The Atlanta Small Business Training Consortium, Inc. partnered with ZNEF in an effort to support historically underserved and underrepresented small business owners, with particular emphasis on promoting equitable access to capital, resources, and growth opportunities for entrepreneurs facing systemic economic barriers, in the cities of Atlanta, Ga and Chicago, 11. The Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Small Business Empowerment Fund, established by the Atlanta Small Business Training Consortium, Inc. (ASBTCI) in partnership with the Zeta National Educational Foundation (ZNEF), is dedicated to providing financial support and business development resources to small Black-owned businesses. This initiative aims to foster equitable economic growth, address systemic barriers to capital access, and empower entrepreneurs who are historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged. While the Fund centers its focus on Black-owned enterprises, it remains inclusive of all applicants aligned with the mission of promoting inclusive entrepreneurship and community advancement. Applicants will be evaluated based on multiple criteria, including:

• Demonstrated need and economic disadvantage

• Impact on community development 

• Representation from historically underfunded demographics