MULTICULTURAL SMALL BUSINESS LABS

Niagara University, NY

Our next Multicultural Small Business Lab is being held in Niagara University. The lab will run May 21-June 18, 2024 on Tuesday evenings. Registration is March 18-April 15, 2024. Don’t miss out! Space is limited to 35 qualifying participants.
Applications are first come, first serve.

Registration for this Multicultural Small Business Lab is now closed.

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Program Highlights

The M&T Bank Multicultural Small Business Lab is an intensive, weeks-long program designed to develop racially and ethnically diverse owners of businesses. The Lab promotes business and financial inclusion through empowerment, providing owners with access to information, tools, resources, and connections they need to grow and thrive. Participants are presented with opportunities to increase their visibility, accelerate their business, and achieve success.

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Creating a Business Plan

Learn what it takes to create an effective business plan through discussion on setting goals, knowing your industry, what finances you have in place, and much more!

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All About Credit

Curious about credit and how it can affect your business? We will cover the importance of credit, accessing capital, and how to package your credit application.

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Marketing & Branding

Learn how to make your business stand-out among the competition through an in-depth discussion on branding and marketing so you can be prepared to get the word out on your diverse business

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Pitch Tips

You have everything that you need to scale and grow your business, but your business needs funding. As part of the series, we will provide you tips and tricks when presenting to potential investors. Learn how to present with ease and how to make your business plan shine.

Lab Overview

This program celebrates and empowers locally owned small businesses through education and a spirited competition. For this edition, we are partnering with Niagara University where the 5-week program will be held on campus.

Niagara University
Academic Complex Room 350
5795 Vincentian Drive
Niagara University, NY 14109

Program Eligibility

Open to existing Multicultural small business owners in accordance with local demographics.

  • Have been in business from 6 months to 36 months
  • Annual business revenue of $350,000 or less
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Schedule

  • Registration: March 18-April 15, 2024
  • Applications will be decisioned on or around May 1-5, 2024
  • In-person attendance required
  • Classes run every Tuesday 6-8pm ET
    • Beginning: May 21, 2024
    • Ending: June 18, 2024
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Curriculum

  • Business Planning 
  • Credit Fundamentals 
  • Marketing & Branding 
  • Networking & Community Resources 
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Pitch Competition

  • First Round: video proposal
  • Second Round: live pitch competition
  • Prizes:
    • 1st place - $5,000
    • 2nd place - $3,000
    • 3rd place - $2,000

About M&T Multicultural Banking

At M&T, we understand that the needs and desires that our Multicultural communities have are distinctive. We are committed to meeting those unique needs, whether you are Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, an immigrant, refugee, LGBTQ+, a person with different abilities, or a combination. Here at M&T, we celebrate you and empower you with the financial tools and resources you need to thrive. We are investing in the growth and sustainability of our diverse small business and communities.

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