Next ROBI Cohort Starts April 24 , 2023

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You missed out!

Business Ownership is the Key to Economic Freedom

You want to break free from poverty and take control of your time and money. Unfortunately, when welfare moms work, they immediately lose access to the basic needs used to secure and stabilize their families.

The sad reality is, many of these moms make more money sitting home doing nothing than they do working. This keeps them stuck in an endless cycle of government dependency and poverty.

The good news is, the quest for "economic freedom" is obtainable for welfare moms. And, this secret to financial independence is business ownership

The Resident Owned Business Incubator (ROBI) exists to cultivate, support, and provide entrepreneurial education, administrative and technical assistance to under-resourced entrepreneurs that result in the facilitation and access to economic independence.

The average income for public housing families ranges between $11,000 and $18,000 a year. These income levels are not sustainable

A Safe Place to Learn, Practice, and Grow Your Business

The ROBI Business Bootstrap Program

This program provides under-resourced entrepreneurs, one (1) full year of support which includes a 24-week intense business launch experience.  Students are also supported with legal and administrative back office support and resources as well as access to marketing tools, networking opportunities, and a chance to win capital seed investment to launch their new start-up.

Students who successfully complete the program will leave with the following:

  • Business Plan
  • Basic Business License*
  • Professional Logo**
  • Electronic Business Card**
  • Website, Domain, and Email**
  • Royalty-Free High-Res Images**
  • Section 3 Virtual Storefront**
  • Access to Alumni Pop-ups, and Continuing Education
  • Entrance to the Quarterly ROBI Piranha Pitch Competition**

*The Business License and ROBI Piranha Pitch are predicated on the student completing a business plan.
** Marketing services are earned through attending class, completing online class assignments, and Lab work.

Let's Get Started!

1. INFO SESSION

Our process begins with a brief overview of the ROBI program.  Students learn what we offer and walk away with a clear understanding of  our standards and expectations.  

2. APPLICATION

During the info session students receive the application for ROBI enrollment.  This process may consists of two enrollment processes (CIL's and our funders application process.

3. ADMISSIONS

During the Admissions process, students are walked through our important assessments to ensure the business idea is aligned with students' overall capacity–we call this the business alignment process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does ROBI Cost (TUITION & Fees)?

The ROBI Tuition and Fees are $8,023 per person.  Members of CIL are offered significant savings on student enrollment.  Public housing tenants may use their TPA funds to pay for the ROBI program.  See our Membership for more details.  

Students are responsible for paying their $1 dollar and a dream to apply to the ROBI program, however, full funding is needed to secure their program placement.  

PHA's who are interested in accessing scholarships for residents should email section3@canilive.org for details.  Section 3 details can be found here on the Section 3 Marketplace at https://www.section3marketplace.com/

WHY DOES ROBI EXIST?

ROBI exists to fulfill an unmet need in the Section 3 compliance and contracting industry. HUD financially assisted entities are mandated by federal law to meet various numerical quotas. However, HUD rules complicate the 50-year old federal regulation and create barriers to its successful implementation. 

SECTION 3 MARKETPLACE (our virtual contracting mall) allows HUD financially assisted entities to easily meet best efforts compliance and numerical goals.

Where is the Robi Program Offered?

ROBI is an online fully virtual training program offered to low-income and under-resourced entrepreneurs in the United States. ROBI provides small business launch and emerging business acceleration services

Who is ELIGIBLE to Participate in the Program?

ROBI program participants must be at least 18 years of age, with access to a laptop or personal computer, and high-speed internet or wi-fi connection. 

Successful candidates are comfortable navigating the internet and have experience with basic Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)

When is the next ROBI Program Enrollment?

ROBI accepts application on an open and rolling basis.  We offer both day, evening and weekend classes.  Please be sure to check the website for the next enrollment/start date.  All students are required to attend an info session/orientation prior to acceptance.  Register to attend the next info session here. 

Ready to get started? Apply for the next cohort.

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