F.O.C.U.S. Program Launch

media release: Building on its successes in serving Black women and families, the Progress Center for Black Women will launch its new incubator for Black entrepreneurs on Sunday, April 24, 2022, from 4pm - 6pm at its coworking space on the Capitol square. Members of the Progress Center will also have the opportunity to take part in a pitch to win one of three cash prizes. 

F.O.C.U.S. (Fundamentals, Opportunities, Consistency, Understanding, Success) is designed to help Black entrepreneurs get focused on key aspects of running their businesses while providing a supportive community, masterclasses, technical training, resources, wellness activities, and mentorship while connecting them to Dane County’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.  

The F.O.C.U.S. program includes: 

12-week cohorts as well as stand-alone training covering operations, marketing, professional development, and the wellness of the business and business owner. 

Connection to the local thriving ecosystem of entrepreneurs, elected officials, and community partners who are committed to the growth of local Black-owned businesses. 

Individualized programming and mentorship. 

Opportunities to participate in small business showcases.  

“This program is the culmination of the many relationships we’ve built with local entrepreneurs going back to the Heymiss Progress Black Business Expos and the work we’ve done to connect them to resources they’ve often felt locked out of. I’m especially looking forward to celebrating each cohort as they complete the series of activities" shares the Center's Founding CEO Sabrina Madison.

F.O.C.U.S. Program Launch + Pitch

Sunday, April 24, 2022 

Progress Center for Black Women

30 W Mifflin St., Suite 702, Madison, WI 53703

Register online at: centerforblackwomen.org/calendar

Pitch sponsors include Downtown Madison, Inc & Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Confirmed attendees include Mayor Rhodes-Conway, Downtown Madison, Inc.’s President Jason Ilstrup, & WEDC’s Director of Entrepreneurial Access and Inclusion, Sharon Johnson. 

Organizations and businesses interested in sponsorship and partnership opportunities with the Progress Center for Black Women to benefit F.O.C.U.S. and the success of Black entrepreneurs should contact Founding CEO Sabrina Madison at hello@centerforblackwomen.org. 

About the Progress Center for Black Women

The vision of the Progress Center for Black Women (PCFBW) is to create more powerful communities of Black women who are leaders, doers, and owners. Our approach in serving Black women especially is to embrace author bell hooks’ definition of love, “love is a combination of six ingredients: care, commitment, knowledge, responsibility, respect and trust”. We strongly believe that embracing a love ethic is integral in doing the transformative work to empower Black women and restore families.