About Opportunity for Growth (OFG)
Opportunity for Growth is a 13 session intensive certification program based on Interise’s StreetWise MBA curriculum that provides entrepreneurs with business knowledge, management know-how, and networks needed to grow their established small businesses.
Business owners graduate with a 3-year growth plan after investing over 100 hours working on their business, learning with peers and accessing expert business coaching.
According to the most recent impact report, after 3 years, graduates of the program increased revenues by approximately 50% and created jobs at 11 times the rate compared to the private sector.
Using the nationally-acclaimed Interise Streetwise MBA™
The Minority Revolving Loan Fund for OFG Participants
As an Opportunity for Growth program participant, you are eligible for a low interest loan through the HEF Minority Revolving Loan Fund. Loan amounts can range from $10,000 to $50,000 at a 5% fixed interest rate. For more information, contact one of our HEF loan officers at ofg@hefnyc.org.
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Chef Elhadji Cisse
Cisse moved to NYC from Senegal at the age of 17. He didn't have money or job skills at the time, so he delivered food. But, this was short-lived. He was soon fired for not speaking “proper” English.
Despite restaurant industry challenges, Cisse saw chefs do well for themselves cooking for others. Cisse decided he would do the same.
By 21 years old, Cisse became a head chef in Manhattan. Then, he decided to open restaurants with sights on a Harlem location.
For help, Cisse joined Opportunity for Growth and Growth Path. In these programs, he learned how to improve his cash flow, marketing, and employee relations.
Curriculum Components and Modules
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Three-Year Strategic Growth Action Plan™
During this final session, participants work on growth plans with the help of business advisors and peers. Participants also receive help with operations, positioning, and an exit strategy.
Requirements for Admission
In business for at least 3 years
Annual revenues of $150K to $10MM
At least 1 employee + owner
Located in Upper Manhattan or the Bronx
Outstanding Program Results
More than 6,000 small businesses across the country have completed Interise’s StreetWise ‘MBA’™ curriculum since its launch over a decade ago.
Through the curriculum, small business owners gain the tools and accountability necessary to build their businesses, create jobs, and revitalize local economies.
Interise's 2018 Streetwise 'MBA'™ Impact Report Snapshot
Other remarkable results reported by StreetWise 'MBA'™ graduates in 2018 include:
