TOPEKA, Kan., Jan. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Omni Circle Group, a Black-led collaborative workspace provider, has been awarded a $360,000 grant from the Kauffman Foundation to expand its support for minority-owned businesses, announced GO Topeka. Funds will provide resources including educational trainings, workshops and mentorship programs, a shared workspace and connections to grant funds and scholarships.
"We are offering comprehensive training programs that will support, engage and further the professional development of Topeka's BIPOC startup community," said Michael Odupitan, founder and CEO of Omni Circle. "Through our sustainable education model that's built for success, a workspace soon to be equipped with technology and resources, and mentorship programs led by local leaders, Omni Circle empowers our entrepreneurs and promotes cross-sector partnerships that lead to inclusive community revitalization."
Courses and workshops for the first cohort of startup entrepreneurs will begin in March 2022. In 2021, Omni Circle purchased a three-story, 15,000-square-foot building, located at 1301 S.W Topeka Blvd which will house the co-working space and its headquarters. The facility is expected to open later in the year.
"Studies show business ownership is a key generator of wealth for communities of color, especially those that have historically been left out of mainstream business circles," says Glenda Washington, chief equity and opportunity officer for the Greater Topeka Partnership/GO Topeka. "Omni Circle has made it their mission to work with marginalized community members to make successful entrepreneurship a reality. As Topeka works to become more inclusive, Omni Circle's work is bound to set a new standard for success."
Specific courses include "Mindset Development: The Power of Why," a workshop that aids in business plan development from start to finish, with expert knowledge from minority industry professionals. Networking events include guest speakers from Topeka's small business community as well as regional leadership.
Each applicant of Omni Circle must be a member of the Topeka community with plans to start or grow a business in the region. For more information about the organization and the Topeka Startup Community, visit Omni Circle on Facebook.
About Omni Circle
Omni Circle is a Topeka-based collaborative workspace provider for the personal and professional development of members, dedicated to creating a community that achieves success while building environmental sustainability. The organization does this through establishing a conscious space designed to be the pipeline for members to become the best version of themselves. From providing volunteer opportunities and establishing community to building leaders and entrepreneurs in a creative workspace, Omni Circle promotes diversity and cross sector partnership to build sustainable and inclusive communities for all.
About GO Topeka
GO Topeka creates opportunities for economic growth that provide a thriving business climate and fulfilling lifestyle for Topeka and Shawnee County. GO Topeka operates under the Greater Topeka Partnership, the leading economic development agency in the region. https://www.gotopeka.com/
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SOURCE Go Topeka
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