This month, Interise launched our Boston-based StreetWise ‘MBA’™. The cohort, held in East Boston, provides executive education to the owners of established small businesses that are minority-owned and/or located in a low- or moderate-income community.
Interise’s StreetWise ‘MBA’™ (now available in 70+ cities nationwide) has been delivered in Boston for over 15 years. Since 2004, 16 cohorts and over 200 local companies have taken the program.
“We expect amazing results from you,” said Darrell Byers, new CEO of Interise, to the program’s participants at the East Boston kickoff event. “There’s going to be hard work involved, but it will pay off in the end. We have the proof.”
Previous Interise alumni businesses grew their company’s revenue by 50%, on average, while maintaining profitability. And minority-owned companies grew their revenues even more – by an astounding 150%. Interise alumni companies also created jobs at 11x the rate of the private sector, with an average salary $10k above the national average.
“We realize our limits as first-generation entrepreneurs. How do we become better leaders? How do we learn what we don’t know, delegate what we can’t do, and advance our growth goals? And how do we best serve our clients?” said Tariana Little, co founder of EmVision. “We are so grateful to be among 20 small businesses chosen for this Interise StreetWise ‘MBA’™ program.”
The East Boston program is funded by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, Capital One, and the City of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development. Our local partners include East Boston Main Streets, Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation, and the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA).
“We are excited by the opportunity to partner with Interise,” said Segun Idowu, Executive Director of BECMA. “Our members will benefit greatly from this new connection to such a valuable resource and center of knowledge.”
Interise’s focus on established small employers is rooted in a commitment to build a stronger, more inclusive local economy. Nationally, Interise’s data from over 7,000 established small businesses uncovers trends and insights into the staying power of established small businesses for inclusive economic development.
Follow along with Interise for updates from the East Boston program at @StreetWiseMBA.