&A sessions throughout the program. The course concludes with the creation and presentation of a pitch to an investor, bank, or strategic growth partner.
For both Academies, participants go through an eCourse and meet with an instructor via Zoom for two hours of classroom time each week. The time is used to brainstorm ideas, receive feedback, gain insights from guest experts and connect with fellow course participants.
In addition to the many hard skills participants during the program, they also gain confidence as potential or current entrepreneurs and gain valuable insights from other Academy participants. The Academies are designed and taught by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs and supplement the other services NCRC CDF offers to underserved businesses and communities.
The Summer Launch Academy registration is closed. Please check back soon for information about our Fall Launch Academy.
The Summer Growth Academy registration is closed. Please check back soon for information about our Fall Launch Academy.
For more information about the curriculum, instructors, or to see what past participants have to say about their experience, visit launchandgrow.org.
If you’re a current business owner or have an idea, if you’re a bank that wants to reach underserved communities, or if you’re a developer eager to gain affordable capital for your single-family housing projects, we want to hear from you!
740 15th Street, NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20005
(202) 929-0319
The NCRC Community Development Fund is proud to be recognized by and involved with numerous industry organizations.