BizGrow Expands Technical Assistance Services

BizGrow Expands Technical Assistance Services

Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR) announced the expansion of BizGrow’s technical assistance services. LCR’s small business project, BizGrow, provides free legal assistance, business support, and technical assistance to minority, immigrant, and women business owners ensuring that they encounter fewer obstacles and more opportunities. 

BizGrow’s latest initiative, Elevate, creates thriving enterprises by tackling the non-legal challenges that small businesses face. Elevate complements BizGrow’s legal services by working directly with entrepreneurs, one-on-one, to implement key growth strategies. The expansion of BizGrow’s technical assistance services will help close the opportunity and wealth gap. Holistic support is critical to help businesses bring successful models to scale. Businesses will also continue to receive robust pro bono representation for their legal needs. 

The inaugural Elevate cohort features three inspiring and uplifting small businesses:

Intriguing Hair (owned by Nikia Londy)

Intriguing Hair is a hair extension and wig company launched in 2013. They sell hair extensions and wigs in-store in Hyde Park and online. Intriguing Hair is the only Black-owned business in Massachusetts making and selling hair extensions and wigs to the African-American community and the medical hair loss market. BizGrow Elevate will assist Intriguing Hair with marketing and pricing strategy analysis. 

KrayPlates (owned by Krayla Brice)

KrayPlates is a Boston-based soul food sensation. Launched during the height of pandemic lockdown, KrayPlates specializes in Caribbean cuisine, soul food, and seafood. KrayPlates has gained significant popularity on Instagram with more than 21,000 followers. Clients range from elected officials to recording artists and NFL players. KrayPlates is now ready to move into their own brick-and-mortar restaurant space. In addition to providing pro bono support for KrayPlates’ expansion, BizGrow Elevate will help create an action plan for business growth. 

SM Paul Lifestyle Design (owned by Sheila Paul)

Launched in 2021, SM Paul Lifestyle Design provides psychotherapy, yoga, and coaching, focusing on wellness for women of color. The business operates primarily online, but it’s poised for growth in Roxbury and beyond. BizGrow Elevate will help develop a concept deck, and prepare the entrepreneur to pitch the business to potential clients, partners, and investors.

For small businesses interested in the program or receiving free legal support, please contact bizgrow@lawyersforcivilrights.org.