Bentonville nonprofit Venture Noire is moving into its second fundraising phase as it plans to extend its offerings to more Black and minority-group entrepreneurs.
"By supporting these early stage, diverse entrepreneurs we're helping to level the playing field," Keenan Beasley, founder of Venture Noire, said in a statement.
Its second fundraising cycle aims to raise $5 million, in part to open two groupings made up of as many as 20 startups.
Emma Willis, director of the Heartland region at Venture Noire, said in a statement the two new cohorts will have access to personalized programs and resources and will have the opportunity to showcase their businesses in Bentonville in front of investors and corporations.
Venture Noire's first round was funded by the Walton Foundation, including access to capital, for over 200 Black- and minority-owned businesses around the nation, according to a recent release. Venture Noire has been involved in the distribution of nearly $180,000 in capital.