INDIANAPOLIS — Minority business incubator NICHE is looking for its next group of aspiring entrepreneurs.
The next round of the program will specifically focus on Hoosiers with criminal histories.
“We want to help people with criminal histories change their futures, regardless of their past, and provide them with the same education, mentors, networks and financial resources as other students. said Toseia Holmes, executive director of Niche Incorporated.
NICHE stands for Neighborhood Incubator for Creative Hustlers and Entrepreneurs and has served 126 people over the past four years.
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Niche 1.0 is a 12-month program that connects entrepreneurs with coaches and resources to develop business plans and corporate brands.
The organization also has Niche 2.0, which focuses on growing existing businesses. Niche Jr. is a summer camp for future entrepreneurs.
“We have seen through our 1.0 program and even through our 2.0 program that people with criminal records tend to face more challenges and higher barriers to overcome,” Holmes said. Ta.
That’s why the organization is launching NICHE 4.0. This is the same 12-month program, but includes additional wraparound services that target barriers such as obtaining a license, building credit, and obtaining financing.
Why Niche 4.0?
Chef Jaszina Maria has perfected NICHE 1.0.
“When you become a business owner, you’re not given a book on what to do and how to do it, so going through the NICHE program helped me understand everything I thought I knew, when in reality I didn’t. That’s all covered,” Jasjina said.
She launched her business, Juszina Maria Catering Studio, in 2018 and was able to go full-time this year.
After completing the NICHE program, she acted with confidence.
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In June, she won the grand prize of $25,000 in the NICHE Pitch Contest.
“The grant was very helpful. I needed a catering van and was able to buy one. I was able to buy supplies for my business, pay my employees, We were able to rent it here, which was really helpful,” said chef Jaszina Maria.
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The deadline to apply for NICHE 4.0 for people with criminal records is Monday, September 30th. Participants must have stable housing and employment as it is a 12-month contract.
“We know that the economy continues to be a major cause not only of violence but also of recidivism. Areas with fewer communities tend to have more violence. We want to create an opportunity where they can think about things and start to really take pride in their ideas, rather than just picking a deal,” Holmes said.
The program begins October 19th.
