BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — A Brooklyn-based organization is helping emerging entrepreneurs through a series of free workshops aimed at assisting families to build their businesses from the ground-up.
Nonprofit DIVAS For Social Justice — which stands for Digital Interactive Visuals Arts Sciences — re-launched its Digital Inter-Generational Bridges to Success (DIBS) program this February to reach out to participants of all ages.
For the past three years, DIBS helped connect seniors and youth through technology and photography, according to DIVAS' executive director and co-founder, Clarisa James.
Parents of young students enrolled in the original DIBS expressed interest in the same types of educational opportunities available to their children, James said, inspiring her to “remix” the program.
Now, participants are part of an eight-week business development course with an emphasis on technology in which intergenerational teams of two to three people can develop their ideas.
Teams include a mother-daughter duo looking to give back to charities through a T-shirt business, as well as a man who wants to help the formerly incarcerated become entrepreneurs.
“It really inspired me that there needs to be a cross-generational program that actually involves the parents learning with their children,” James said. “I really want to meet people where they’re at and take them to the next level.”
The workshops at Macon Library on Lewis Avenue are hosted in partnership with OneSource Consulting and supported through Councilman Robert Cornegy’s office, covering topics such as developing a mission statement and business plan, and how to market products.
A free speaker series open to the public kicks off on March 15 to supplement the entrepreneurship program.
Murray Cox, a facilitator with DIVAS, said four-week speaker events help make services available to a wider audience.
“Sometimes it's hard to find the resources within your own community,” Cox said. “It’s crucial to be able to connect the dots for business ideas or education.”
For those interested in starting their own businesses, the series will be held at Macon Library, 361 Lewis Ave., each week through April 5:
► March 15, 6 p.m. to 7:45 pm.
Economic Tools for Small Business Owners
Find Your Why. Own Your Story
► March 22, 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Non-Traditional Financing for Your Business
► March 29, 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Free Business Training Services
► April 5, 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Launch Your New Business as a Worker Cooperative
For more information, email dibs@divasforsocialjustice.org.
