PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS
CULTIVATING FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Our entrepreneurial initiatives have empowered local visionaries, fostering innovation and economic growth. By providing mentorship, resources, and access to capital, we’ve witnessed the birth of new businesses and the expansion of existing ones. These ventures not only contribute to the local economy but also create employment opportunities for our community members.
COR CDC’s Pathways to Success is a comprehensive program designed to empower underserved youth and adults with the skills and knowledge needed for economic independence. It includes opportunities for entrepreneurship, financial literacy, career readiness, and college preparedness. This holistic approach equips participants to build strong financial foundations, start and grow businesses, and access meaningful employment opportunities, advancing COR CDC’s mission to foster economic freedom and community upliftment.
KEY PROGRAMS
AI & DIGITAL TOOLS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Unlock the power of technology to grow your business! This session focuses on how small business owners can leverage AI and digital tools to streamline operations, improve customer engagement, and boost profits. Participants will learn practical strategies to integrate digital tools into their daily workflows—no tech background required.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR ACADEMY (YEA)
Our YEA is a 6-week training program aimed at promoting youth entrepreneurship in underserved communities. The program empowers young high school entrepreneurs from low to moderate income backgrounds to create and grow job-creating businesses, as well as to pursue higher education and career endeavors. Participants complete three modules: business basics, leadership and business idea development. Each class culminates in a public pitch competition event where finalists present their business ideas to a panel of business leaders for a chance to win a start-up grant. Since 2015, the program has funded over $100,000 to 18 participants who launched new businesses.
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Banking on Your Success (BYS)
Our 6-week entrepreneur training program is designed to develop minority-owned business owners by creating pathways to access capital as well as coaching and technical assistance. BYS empowers people from low to moderate income backgrounds to create financial self-reliance and grow job-creating businesses. Participants complete two modules:
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Business Essentials; formation and structure, financial management, operations, sales and marketing
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Access to Capital; credit and financial preparation, leadership, and business plan development.
Participants also have an opportunity to showcase their business ideas by participating in our pitch competition events.
One-Day Boot Camps
Our one-day entrepreneurial boot camp on “Creating Your Story” is an intensive workshop designed to help participants craft a compelling narrative that defines their brand and vision. Through interactive sessions, attendees will learn how to effectively communicate their mission, connect with their audience, and build an authentic story that resonates with customers, investors, and stakeholders. By the end of the day, participants will leave with a polished pitch and actionable insights to elevate their entrepreneurial journey.
