The Allan Houston Business Education & Development Program and the Lenovo Small Business Incubator represent a unique collaboration of celebrity, corporate and civic organizations towards the greater good of the community. Together with the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, we have created a one-of-a-kind program for entrepreneurial and economic advancement. With funding support from Lenovo and other corporate partners, the program will continue to grow in New York and New Orleans while expanding to new cities such as Chicago, Oakland and others in the months and years ahead. With the mission of empowering young entrepreneurs to create successful business enterprises with lasting economic benefit to the community, this comprehensive program combines high-caliber instruction with expert-assisted application in two stages –

Stage 1) Business Education & Development (5.5 Months)

Identified through localized promotions and evaluated according to a set criteria (age and diploma requirements, organizational and communication skills, strength of business concept and/or initial business plan, and perceived aptitude for entrepreneurial success), program participants undergo a three month intensive training period with twice-weekly instruction in NFTE’s advanced curriculum with the goal of skill development, knowledge gain, and the refining of specific business concepts. Led by a veteran NFTE Certified Entrepreneurial Teachers and co-facilitated by the Program Director, the instruction is highly dynamic with frequent guest speakers, field trips, affinity (small group) work, and other business/community asset exploratory activities to augment instruction. In the second three months, participants are paired with experienced and knowledgeable mentors who assist in developing their business plans through a series of in-depth clinics.

Stage 2) Small Business Incubation (12 Months)

Upon completion of training, two businesses identified as “launch-ready” are selected to receive free office space, a team of advisors to help launch their business, up to $20,000 in donor-advised start-up funds, and access to small business loans and grants for additional capital. During this stage, each business will execute a clear implementation strategy with set objectives, work closely with the advisory team to identify and overcome problem areas, generate positive cash flow, and write a first year Annual Report (More Info). At the end of this period, each enterprise will be evaluated and relocated within the community as the next set of trained entrepreneurs enter the incubator.

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Student Testimonials

Hollis Heath (19 years old from Harlem, NY) - “The entrepreneurship program with the Allan Houston Foundation has been a phenomenal experience thus far. Before this point, I never envisioned myself as a business person. Now, I can not only see myself owning a business, but several. The instruction I’ve received, the support from the faculty and contacts I’ve made have been invaluable. I count the decision to apply to the program extremely high, on my ‘best decision ever made’ list.”

Ekiuwa Asemota (25 years old from Brooklyn, NY) - “This class is extremely important to me, what I have learned thus far and the guide from my instructors has built up my self-esteem as a young entrepreneur, as well as, guided me to becoming more FOCUSED on my goals, dreams and passion in life.”

Keia Cuffe (25 years old from Bronx, NY) - “Being a part of the Allan Houston Business Education and Development program has been a wonderful experience for me. I've learned so much about empowering myself in the business world with the support of the team. I also gained lifelong friends and business advisors in my classmates. I really appreciate how everyone helped everyone get through the program whether it was through emails, phone calls or encouraging words during class.”

Keith Kinch (26 years old from Brooklyn, NY) - “This has been one of the best experiences in my life. Being able to see my idea begin to form into reality is something I hope everyone my age can be part of one day.”

Sarah Farzam (25 years old from Manhattan, NY) - “This program is very important to me and I truly appreciate all that it has done for me. Meeting Kat (instructor) has been great, the support from Trevor and Jonathan has been lovely as well. Whenever I am frustrated, I come to class and feel relieved. Thank you for trying to make it an exceptional experience for all of us. Please keep up the good work!”

Ronald Smith (19 years old from Washington Heights, NY) - “The Allan Houston Foundation has helped me greatly in furthering my business plan and its details. I am greatly appreciative for the opportunity. Thank You!”

Aminah Salaam (23 years old from Harlem, NY) - “My experience in the program has been exceptionally rewarding. I have come to have an open mind in learning from my competitors and networking with others. This program will have a large part in the success of my business and I am very thankful for this opportunity!”

Christopher Melendez (21 years old from Bronx, NY) - “This program means so much more than just to have the opportunity to write a business plan. This foundation made me look at the little things in life in which I took for granted. After high school I struggled with life, and the ability to handle my drinking. This program gives me a new hold on life and shows me that I’m not ‘washed-up.’ I accomplished something for myself when all I did was fill out that application. And having done my [Power Point] presentation, though extremely nervous, I accomplished a task that I put a lot of effort in and for that I’m proud of myself. I’m extremely grateful for this program and blessed to actually be doing something towards my dream instead of just dreaming about it.”

Johmyrin Johnson (22 years old from New Orleans, LA) - “Before this program, I was afraid of my own potential. Never did I think that I could combine my passion with a business that could be viable and affect change in so many lives. This program helped me look those fears in the face and transform that energy into a successful business. I can only be thankful. I was given the foundational knowledge and skills to prepare me for the rigor that accompanies business formation, but I have taken so much more from the program than what I originally intended. I have gained a new family, new friends, and new partners in my classmates and throughout the community. I am more aware of my strengths and weaknesses as an individual. I am also more confident in my ability to truly change the structure of my city through this business. My most challenging days in the program were always accompanied by support from the other people experiencing the roller coaster ride that I was a part of. I could not have asked for a better group of people. Starting this journey is an experience that I will cherish for a lifetime and I look forward to what experiences lie ahead.”

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As the program continues to expand to other locations across the country, hundreds of participants will be given the tools needed to find personal success and economic empowerment through entrepreneurship - Apply Now. To request a Program Overview that details each component of the program and its curriculum, please Contact Us.