Emerge
Mission and Vision
To provide a platform for professional growth and business development of our future business leaders. The Emerge Business Leadership Academy will provide a comprehensive, hands-on educational program for future business leaders of large corporations or aspiring entrepreneurs with an intentional focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Goals:
Emerge will ‘graduate’ a cohort of new business leaders each quarter prepared to succeed in their respective careers and professions. Graduates will be uniquely prepared to excel in the workplace, become leaders in their fields and advocates for equality in the workplace, so that everyone feels safe, seen and affirmed.
Emerge is also a program designed to create a community outside of the curriculum. The bonds of shared experience and knowledge create relationships that last a lifetime and skills that stand the test of time.
Program Outline:
EMERGE is a program consisting of LGBTQ+ professionals and aspiring professionals who are young in their business and or newer in their leadership journey, seeking paths of success and nurturing professional growth through networking and educational opportunities. The Emerge Business Leadership Academy consists of aspiring business leaders, who want a comprehensive, hands-on, real time business education with an intentional focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.
For LGBTQ+ professionals and allies who wish to be involved with The Pride Chamber but do not own a business, nor are employed by a member business, our new EMERGE Business Leadership Academy (BLA) is the perfect option! The Business Leadership Academy's 12 week courses are only $199.00. As a graduation gift from The Pride Chamber, each graduate will receive a free membership for one year at our Small Business level. This membership includes FREE or discounted access to all of our networking and educational opportunities. (Please note, if you do not own a business, this level does not include a directory listing or RED eligibility.)
Curriculum:
WEEK 1: Course Introduction & People Leadership and Management Skills
Course Introduction (1 Hour)
Leadership vs. Management in the Workplace (1 Hour)
WEEK 2: Communication Skills - Public Speaking / Effective Messaging
Effective Communication (1 Hour)
The Art of the Pitch (1 Hour)
WEEK 3: General Business Basics
Foundations of Business Planning (1 Hour)
General Business Development (1hr)
WEEK 4: Finance and Accounting
Financial Management for Beginners (1 Hour)
Financial Planning for Your Business & Future (1 Hour)
Week 5: LGBTQ BE Certification / Supplier Diversity
Getting Certified as an LGBTQ and other Minority-Owned Business (1 Hour)
Benefits of being a certified LGBTQ & Minority Owned Business or Ally Business (1 Hour)
WEEK 6: Logistics Management : Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Management Overview (2 Hour)
WEEK 7: Marketing: Effective marketing strategies for reaching LGBTQ+ audiences
Developing Your Print & Visual Marketing with a Clear Message (1 Hour)
Social Media How To and Impact On Your Business (1 Hour)
WEEK 8: Management of Human Resources
Hiring with Purpose (1 Hour)
Leading with Purpose (1 Hour)
WEEK 9: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programming / LGBTQ+ Best Practices
Elements of an Inclusive Workplace Culture (1 Hour)
Embedding Inclusion Through Policy (1 Hour)
WEEK 10: Business Affinity Groups - ERG’s / TMN’s
Building an Inclusive Workplace (1 Hour)
Creating, Finding & Growing ERG’s/Affinity Groups (1 Hour)
WEEK 11: Applying Public Policy and Creating a Safe and Affirming Workplace
Internal Policies, Procedures & Compliance (1 Hour)
External Policies, Procedures & Compliance (1 Hour)
WEEK 12: Civic Engagement / Advocacy
Community Organizing and Public Policy (2 Hours)
FInal Test/Dissertation: What about this course was especially impactful for you and will help you succeed
in your professional goals.
Course Timelines
Each cohort will meet one time weekly for two hours, for 12 weeks each quarter:
Winter Academy: January - March
Summer Academy: July - September
Classes
Class size - 20 - 30 students per cohort
Virtual or live held at the NEC
Cost: $199.00 per quarter
Instructors
Subject Matter Experts from the Corporate Equality Council, business community, and community leaders, donating their time and expertise.
Choose a Cohort Below to Register
January - March 2025
Registration Opens November 1, 2024
July - September 2025
Registration Opens March 16, 2025
We Welcome You to Join Us.
If you have any questions about the EMERGE program or would like to learn more about our organization,
please contact us or join us online.