The OmniWorks NEXT Business Growth Accelerator: Our Origin + Mission 

 

OmniWorks Economic Development Corporation (OWEDC) provides business resources and training to BIPOC and women entrepreneurs, with the goal of creating a more inclusive economy.  Since inception in 2017, OWEDC has assisted more than 1,000 entrepreneurs by working with community partners including East LA College, Los Angeles Urban League, Long Beach Economic Partnership, USC, LISC and CAMEO. 

 

To date, OWEDCs programs have been underwritten by grant funding, and therefore free for participants.  In response to program alumni’s interest in on-going support, we’re excited to launch the OmniWorks Next Business Growth Accelerator (“NEXT”).  In NEXT, participants will invest in themselves through various paid membership levels.  Their membership investment will make our program offering self-sustaining, and therefore available beyond the previously short-term, grant-funded programs.  It will also allow us to extend our resources to support startup BIPOC and women entrepreneurs. 

 

In keeping with our mission of creating a more inclusive economy, a portion of NEXT membership fees will be funneled into a scholarship fund for NEXT participants unable to afford the membership fees.  Additionally, $100 of each member’s investment will be contributed to a grant fund for an annual member-selected pitch competition winner.  

 

We believe that this new membership model will allow us to sustainably serve entrepreneurs from the most under resourced communities, as well as support more small business owners with the resources vital to their success. 

 

We hope you join us in investing in yourself and other entrepreneurs like you by joining NEXT!