Programs
Jumpstart My Biz
JumpStart My Biz is a free, eight-module entrepreneurship bootcamp meeting twice per week, designed to help early-stage business owners move from idea to execution. Participants build foundational skills across business structure, marketing, operations, financial readiness, and access to capital while gaining practical tools and confidence to grow sustainably. The program also connects entrepreneurs to ongoing coaching, bookkeeping support, and AYA’s broader ecosystem of resources beyond the classroom.
AYAFinancial Readiness
AYAFinancial is a pilot initiative for businesses that are growth capital-ready, but have been locked out of funding access due to insufficient financial records, inadequate collateral, and other operational challenges. Through AYAFinancial, entrepreneurs are matched with trusted financial professionals and seasoned business consultants who take a hands-on, in-depth look at the business’ financials and day-to-day operations. Together, they work to
strengthen financial management practices, improve operational efficiency, and uncover opportunities to increase revenue and profitability, all necessary to access
capital. More than technical assistance—AYAFinancial is capacity building. Business owners gain clarity, confidence, and practical tools to better understand their numbers, make better informed decisions, and position their businesses for long-term sustainability.
Scale My Biz: Accelerating Growth for Businesses Ready to Expand
Scale My Biz is an intensive business growth accelerator designed for established, high-growth-potential businesses owned by founders of color who are ready to move from momentum to meaningful scale. Built for entrepreneurs who have already proven their concept, the program delivers advanced business management curriculum focused on the strategies and systems required to grow sustainably. Participants deepen their ability to increase revenue, strengthen operations, and make data-driven financial decisions—while positioning their businesses to compete for capital and procurement opportunities. Through Scale My Biz, founders refine growth strategies that drive efficiency, profitability, and long-term resilience. The program emphasizes financial discipline, operational excellence, and strategic readiness—equipping business owners to scale with confidence and clarity.
Scale My Biz is best suited for businesses generating $500,000 or more in annual revenue and poised for their next phase of expansion.
AYA Masterclass Series
The AYA Masterclass Series delivers master-level instruction led by respected subject-matter experts, designed specifically for Black entrepreneurs and the Black
community at large. These sessions go beyond the basics—offering advanced insights, strategic guidance, and real-world expertise on the issues shaping Black
business today and into the future.
Each 2-hour masterclass dives deep into timely and critical topics, including:
1. Equitable and responsible use of artificial intelligence
Business financials and access to growth capital
2. Private- and public-sector procurement and contracting
3. Local, state, and federal policy shifts impacting Black businesses
4. Other essential topics influencing sustainability and scale
The AYA Masterclass Series is built for action. Participants receive current, relevant information paired with practical strategies they can immediately apply to strengthen their businesses, make informed decisions, and stay ahead in an
evolving economic landscape and shifting local and national policies.
AYAConnex
AYAConnex is where we connect our entrepreneurs to a plethora of internal and external business resources. This includes 1-on-1 customized business coaching; bookkeeping and back-office assistance; financial coaching and more. AYAConnex resources provide individualized support for entrepreneurs who are ready for deeper guidance, accountability, and financial clarity as they plan for growth and build toward sustainability.
Fiscal Sponsorship
AYA Foundation selectively offers fiscal sponsorship to emerging organizations and social initiatives that align with our mission and vision. Through this partnership, sponsored projects gain access to AYA’s established infrastructure, compliance support, and operational guidance, allowing leaders to focus on mission delivery and community impact. Fiscal sponsorship through AYA is designed to support early-stage growth, strengthen organizational sustainability, and provide a clear pathway toward long-term independence while remaining rooted in equity, accountability, and community-centered values.
AYAInvest – Investing in Black Business, Building Generational
Impact
AYAInvest is the AYA Foundation’s grant-making initiative dedicated to fueling the growth of Black-owned businesses and innovative startups across Colorado. Designed to close persistent capital and equity gaps, AYAInvest provides flexible, catalytic funding that helps entrepreneurs move from vision to viability—and from sustainability to scale.
Through AYAInvests, Black entrepreneurs gain access to capital that supports business stability, job creation, and long-term growth. This funding empowers founders to strengthen their operations, invest in critical resources, and build employer businesses that contribute to thriving local economies. More than a grant program, AYAInvest is an investment in possibility. By backing bold ideas and resilient entrepreneurs, AYA Foundation is helping to build stronger
businesses, create economic opportunity, and advance generational prosperity for Black communities—while driving inclusive growth throughout Colorado’s
economy.
Funded in part through a Grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration