Do you have what it takes to join 

Black Business Matters

COHORT 7?

 

Black Business Matters Business Plan Intensive.  

This Year, We’re Raising the Bar.
In 2026, we’re doing things differently.

We’re opening the doors wider — accepting more than 25 applicants, but make no mistake: Only 25 will graduate.

This is not a participation program.
This is a proving ground.

We are searching for 25 entrepreneurs who embody New York grit, founders who don’t flinch at pressure, who understand that business is discipline, not decoration, and who are ready to turn the meaning of entrepreneurship on its head.

Show Us Your Grit.
Black Business Matters isn’t just about writing a business plan.
It’s about building the backbone behind the brilliance.

Over the course of this intensive, you will:

Stress-test your business model
Strengthen your financial fluency
Develop a fundable, strategic plan
Present your vision to seasoned business professionals
But first, you must earn your seat.

Here’s How It Works
Step 1: Orientation is Mandatory.
All applicants must attend one orientation session. No exceptions.

Step 2: Jury Presentation.
Selected applicants will present to a jury of business professionals for final cohort selection.

Step 3: The Standard Is High.
If accepted, more than 2 absences or missed appointments will disqualify participants from eligibility for the prize. This program rewards discipline.

Applicants Must Demonstrate:
✔ A business model that solves a real problem
✔ Black-owned (majority ownership)
✔ Clear commitment to launching or growing a business
✔ Company principal resides in Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island, Queens, or Brooklyn

This Is Not for Everyone.
This is for the founder who:

Doesn’t romanticize entrepreneurship
Understands execution beats ideas
Is ready to be coached, challenged, and sharpened
Wants to leave with more than inspiration — but with infrastructure
If you are serious about building something sustainable, scalable, and fundable; 
We want to see it.

If you’re looking for easy, this isn’t it.

If you’re looking for growth — apply.

Spots will not be handed out.
They will be earned.

New York built you.
Now build the business to match.
 

Important Dates:

You may apply before attending an orientation; however, orientation is mandatory.  You will still have to participate in a session. 

If you missed the orientation sessions, please email gramcharan@nyul.org to access orientation information. 

   

       BBM Information Session - August 3, 2026

       Application Deadline - August 21, 2026

       Jury Presentations - August 31, 2026

       Final Candidate Notification - Early September

       BBM Intensive -Monday, September 21, 2026 - Monday, December 7, 2026

Virtual/In-Person

Why you should apply for the Black Business Matters Business Plan Intensive

• Entrepreneurs who create business plans are 260% more likely to start their ventures.

• Having a business plan boosts the likelihood of business growth by 30%.

•  About 70% of businesses that remain operational for five years have a strategic business plan in place.

• 71% of rapidly expanding companies utilize a business plan.

• Businesses with a written plan have a 7% higher chance of achieving significant growth compared to those without one.

•  One study revealed that only 35% of surveyed business owners had completed a business plan.

• Essentially, those who finish their business plans are twice as likely to succeed.

The Black Business Matters business plan journey is intensive and not for hobbyists but for emerging entrepreneurs dedicated to doing the work it takes to build a solid organization.

The program includes twelve weekly three-hour sessions with an instructor. In session, we cover a plan topic and homework, and hear from a guest expert to discuss the weekly subject matter. Open discussion is encouraged among participants. Additionally, each participant receives 1-1 credits to meet with the instructor for more focused instruction and access to a software license to write the plan and financials. Lastly, two study group sessions are available for those who want to delve into marketing and finance topics.

At the program's close, all completed business plans will be reviewed, and a winner will be selected for prizes.

    

Application Deadline - Monday, August 21, 2026