WHAT WE DO.

WHAT WE DO

UBIZ provides essential resources to help businesses grow and succeed.

Access flexible financing solutions to support your business needs.

Secure investment opportunities to scale and expand.

Gain valuable skills and mentorship for business success.

SMALL BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM

UBIZ Venture Capital (UVC) is a vehicle that has been strategically established with the full support of the Urban League of Greater Cleveland’s (ULGC) board of directors to bring tangible solutions to disparities in small business lending for African Americans and other disadvantaged small businesses.

UBIZ provides intense pre-loan counseling and technical assistance to minority and disadvantaged businesses that have growth potential but are having difficulty securing much needed capital to scale their businesses. This assistance is provided through the Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Center and other partner organizations. The quality of our loan portfolio is directly related to the emphasis placed on pre-loan counseling to ensure that the business owners fully understand how to manage the business ‘by the numbers’ and have a clear and realistic strategy for sustainable business growth.

The goal of UBIZ Venture Capital's Small Business Loan Program is to make access to capital more readily available to African American & minority-owned businesses with high growth potential. All applicants are assigned a business advisor that works to ensure all required documents are appropriately completed for their loan package.

Repayment Term:

3 - 5 years

Eligible Uses of Funds:

Working capital, receivables or contract financing, equipment & machinery, or tenant & site improvements.

Program Requirements:

  • In business for a minimum of 12 months and generating revenue.

  • Viable with an ability to repay the loan.

  • Current on federal income, payroll, and sales taxes.

  • Organized business financials.

  • Primarily located in Greater Cleveland and/or secondarily

    in other parts of Northeast Ohio.

BEGIN THE PROCESS

EQUITY FUNDING

UBIZ Venture Studio

Empowering Small Businesses to Scale and Succeed

What We Do & Why It Matters

UBIZ Venture Studio is committed to scaling small businesses through a blend of strategic investments and comprehensive entrepreneurial support.  As part of this commitment, UBIZ has established the Robinson Venture Fund, named in honor of Myron F. Robinson’s visionary leadership in developing Cleveland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Fund deploys growth capital to independent small businesses and early‑stage startups. With flexible financing structures and an equity‑driven approach, it empowers diverse founders, strengthens local enterprises, and extends Robinson’s enduring legacy across the region.

  • We back high-growth businesses projected to reach $5M–$25M in annual revenue within five years.

  • Small business ventures gain access to mentorship, capital, and operational support.

  • We drive economic equity by investing in scalable, impactful solutions in emerging sectors.

Upcoming Pitch Competition

UBIZ Venture Studio will invest up to $100,000 in 2–3 promising business ventures.

If you are leading an innovative enterprise with the potential for substantial growth, we encourage you to take this opportunity to elevate your business. Our dedicated team is eager to explore how we can partner with you to achieve your vision and make a significant impact in your industry.    Venture studio will accept 10 businesses that will receive executive level coaching to prepare to pitch for investments up to $100,000 each.  Three businesses will be selected from the 10.

Companies must demonstrate innovative solutions and significant growth potential in their respective markets.

  • Companies should show potential to achieve at least $5 million in annual revenue by Year 5 of operation.

  • UBIZ Venture Studio offers initial seed capital investments of up to $100,000 to kickstart growth and development.

  • Qualified companies should have the potential to attract follow-on capital investments of at least $1 million, indicating scalability and investor confidence.

  • UBIZ Venture Studio aims to make two to three investments per year, ensuring focused attention and strategic support for each portfolio company.

Are you ready to pitch your high-growth business and take it to the next level?

ACCELERATOR PROGRAMS

Walmart
WOWAN RETAILERS
Spring 2025

Empowering women suppliers and preparing pathways of success for big box stores.