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
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
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 You Can Expect
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Who
Black business owners ready to commit 9 months to building strong foundations and sustainable growth.
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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
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When
June 1, 2026: Applications open (information session required)
July 31, 2026: Application deadline.
August 27, 2026: Cohort beginsMay 2027: Cohort graduation
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
frequently asked questions
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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.
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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.
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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.