OIC of America Opens New Entreprenurial Initiative For Black Americans
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A Philadelphia-based, nonprofit, business training organization has launched its boldest initiative since its founding 60 years ago: a plan to put one million African-Americans into their own businesses.
Mayor Michael Nutter told the crowd at Progress Plaza in North Philadelphia (above) that he was among the first to donate to OIC of America's new "Entrepreneurial Mindset Initiative," designed to encourage African-Americans to start their own businesses.
A $100-million endowment is being created as a first step.
"That's the fastest way we can train people," said Stanley Greene (right), the initiative's national director.
Former United Bank president Dr. Emma Chappell agrees.
"Particularly with this economy being in such bad shape and the jobs not being there," she told KYW Newsradio, "it's time for us to create our own jobs."
OIC wants to raise $10 million from the community, ten dollars at a time. Donors can text "OIC" to 41010 to make a $10.00 donation or go online to oicofamerica.org.
Reported by Karin Phillips, KYW Newsradio 1060.
