Building the ecosystem for underserved entrepreneurs in the Valley
Community Navigator
A Hub & Spoke Model for the Shenandoah Valley
The Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP) was a two-year effort, from 2021 to 2023, to build capacity within the support system for under-resourced entrepreneurs in the Shenandoah Valley. Through a hub-and-spoke model, SCCF (the Hub) worked with five partner organizations (Spokes) to increase technical assistance and equitable access to capital for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) as well as women entrepreneurs.
Meet the Spokes
All five Spokes were invited to join this pilot program because they were already deeply embedded in the communities they are serving.
Program Results
333 Entrepreneurs received 1:1 counseling
In total, the program provided 1,118 hours of 1:1 counseling on business technical assistance, grant and lending applications, and credit counseling.
2,941 Entrepreneurs received dedicated training
800 training hours, over 300 training sessions, were spent educating entrepreneurs in financial literacy, marketing a business, and founder well-being and mental health.
$489,549 in Capital added to the ecosystem
During the course of the program, $165,000 in microloans and $321,000 in grants were provided to entrepreneurs looking for capital.
Interested in learning more? Read a full recap of the two-year Community Navigator Pilot Program on our blog!