Most small business owners struggle to navigate the long and winding road to success, especially entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities.
Yet, while an increasing number of banks and nonprofits are creating small business assistance programs, they need help identifying the professionals who could use their support.
That's where University of Cincinnati alumnus Isa Shakir can help. As program manager for the Economic and Community Development Institute's (ECDI) Women's Business Centers, Shakir serves as a liaison, connecting his clients to the training, coaching and capital they need to start, run and grow their businesses.
Shakir credits his participation in the startup ecosystems of Cincinnati and the state of Ohio, along with his position at ECDI, to the comprehensive education he received.
He said Lindner's entrepreneurship curriculum, particularly the new venture course and Introduction to Entrepreneurship, gave him a fundamental understanding of small business ownership - something he said is often lacking among aspiring entrepreneurs. It also helped him understand the importance of advocacy in helping business owners succeed.
"The breadth of knowledge I acquired through these courses deepened my understanding of the essential needs of entrepreneurs," Shakir said.
Featured image at top: Isa Shakir. Photo/provided
