LGBT Entrepreneur Training Program
Above Consulting has worked with LGBTQ+ organizations in San Francisco for many years to provide entrepreneurship education, business training, and individualized support to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.
Building on this experience, the LGBT Entrepreneur Training Program is a nine-week, instructor-led program designed to help LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs launch, develop, and grow sustainable businesses.
Delivered live via Zoom, the program combines practical business instruction, hands-on assignments, cohort-based learning, and individualized business consulting. Participants apply what they learn directly to their own businesses while learning alongside a community of fellow LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.
The program is designed with a focus on supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Participation is open to entrepreneurs of all backgrounds.
What You’ll Learn
Business Strategy & Planning
Business models, value propositions, customer discovery, market validation, goal setting, and strategies for developing and growing a sustainable business.
Marketing & Sales
Target customers, market positioning, marketing channels, customer acquisition, sales strategies, and building lasting customer relationships.
Financial Management
Pricing, budgeting, revenue and expense projections, cash flow management, understanding business financials, and using financial information to make better decisions.
Operations & Business Readiness
Business processes, legal structures, permits and licensing, operational planning, business tools, and resources for building and managing a sustainable business.
Program Format
Nine-Week Cohort
Participants progress through the program together, providing opportunities to exchange ideas, experiences, challenges, and feedback with fellow entrepreneurs.
Live Online Training
Weekly instructor-led sessions are delivered live via Zoom with an emphasis on practical application.
Hands-On Assignments
Participants complete assignments throughout the program and apply what they learn directly to their own businesses or business concepts.
Individual Business Consulting
Each participant will have access to up to two hours of individualized business consulting during the nine-week program.
Final Business Presentation
At the conclusion of the program, participants will have an opportunity to present their businesses and plans to a selected group of small business experts and receive practical feedback.
Who Should Apply
The LGBT Entrepreneur Training Program is particularly suited for entrepreneurs who want to develop their business knowledge, strengthen their business strategy, and build a more sustainable business.
The program welcomes entrepreneurs at different stages, from those developing a business concept to those already operating a business and looking for new ways to grow. Participants should be ready to actively work on their businesses, engage with fellow entrepreneurs, and apply what they learn throughout the nine-week program.
The program focuses on supporting the LGBTQ+ entrepreneurial community in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Entrepreneurs of all backgrounds are welcome to apply.
Program Outcomes
By the end of the nine-week program, participants will have:
A clearly defined business model and value proposition;
A stronger understanding of their target customers and how to reach them;
A practical marketing and customer acquisition strategy;
A financial plan that includes pricing, revenue, expenses, and cash flow;
Clear priorities and an actionable roadmap for the next stage of their business;
Greater confidence in evaluating opportunities and making business decisions; and
A network of fellow LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and connections with experienced small business professionals.
Program Faculty
The LGBT Entrepreneur Training Program is led by Eddie Tang, Founder and Principal Consultant of Above Consulting.
Over the past 12 years, Eddie has advised and supported approximately 1,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting, business training, and entrepreneurship programs. His work focuses on helping entrepreneurs develop practical strategies in business planning, marketing, financial management, operations, and growth.
Small business experts may also participate in selected program activities and the final business presentation.
Tuition
$500 per participant
Special introductory tuition for the first cohort.
Upcoming Cohort
Applications are now being accepted for the upcoming LGBT Entrepreneur Training Program cohort.
Cohort size is limited to maintain an interactive learning environment and provide meaningful individualized support.
Applicants will complete a short online application and will be contacted regarding next steps.
Questions?
For questions about the LGBT Entrepreneur Training Program, please contact Eddie Tang at eddie.tang@aboveconsultinginc.com.