On August 23, 2025, the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce officially launched its new StriveSphere Business Development Program, welcoming 10 carefully selected business owners into the inaugural cohort. This pilot marks a milestone moment for Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community, designed to prepare small businesses to compete for large-scale procurement opportunities with major corporations and global events.

Pathway Financial Education is proud to serve as a partner in this initiative, alongside Turner Construction Company and JE Dunn Construction. Through this collaboration, Pathway will deliver financial education curriculum across multiple topics, hosting several sessions and offering additional subject-matter expertise throughout the program.

What is StriveSphere?

StriveSphere is a first-of-its-kind program designed to help businesses grow their capacity and become procurement-ready. Over the course of 20 sessions across 8 months, participants commit to intensive learning on core business topics such as:

  • Business Structure & Legal Readiness
  • Operations Management & Pricing
  • Leadership, Communication, and Delegation
  • Marketing, Brand Positioning & Strategic Networking
  • Procurement Fundamentals, Readiness & Compliance
  • Financial Readiness & Risk Management
  • Technology & Workforce Development

Each session provides real-world training, mentorship, and direct connections to corporate partners. Breakfast and lunch are provided during the full-day learning sessions, which take place on Fridays and Saturdays.

Why It Matters

Entrepreneurs accepted into StriveSphere bring at least two years of experience, financial history, and demonstrated business revenue. With these foundations in place, the program offers a unique opportunity to accelerate growth and open doors to new markets.

Participants benefit from:

  • A guided pathway to sustainable business capacity
  • One-on-one mentorship from experts and partners
  • Peer support within a dedicated business cohort
  • Direct access to procurement and funding opportunities

This work builds on Pathway’s track record of supporting entrepreneurs through initiatives like the DoorDash Accelerator for Local Businesses and Pro Bono Small Business Clinic.

Pathway’s Role

As part of our ongoing partnership with the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce, Pathway brings deep expertise in financial education, capacity-building, and business readiness. Our curriculum modules will help participating businesses strengthen financial practices, prepare for growth, and approach procurement opportunities with confidence.

“Supporting Kansas City entrepreneurs is at the heart of Pathway’s mission,” said LaTasha Jacobs, Executive Director of Pathway Financial Education. “StriveSphere gives small business owners the tools, training, and connections they need to compete and win on a larger scale. We are honored to play a role in this transformative program.”

Looking Ahead

This pilot cohort focuses on the construction industry, one of five key industries StriveSphere plans to serve. Over time, the program will expand into additional fields, bringing even more small businesses into the procurement pipeline.

Pathway looks forward to walking alongside the Heartland Black Chamber and our corporate partners to ensure that entrepreneurs have the resources, knowledge, and confidence to thrive.

Not part of StriveSphere but interested in growing your business? Connect with a Pathway employee for a 1:1, sign up for our Pro Bono Small Business Clinic, or explore our upcoming workshops and classes to get started.