$2 million Washington Heights Fund to Help North Side Entrepreneurs

Battle Creek’s North Side got a huge boost today, in the form of a $2 million fund to help people start a business.

Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU), in partnership with New Level Sports Ministries (NLSM), has established the Washington Heights Entrepreneurial Fund, a $2 million program for entrepreneurial and real estate development projects in the historic Battle Creek neighborhood. The fund is supported by a $2 million grant from the Battle Creek-based W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

The program prioritizes those who are Black, Hispanic and Burmese – groups with traditionally limited access to capital. Projects may fall under the real estate or business categories. Applicants may be eligible for grants up to $300,000 for real estate-only improvements. They may also be eligible to receive low-interest loans up to $150,000 for viable startups and existing businesses.

Program recipients will be provided business services, too, like accounting, marketing, or legal guidance. A suite of related services and mentors will help ensure long-term program success in Washington Heights. Business-service professionals interested in program participation are encouraged to contact BCU or NLSM.

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“NLSM, BCU, and the 846 Movement have together become the catalyst for entrepreneurship, land ownership, and economic development in the Washington Heights business district,” said Pastor Christopher McCoy, executive director of NLSM. “That’s been expanded here into an economic strategic plan that includes the entire Washington Heights community.”

“Land and business ownership provide two of the main wealth accumulation tools,” McCoy said. “But, above all, ownership provides the opportunity for self-determination – the process by which people control their own lives.”

Increased capital will revitalize vacant commercial properties in Washington Heights. The program will help spur job creation, wage increases, and generational opportunities.

“This program is designed to meet the needs of Washington Heights’ land and businesses owners, both current and prospective,” said Joe Sobieralski, president and CEO of BCU. “We are excited to partner with NLSM and the Washington Heights community and begin a new chapter of our economic development role in Battle Creek. BCU is excited to accelerate these diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in Battle Creek.”

There will be a Q&A session at NLSM’s 2021 Leadership Summit on March 20. For more event details, please call (269) 964-4172. Program applications will be accepted beginning May 1.