Break through systemic barriers to success, together

WELCOME TO BREAKING BARRIERS

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Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship is a virtual program that facilitates business growth and support within Asian American & Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic, and female veteran and military spouse communities.

The eight-week program is designed to create an immediate impact for early to growth-stage businesses by providing access to business tools, resources, capital opportunities, mentorship, and a stronger peer network.

Image to meet the 23A cohort

Meet the Current Cohort

We at Bunker Labs are so proud to present Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship cohort, 23C! This cohort features 81 Black, Asian, Latinx, and female entrepreneurs. We are so excited to go on this journey with our new entrepreneurs, so without further ado, Bunker Labs presents the Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship 23C cohort!

Symone Gates, Sincerely, Bade

When a former military child and personal trainer sets out to heal the pain she is experiencing, she enters into a market that helps more than just herself. Symone Gates is a Bunker Labs program alumni and Founder and CEO of Sincerely Bade body care products. Find out how she started her company through this episode of Bunker Labs docu-series ‘Narratives.’

Narratives tell the stories of people in the thick of their entrepreneurial journeys and the magic that happens at the intersection of business and humanity.

Breaking Barriers Black Entrepreneur Workshop Series at Bunker Labs exceeded my expectations. I was introduced to key professionals who wanted to see me “win”. I have no doubt that my business will thrive over the upcoming months as a direct result to be part of Bunker Labs. I am grateful for the opportunity. 

Anthony Cosby

Founder & CEO, STZY Socks

Breaking Barriers is a game changer for ANYONE who has the opportunity to participate. I love the opportunity provided to learn and grow with like minded entrepreneurs. I will continue to attend every opportunity provided AND share with others.

Tanya Russ

Founder, Classy Touch CHIC Boutique

Bunker Labs Breaking Barriers sessions were so powerful. You can take the lessons you learned and immediately put them into action to scale your business, not just theory. I can not say enough great things about this program!!

Marty Martinez

Founder, Joint Task Force 214

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

01.

All About First Customers

02.

Build a Strong Network

03.

Sales

04.

Accounting and Finance

05.

Branding and Marketing

06.

Legal

07.

IT and Operations

08.

Human Capital Management and Human Resources

WHY BREAKING BARRIERS?

Representation matters, especially in the entrepreneurship world. Through the power of community and connection, we aim to break the barriers that our society has created for entrepreneurs of historically underserved communities.

See Past Cohorts

ANNUAL WORKSHOPS

Workshops are formed by community group:

  • Asian American & Pacific Islander Entrepreneur Workshop Series
  • Black Entrepreneur Workshop Series
  • Female Entrepreneur Workshop Series
  • Latinx Workshop Series

New workshop series launch every quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to participate in the workshop series?

Veterans and military spouses from Asian, Black, Latinx, and female Veteran and military spouse communities.

What if I identify as more than one of the listed demographics?

You are welcome to apply based on the community you most strongly identify with, or to indicate if you are open to joining more than one workshop. (I.e., If you are interested in joining either the Black Entrepreneur Workshop Series or the Female Entrepreneur Workshop Series, select both when applying.)

Do you have to be an existing member of the Bunker Labs community to apply?
Yes.
What kind of commitment does the program require?
Meet weekly virtually for one hour and connect with cohort members weekly offline for one hour.
Where are the workshops offered?
Workshops are offered virtually and can be accessed from anywhere.
How many people participate in each workshop series?
Generally, participation ranges from 10 to 20 people per workshop.
Are there any fees?
No.
Do Bunker Labs make investments in cohort businesses?
No, but we encourage businesses to seek the right resources for investments, and we share a monthly grant and opportunity resource list with workshop participants.
How are participants selected?
Based on having a clear vision and foundation for their business and a desire to be more strongly connected to their respective community.
Do I need to be a military Veteran to apply?

No, participants can be either Veterans, military spouses, caretakers, or direct family members.

I was rejected in the past. Can I apply again?
Absolutely!
What are other criteria of competitive candidates?

We look for participants with: 

  • A business plan
  • Branding
  • Website
  • The ability to articulate your business.

We also seek entrepreneurs who believe in the power of connection, collaboration, and working as a team. 

Presenting PARTNERs

This program is made possible in part by JPMorgan Foundation, PwC Charitable Foundation, GM, Macy’s, and ADP.