ULGSO helps individuals, families, and businesses achieve generational wealth through workforce development and entrepreneurship growth.

COMMUNITY

EMPOWERMENT

ULGSO is committed to fighting for social change and equity in Southwestern Ohio to improve the quality of life for all people.

EMPLOYMENT AND FINANCIAL EDUCATION

Solid Opportunities for Advancement and Retention (SOAR) - Supports unemployed and underemployed individuals with skill assessment, employment readiness, career exploration, business acumen, barrier removal, and thriving-wage job placement.

Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) - Helps low- to moderate-income households achieve financial stability, establish economic self-sufficiency, and build wealth through financial coaching and workshops.

Employment Pathways and Connections - Trains ambitious workers for in-demand technical and professional jobs, leading to thriving-wage employment in healthcare, customer service, IT, and other growth industries.

Comprehensive Case Management & Employment Program (CCMEP) - Assists and incentivizes low-income young adults to develop a career plan, complete skills training, and secure suitable thriving-wage employment.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

African American Business Development Program (AABDP) - Challenges entrepreneurs to explore new leadership concepts and advancement opportunities to stimulate growth and job creation in a highly selective, seven-month training course.

Access to Capital - Grant funding and resources to enable Black- and Brown-owned businesses affected by the pandemic and other barriers to pivot and remain operational. This includes the Resiliency Fund, the Lincoln & Gilbert initiative, and other funding opportunities.

Economic Empowerment Center (EEC) - Serves established businesses and works with private, public, and nonprofit resources to help them to be strong, sustainable, and successful minority enterprises.

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) - Provides business counseling and support to individuals who are starting or expanding their businesses. Support can consist of consulting, workshops, seminars, and access to resources at the local, state, and federal level.

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ADVOCACY

Center for Social Justice (CSJ) - The regional catalyst for collaborative police reform efforts in Southwestern Ohio. CSJ engages with community members, police departments, stakeholders, policymakers, and local officials. This initiative operates out of the newly-opened Holloman Center for Social Justice in the heart of Avondale.

Community Partnering Center (CPC) - CPC builds capacity to address issues of crime, disorder and quality of life. CPC focuses on prevention to discourage violence by identifying conditions that lead to violence, addressing them & garnering community support to create a safer neighborhood.

Advocacy and Policy Change - Collects and analyzes regional and national data on marginalized communities and holds community leaders accountable for prioritizing inequities in income, education, employment, health, criminal justice, and safety.

LEADERSHIP AND ADVANCEMENT

African American Leadership Development Program (AALDP) - Provides the opportunity for senior level African American leaders to refine their professional skills in an immersive civic learning program enhanced by the wide-ranging diversity, backgrounds, and individual experiences of their peers.

Urban Champions - Prepares youth ages 14-19 for enriching workplace experiences by developing technical skills, business acumen, cultural competency, and community connections.