News & Events
Application Open for Capital Readiness for BIPOC Makers, spring 2026
Made in NYC is excited to announce our new Capital Readiness for BIPOC Makers program will return for a second cohort in the spring of 2026.
Building on a pilot in spring 2025, this intensive workshop series aims to serve BIPOC makers and manufacturers seeking to unlock the keys to financial growth through knowledge of both debt and equity capital.
Overview:
Join us for an intensive program tailored to BIPOC small business makers seeking to unlock the keys to financial growth through knowledge of both debt and equity capital. In today’s competitive landscape securing funding is essential for fueling expansion, innovation, and sustainability. Whether you’re a startup seeking initial investment or an established business looking to scale, understanding the nuances of debt and equity funding is paramount.
In these interactive sessions, participants will be guided through the intricacies of acquiring capital, offering practical strategies and actionable insights to empower their business journey. From traditional bank loans to alternative financing options, we’ll engage with the diverse avenues available for accessing funding.
Key Details
This is a 3-month intensive series with required in-person sessions at Pratt Institute’s Manhattan campus on the last Thursday (6-9pm), Fridays (10am-4pm) and Saturdays 10am-4pm) of January, February, and March, 2026. Your business must be BIPOC-owned and you must commit to at least 75% of sessions.
Application:
We are opening an initial registration form (below) for businesses to express interest in the spring 2026 cohort on October 27, 2025. The facilitators will review submissions and contact eligible businesses for an introductory call in November and December. Selected businesses will then be asked to complete a more robust application ahead of the program kickoff on January 22, 2026.
Outcomes For Participants:
* Demystify fundraising and eliminate your mental blocks relating to the process
* Gain an understanding of the various types of capital sources available to you
* Understand how different types of capital investments fit into your business
* Develop a clear plan for how you will use the capital investments you hope to raise and map out their execution
* Connect to resources that align with your investment plan
* Engage and collaborate with others on the same journey as you
Who is eligible to apply?
You are eligible if:
* You are a BIPOC small business owner.
* Your business has been operating for at least two years.
* You have a proven product with a growing market demand.
* You are eager to grow, innovate, and secure funding for your business.
Who is NOT eligible for the program?
You may not qualify if:
* Your business has been operating for less than two years.
* You cannot commit to at least 75% of the sessions.
* Your creative practice is solely hobby-based.
* You are not actively seeking funding or planning to scale your business.
Please note to be eligible for this program your business must be BIPOC-owned and available for the full range of dates below.
Full Schedule
Thursday, January 22nd | Virtual
Program kickoff with program facilitators and participants
6pm - 7pm
Part 1: Capacity Building
Thursday, January 29th | Pratt Manhattan Campus
Potluck Dinner: Gather with your cohort for a meal.
6pm - 9pm
Friday, January 30th | Pratt Manhattan Campus
Class 1: Business Planning and Growth
10am - 12pm
Assessing your business from inside/outside so that you can plan for growth.
Class 2: Fighting Fear of Funding
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Overcome your fear of money!
Makers and Finance Panel
3pm - 4pm
Saturday, January 31st | Pratt Manhattan Campus
Class 3: Financial Fundamentals and Cash Flows
10am - 12pm
Understand best practices for financial management.
Class 4: Bookkeping
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Class 5: Understanding Your Fundraising Options
3pm - 4pm
Debt or Equity capital, what is it and which is best for you?
Thursday, February 26th | Pratt Manhattan Campus
Class 6: Demystifying Capital
6pm - 9pm
A clear layout of the typical process for both debt and equity capital.
Friday, February 27th | Pratt Manhattan Campus
Class 7: Loans, Grants, & Equity
10am - 11am
Debt and equity options.
Class 8: Applying For Grants
11am - 12pm
Learn about creating strong grant/fellowship applications.
Class 9: Assessing Your Financial Needs and How You’ll Use Them
12pm - 2pm
How much funding do you need and how do you plan for it?
Class 10: Brand Lab
2pm - 4pm
Part 2: Access to Capital
Saturday, February 28th | Pratt Manhattan Campus
Class 11: Pitching Your Business
10am - 12pm
What is a pitch and how to create one.
Conversation: Makers Pitch Panel
12:30pm - 2pm
Class 12: Pitch Creation and Practice
2pm - 4pm
Presentations & Wrap
Friday, March 27th | Pratt Manhattan Campus
Class 13: In-person Panel & Speed Dating with Funders
10am - 11am
Come pitch your business to funding experts.
Conversation: Ask Me Anything with Funders
11am - 2pm
Saturday, March 28th | Pratt Manhattan Campus
Class 14: Presentations With Wrap Event
10am - 4pm
Each participant will present on their funding plan. We will also have a celebration.