Big Ideas, Real Impact.
The BE³ Program
BE³, an auxiliary of the Center of Hope Community Development Corporation (COHCDC), is a program designated towards helping members of the community develop their entrepreneurial skills and be directed to resources so that they can create successful ventures as financial vehicles in building wealth and legacy.
Apply to become a shepherd
(Business Coaching/Mentorship)
eNTRPRENEURS!
APPLY
Apply to become a Shepherd’s Assistant
Kevin L Smith (left) & Alan Frelix, Director (right)
BE³ Founders
OUR PROGRAM
Services of the BE³ Program address the challenge of scalability and sustainability that has plagued communities of color relative to entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship. As a solution, the team has designed a three-tier program which also outline the program’s phases of implementation: Business services, The Shepherd’s Program, and Business Incubation.
The Shepherds Program is designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are and support their growth at every stage of development. Through BE³, participants receive personalized guidance to help build, strengthen, and expand their business ventures with confidence and clarity. Small business owners are thoughtfully paired with experienced leaders from similar industries, creating space for meaningful mentorship, shared insight, and real-world problem solving.
Each stage of the program is tailored to the unique needs of participants, offering a blend of training, coaching, technical assistance, grant writing support, pitch preparation, and other resources as needed. The goal is to ensure that every entrepreneur has the tools, support, and community connections necessary to move their business forward.
The Business Incubator is designed to cultivate ideas, strengthen early-stage ventures, and support entrepreneurs through hands-on, community-driven experiences. Through activities such as the Hope Small Business Expo, peer review sessions, and the Ideation Station, participants have opportunities to test concepts, refine their approach, and learn alongside fellow entrepreneurs.
This space emphasizes collaboration, feedback, and real-time learning—connecting participants to practical resources, guided support, and a network of peers and professionals invested in their growth. Whether developing a new idea or strengthening an existing business, the incubator provides a foundation for innovation, exploration, and continued progress.
The Business Series is a collection of workshops and panel discussions designed to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to build strong, sustainable businesses. Each session focuses on key areas of business development—ranging from foundational operations to growth and scalability—while creating space for real conversations with experienced professionals and industry leaders.
Through a mix of practical guidance and shared insight, the Business Series provides entrepreneurs with actionable strategies they can apply directly to their ventures. Whether participants are just getting started or preparing to expand, the series offers relevant, accessible learning opportunities that support continued growth.
Our Mission
BE³ exists to equip and empower entrepreneurs from underserved communities to build sustainable businesses, create economic opportunity, and strengthen the communities they serve. Grounded in principles of stewardship, integrity, and purpose, we are committed to fostering growth that extends beyond profit to lasting impact.
Through access to knowledge, resources, and supportive networks, we help entrepreneurs develop the capacity to thrive—building businesses that not only achieve financial success, but also contribute to generational stability and meaningful community change.
Our Goal
The objective of BE³ is to provide services that will instill an economic foundation poised to sustain culture and create legacy for communities of color.
Our Objective
BE³ provides spaces for entrepreneurs (business visionaries) to collaborate, commune, acquire knowledge, and connect with opportunities that can advance their career, business vision, and community.
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“My experience with BE³ . I started The program a couple months ago, my main coach is Alan Frelix and my other coaches are Kevin and Katrina. It has been an amazing experience so far. They are very hands-on, I can call them with questions anytime I have them they help me to sort things out, Kevin and Katrina even found a personal mentor who met with me for a couple of hours to talk about my business and how she could help me out with my journey. The team has helped get us prepared for our next moves and have grown very dear to me. Their belief in me gives me courage and belief in myself. Thank you coaches.” ~ Laurie Ann Parker, founder
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