| Description: |
History:
CAAAB was founded in 2006, under the leadership of Eddie G. Davis to address the business support gap among African-American-owned small business. CAAAB is the only capacity building and community business support organization in the St. Louis region specifically targeting disadvantaged African-American entrepreneurs. Until recently, it was the economic development arm of the St. Louis Black Leadership Roundtable (BLR).
What We Do:
CAAAB serves as a clearinghouse for community resources and support for its clients. Its target clients are businesses that are 51% owned, managed, and or controlled by African Americans. CAAAB also coordinates interaction between African American businesses and other business support organizations like the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis, Grace Hill, Justine Petersen, St. Louis Minority Business Council, St. Louis County Economic Development Council, St. Louis Economic Development Corporation, Small Business Development Center and Small Business Administration, etc. CAAAB’s holistic approach is unique and designed to add tremendous value by eliminating fragmentation among business support programs in the region. It is governed by a Board of Directors who are highly accomplished professionals in the business field.
Scopes of Work:
Provide support services and one-on-one technical assistance to businesses based on their leadership and organizational life cycle and the specific needs and gaps that are associated with it which, if not addressed, become deterrents to business growth.
Develop and implement entrepreneurship programs in partnership with schools and grass root organizations to foster social and economic development of disenfranchised communities and its residents.
Partner with local corporations, faith based organizations, and financial institutions to develop mentoring programs that will enhance professional, organizational, and financial development among minority business owners.
Partner with other business support organizations, local banks, and corporations to bring about policy shifts in lending practices and promote/support initiatives for increased lending capacity of lenders who work with disadvantaged businesses and their leaders. |
Available