Better Black Business Initiative

Better Black Business Initiative (B3I) is a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing economic opportunity and generational wealth in Black communities. We serve Black entrepreneurs, youth, and justice-impacted individuals by providing culturally grounded training, mentorship, and practical support that helps people build skills, increase income, and strengthen long-term stability.

Our approach is rooted in cooperative economics, relationship-based mentorship, and community accountability. We work alongside local leaders, employers, and resource networks to reduce barriers to employment and business ownership, and to expand access to guidance, tools, and capital pathways.

B3I creates welcoming, structured spaces where participants can learn, grow, and take concrete next steps, whether that is launching a business, improving job readiness, or building financial habits that support future ownership.

B3I builds economic mobility through cohort-based training, practical workshops, and mentorship that help participants strengthen skills, expand networks, and take real next steps toward employment and business ownership. Our core program lines include:

• I’m a BOSS Youth Business Camp: A youth-focused experience that introduces entrepreneurship, leadership, and money habits through hands-on activities, team challenges, and real-world business concepts. Participants build confidence, learn problem-solving, and practice communication and goal setting.

• Lock-Up to Lift-Up: A justice-impacted entrepreneurship and reentry program that supports participants in rebuilding stability and creating income pathways. Participants receive business training, mentorship, operational planning support, and structured guidance to develop a viable business concept and launch plan.

• Ready to Rise Workforce Pathway: A workforce development program designed to prepare participants for employment and long-term retention. Participants build job readiness skills, strengthen workplace expectations, receive placement support, and get retention check-ins at 30, 60, and 90 days to reinforce stability, goal tracking, and progress on the job.

Volunteers help bring these programs to life by supporting workshops, mentoring participants, assisting with event logistics, offering mock interviews and career coaching, and contributing skills-based support (curriculum help, operations support, marketing, and community outreach). With consistent volunteer support, B3I can serve more participants, deepen program quality, and improve outcomes across youth, workforce, and reentry pathways