The Newark Business Hub announced Monday that it has formed a partnership with Rutgers University in an effort to greater elevate Black and brown entrepreneurs.
The partnership will provide access to the NBH online learning community, which includes live interaction between participants and coaches. Leaders with both groups say the resulting 24/7 community gives participants answers and advice and one-on-one coaching.
Kenneth Karamichael, assistant director of the Rutgers Office of Continuing Professional Education, hailed the partnership. He said the initiative will pay off for years to come. Karamichael also said the partnership shows the commitment of Rutgers University to racial justice and in addressing inclusivity issues in the business world.
“With over a century of professional and global workforce development experience, this vital partnership represents Rutgers Office of Continuing Professional Education’s latest commitment toward advancing the business skills and opportunities for people of color — established businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs,” he said.
Karamichael praised NBH’s education content as suitable at a time when the pressure for social and racial justice has picked up — saying the partnership with NBH will deliver tangible results that will change Black and brown communities.
With their partnership, NBH and OCPE aim to empower more than 1 million Black and brown entrepreneurs globally by providing them the skills, mentorship and community that are necessary for these entrepreneurs to succeed, Karamichael said.
According to Jeff Billingsley, NBH co-founder and chief curriculum officer, the 360-degree entrepreneurship certificate program, which it is offering with OCPE, is at the heart of its mission to help aspiring and underserved entrepreneurs of color.
Billingsley said he believes it will have helped in creation of wealth not just in United States, but also globally by elevating entrepreneurs.
NBH, Billingsley said, also seeks to partner with the top brands in the country. The online business aims to provide entrepreneurs with management skills that will make their enterprises productive and profitable.
