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“This lab will have everything a small business needs to flourish, from back-office support to world-class instructors, hands-on training, technical assistance, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to capital,” Adams said. R.F. Wilkins Consultants has spent years helping companies gain such access. To date, they say they’ve raised close to $900 million for everything from after-school programs to homeless shelters, affordable housing, and transitional housing. But project management is what they’re known for, such as managing the compliance and oversight on the $20 billion redevelopment of John F. Kennedy International Airport.
A friend called whose father was trying to start a nonprofit organization to advocate for disabled individuals in the prison system, and asked if she could help build the new charitable entity. “My friend calls and he’s like, ‘My father needs help building out this company.’ He’s like, ‘Aren’t you an independent business development consultant?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m an independent business development consultant.’ And––I kid you not––that was my first ever client.
Wilkins wants to help more Black women entrepreneurs confront any fears they might have about starting a new business.