TVA Awards Tennessee Urban League Affiliates $3 Million to Support Statewide BIPOC Entrepreneurship Development Programs

Memphis (Oct. 17, 2022) – The Memphis affiliate of the Tennessee Urban League Affiliates (TULA) announced October 13, 20222, that the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has awarded a $3 million grant to support and grow statewide business development programs for BIPOC (Black and Indigenous People of Color) business development initiatives - to enhance business sustainability and growth over the next three years.  The money will fund TULA’s workforce readiness training centers, information technology, entrepreneurship, and executive leadership programs across the state.

The Tennessee Urban League Affiliates (TULA) announced September 7th that the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has awarded a $3 million grant to support and grow statewide business development programs for BIPOC (Black and Indigenous People of Color) business development initiatives - to enhance business sustainability and growth over the next three years.  The money will fund TULA’s workforce readiness training centers, information technology, entrepreneurship, and executive leadership programs across the state.

“TULA and TVA share a common mission of economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for the communities we have the privilege to serve,” said Jeannette Mills, TVA Executive Vice President and Chief External Relations Officer. “This partnership will help create new opportunities for underserved communities to ensure no one is left behind during these challenging times of change and innovation.” 

Locally for Memphis, TVA has committed to $750,000 over three years to support the Memphis Urban League’s BETA Program (Business Entrepreneurship Training Accelerator).  This program will provide various leadership and business training cohorts, technical assistance, and capacity building over the following years for its participants and will help small businesses launch and grow by including government contracting, supplier diversity, coaching and mentoring.

"We deeply appreciate TVA’s dedication to our community through their continuous support of TULA’s successful mission," said Tonja Sesley-Fifer, President and CEO of the Memphis Urban League. "This award will not only provide the resources to help our clients but will also equip them with the skills to thrive in today’s dynamic economy."  To learn more about TULA and the Memphis Urban League BETA program, please call 901/272-2491.  

To read the press release, please see here.