Over two years, Community Development Educators, Mia Ljung and Diana Hammer, began work in partnership with the ColorBold Business Association (ColorBold). The goal of this partnership was to strengthen entrepreneurship in Northeast Wisconsin by building internal capacity, expanding access to business development resources, and providing networking opportunities for Entrepreneurs of Color (EoC) in Northeast Wisconsin.
ColorBold was formed in 2017 by Fit Oshkosh’s Executive Director, Tracey Robertson, out of a need for entrepreneurial support and representation for business owners of color in this area. When Fit Oshkosh dissolved in April 2020, ColorBold was left without leadership and Extension helped maintain a connection with regional business owners and supported the formation of the ColorBold Core Leadership Team. ColorBold is now pursuing nonprofit status, and organizes under the mission of empowering EoC and the viability of their businesses in Northeast Wisconsin by aiding in increased economic sustainability, executing business development training, fostering access to capital, coordinating marketing opportunities, and developing collaborations.
Extension’s work with Entrepreneurs of Color in Northeast Wisconsin has resulted in many trusted relationships, innovative collaborations, community-engaged research, grants and awards, and an increase in BIPOC participants in Extension programs.
Learn more about ColorBold and check out the new website launch soon at colorbold.org . And find out more about Extension’s Entrepreneurs of Color Business Support Team.
