BLCK Street Business Lab

9 months of intensive support for Black business owners

The next iteration of our incubator: a deeper, more comprehensive 9-month experience.

We're launching our reimagined incubator program: 9 months of intensive support for Black business owners ready to build sustainable, thriving businesses. This is the evolution of our Community Business Academy, built to serve you even better.

What Stays the Same

Our commitment to culturally relevant, practical business education

Small cohorts for personalized coaching

Access to micro-grants

A community of fellow business owners who get it

Access to our Builders alumni community

What’s new

9 full months of support

Group coaching across business, financial and mental health

Access to resources and tools to provide you a strong foundation as you build out your business

Hybrid model: 3 months in-person, 6 months virtual

who, What, when, cost

Who:

Black business owners ready to commit 9 months to building strong foundations and sustainable growth.

What:

3 months of intensive training. 6 months of ongoing coaching and support. Culturally relevant curriculum built for Main Street businesses. A community of fellow business owners who get it.

When:

  • June 1, 2026: Applications open (information session required)

  • July 31, 2026: Application deadline

  • August 27, 2026: Cohort begins

  • May 2027: Cohort graduation

Cost:

Sliding scale cost based on applicant's income and household size. Program fee ranges from $270 - $1800, and can be paid in monthly installments over 6 months.

Business Lab FAQ

  • Yes. The BLCK Street Business Lab is a 9-month business incubator for Black business owners in their formative years; the next iteration of the incubator formerly run by The JWC Foundation (Community Business Academy). It combines structured training, coaching, peer community, and seed funding.

  • The Business Lab runs 9 months: 3 months of intensive training followed by 6 months of ongoing coaching and support. The inaugural cohort begins August 27, 2026 and graduates in May 2027.

  • It's a hybrid program. The first 3 months are in-person in Richmond, Virginia, and the remaining 6 months are virtual, so owners can stay engaged while running their businesses.

  • Tuition is on a sliding scale based on your income and household size, ranging from $270 to $1,800, and can be paid in monthly installments over 6 months. Seed funding is included in the program.

  • It's built for Black business owners in their formative years who are ready to commit 9 months to building strong foundations and sustainable growth. The curriculum is designed for Main Street businesses.

  • Applications are open June 1 through July 31, 2026. Attending an information session is required to apply — register for a session to start your application.