YWCA Dayton has launched a new entrepreneurship program for women and women of color this summer. Dayton is one of only 20 YWCA locations to offer the Women Empowerment 360 program.
“Out of all the cities in the United States, Dayton is known for innovation,” said Donna Long, director of advocacy and outreach at YWCA Dayton. “Creating things from the ground up, collaborating in partnerships, I think are the cornerstone of this part of Ohio.”
YWCA Dayton has primarily focused on survivor services and racial justice education but this new program is a way for the organization to tap into entrepreneurship, Long said.
18 local entrepreneurs are participating this summer, with access to coaching, funding opportunities and classes through the online platform Ureeka. Their businesses range from doula services to girls empowerment programs to food businesses. Funding for the program is provided by the Coca-Cola Foundation.
The Dayton nonprofit is also offering transportation and child care, specifically with Black and brown daycare and babysitting services, to make the program more accessible and allow entrepreneurs to focus on the training.
“That's one thing that's unique and special, because when we think about bringing quality programs to Black and brown communities, we also have to consider barriers and solve for them,” she said.
For more information or to enroll in the program, email advocacy@ywcadayton.org.
