A new chapter for Waterloo & Cedar Falls.
24/7 BLAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to making Waterloo & Cedar Falls the place for Black Americans to live, work, and raise the next generation of thrivers.
Entrepreneurship
Home Ownership
Our community should be a place for all to thrive.
But the racial inequality is staggering. In 2018, Waterloo & Cedar Falls were listed as #1 in the 24/7 Wall Street list of “The Worst Cities for Black Americans.” The article exposed that, when compared to their White counterparts, Black Americans were:
● earning less than half the median income ($25,897),
● more than five times more likely to be unemployed (23.9%),
● less than half as likely to own a home (32.8%), and
● 10x more likely to be incarcerated (2020).
Tides are changing.
If you are a Black American living in our area, we see you; we are you. Change is happening! Allow us to introduce 24/7 BLAC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to making Waterloo & Cedar Falls the place for Black Americans to live, work, and raise the next generation of thrivers.
Through nationally recognized programs in entrepreneurship, professional skill development, and home ownership, 24/7 BLAC is evening the playing field for Black Americans in Waterloo & Cedar Falls.
To fully understand what 24/7 BLAC is, we need to express what it’s not.
It’s not a pipe dream.
There’s no time for bureaucracy; we’re taking immediate action.
It’s not a
handout.
We come alongside Black American neighbors already putting in the work.
It’s not a
quick fix.
Lasting change takes time; we’re here to see it through.
Get Involved.
No matter your address, your resume, or your race, you can get involved at 24/7 BLAC.
Donate
95% of your gift goes directly to programs that empower our residents.
Advocate
Subscribe to our newsletter to learn and share what’s taking our community by storm.
Participate
Advancement opportunities await ambitious Black Americans in our community.
Not sure where to start?
Contact us and we’ll help you plug in.
I recently completed Cohort VI, of the 24/7 BLAC Business Entrepreneur Accelerator Program, a remarkable program tailored for and aimed to help establish local small businesses. The experience was nothing short of eye opening and transformative, all the while fostering an environment that prioritized professional growth and celebrated diversity and community empowerment.
BBEA's mentorship played a pivotal role in my journey, as experienced mentors from diverse backgrounds provided invaluable insights and guidance. Their commitment to our success went beyond generic advice, it attempted to tailor recommendations specific to the needs of our individual businesses.
Overall, the program's commitment to addressing the systemic barriers faced by black entrepreneurs all over the country, was evident throughout the duration of the program. The mentors facilitated access to resources and displayed a passion for advocating for inclusivity and diversity in the local business landscape. BBEA is not just an ordinary program; it's a movement towards a more equitable entrepreneurial future.
In conclusion, 24/7 BLAC is a beacon of excellence in the business accelerator landscape. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such an empowering program.
— William Burt
Entrepreneur
I was fortunate enough to be part of the initial cohort of the Business Accelerator Program. It was life changing. Sixteen weeks of pure, unadulterated knowledge taught to us by professionals, entrepreneurs and individuals who excelled as experts of their craft and held nothing back.
We took deep dives into marketing, customer archetypes, target audiences, bookkeeping, profit margins, and ways to secure the funds necessary to operate a successful business.
We learned how to pitch our businesses to investors which resulted in me taking first place in the BBEA Pitch Competition.
The BBEA is long overdue. It is playing a vital role in the longevity of minority owned businesses that would not otherwise have access to the resources necessary to succeed in a community like the Cedar Valley.
Dominque Wallican
Owner | Dominique's Seafood
Entrepreneur Graduates
Homebuyer Program Graduates
New Homeowners
Million Dollars
in local economic impact from closed homes
Here’s a quick look at our signature programs.
Entrepreneurship
You don’t have to do business alone. Join the BBEA, a 14-week business crash course, and learn with a cohort of Black entrepreneurs how to overcome social, economic, and systematic challenges, while mastering fundamentals that save time, money, and stress.
Home Ownership
Tired of renting? Join PROJECT HOME, a series of free classes and coaching for Black Americans in Waterloo & Cedar Falls that help each participant master the home-buying process, make a plan, and earn a $2,500 certificate towards their down payment.
It’s time to break free from the chains of complacency.
Together, we can pave the way for an opportunity-laden, equality- boasting community that represents who we really are.