Urban Capital Readiness Program equips you with the tools to:

• Secure Funding: We guide you through the process of accessing capital working through the State Small Business Credit Initiative, traditional lenders, Community Development Financial Institutions (“CDFIs”), angel investors and other funding sources.
• Develop a Winning Business & Financing Plan: Accelerate your business planning with a comprehensive business assessment, personalized coaching with a focus on crafting an actionable plan and business-focused financial literacy training.
• Unique Networking Opportunities: You will network with peers during the course of the program. And you will connect with capital providers and learn best practices for cultivating relationships with lenders and investors.

Program Structure and Location

The Capital Readiness Program is an intensive, nine-week program.

The program supports a range of businesses – from startups and early-stage ventures to established firms.  Members of each cohort will learn from each other as well as from their LAUL coaches and program instructors.

The program will provide services to participating companies which include one-on-one consulting for the business’ strategic planning goals, insights regarding executive coaching and leadership, sales and financial administration as well as advice on other areas of technical expertise.

All program sessions will place on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. Active participation in all sessions is required for graduation from the program.

• Application Deadline: June 16, 2026

• • Program Start Date: June 30, 2026
  • Program End Date: August 18, 2026

All program sessions will be virtual except for: 

• • The Kickoff Session: June 30th
  • Perfecting the Pitch Session: July 28th
  • Program Graduation: August 18th

The location of the in-person sessions will be provided upon your acceptance into the Program.