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Memphis Urban League asks Shelby County for $150,000 to keep BETA small‑business accelerator running
Summary
The Memphis Urban League sought $150,000 in county support for its 14‑week BETA entrepreneurship accelerator, saying TVA cuts forced the nonprofit to scale back the program. A graduate testified the training helped her reach business milestones and win grants.
The Memphis Urban League urged the Shelby County Budget and Finance Committee to fund its Business Entrepreneurship Training Accelerator (BETA), asking commissioners for $150,000 to sustain the 14‑week program for another year.
"We are asking for $150,000 to sustain our program over the next year to continue to help people be successful business people," the League's spokesperson told commissioners during the presentation. Program graduate Emma N. Dunn described how the program taught her business basics she did not have, and credited it with helping her reach her three‑year business milestone: "I'm actually 3.5 years into my business now, which is a huge success." The League said TVA previously funded the program but has cut support, forcing staff to pare the budget to essential costs.
The presenters said the accelerator serves entrepreneurs who have been in business one to three years and culminates in a three‑year business plan designed to help graduates seek financing. Commissioners asked the League to provide a list of businesses that have completed the program; the League agreed to circulate that list.
Commissioners did not take a vote on funding at the subcommittee; the matter will be considered as part of the broader FY26 budget review.
