Get access to business skills with Opportunity for Growth

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.

Requirements for Admission

  • In business for at least 1 year

  • Annual revenues of $100K to $10M

  • At least 1 full-time employee + owner

  • Black and Hispanic-owned businesses located in Greater New York City

Applications Open

November 1, 2023

Applications Due

December 15, 2023

Cohort Notification

January 15, 2024

Classes meet Thursdays via Zoom 9 - 11am

Classes Begin

February 1, 2024

Curriculum Components and Modules

  • Business Strategy

    Participants identify & set strategic business goals for the next three years. They also assess their leadership styles & collaborate in CEO Mentoring Groups.

  • Financial Analysis

    Participants focus on key financial measures while gauging their business’ financial health to make effective financial decisions.

  • Accessing Capital

    Participants become familiar with the funding landscape. They get a chance to hear from experts from both public and private lending.

  • Marketing

    Participants will uncover their most profitable products and markets. They will also learn the importance of market segmentation and surveying customers.

  • Sales Strategy

    Participants study sales principles & review tools to track sales performance. Participants also learn about sales blocks and develop a plan for removing them.

  • Talent Acquisition

    Participants will learn how to select and nurture key talent for business growth. The importance of culture in retaining talent is also explored.

  • Contracting

    Participants learn about opportunities existing in government & anchor institutions. We also prepare participants for doing business with these entities.

  • Live Case Studies

    Present yourself and your business to peers and field experts for peer-based learning. This is a business owner's opportunity to apply what they are learning in real time.

  • CEO Mentoring Groups

    Beyond the classroom, participants engage in CEO Mentoring Groups –groups consisting of entrepreneurial peers to discuss business challenges. Groups also provide mentorship and feedback.

  • 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.

See past participants of Opportunity For Growth

Meet Opportunity For Growth Cohort 7 (2023)

Sourced from Interise’s 2020 Report, 15 Years of Service and Impact

Program Impact

More than 8,000 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. ​

Still have questions about Opportunity For Growth?