Expansion Press Release
Habitat for Neighborhood Business is expanding its efforts to support entrepreneurs and revitalize neighborhoods around the country. Habitat for Neighborhood Business provides aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with essential tools and mentorship to stimulate commerce and expand employment in underserved communities.
”In the past 18 years, we have established a successful program to support more than 50 entrepreneurs in the City of St. Louis through our affiliation with the Chaifetz School of Business at Saint Louis University. Reflecting our strong commitment to supporting small business owners in underserved areas, we are now initiating actions to take that model nationwide, strengthening communities across the country,” said Douglas Brown, HNB founder and Chairman of the Board.
HNB’s expansion plans include identifying additional college and university affiliates as a springboard to geographic expansion, leveraging its success with its flagship affiliate, Saint Louis University.
HNB’s plans also include introducing a new Virtual Program for entrepreneurs to enable access to educational content no matter where they live, from rural-to-urban communities. This new Program will allow entrepreneurs to access information and support on their schedules.
To spearhead its expansion plans, Habitat for Neighborhood Business is bringing on seasoned non-profit executive Dr. Lucinda Perry Jones as its new Executive Director. Dr. Perry Jones joins HNB with deep experience in a wide array of non-profit organizations and higher education institutions.
“Throughout my career, I have found immense satisfaction in work that strengthens communities,” said Perry Jones. “Taking on this leadership role at HNB during such a pivotal time is a true honor. I look forward to leveraging my passion and experience to expand the impact of this empowering program. The HNB blueprint, developed in collaboration with Saint Louis University, offers a compelling and sustainable model for replication. I am eager to introduce the HNB program to more colleges and universities to increase economic opportunities for entrepreneurs in marginalized communities.”
For additional information on Habitat for Neighborhood Business,
email marc.enger@habitatforneighborhoodbusiness.org.
