During the recent FY2026 Budget Subcommittee Meeting held on June 11, 2025, the Shelby County Commission engaged in a significant discussion regarding funding for the Memphis Urban League's Business Entrepreneurship Training Accelerator (BETA) program. This initiative aims to support small businesses, particularly those in underserved communities, by providing essential training and resources.

CEO Gail Jones Carson presented the BETA program, emphasizing its importance in fostering economic growth through small businesses, which account for a substantial portion of job creation in the United States. The program spans 14 weeks and is designed for entrepreneurs who have been in business for one to three years. It equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop a comprehensive business plan, which can be presented to financial institutions for funding.

Emma N. Dunn, a graduate of the BETA program and CEO of the Bath and Body Bakery, shared her personal success story, highlighting how the program transformed her understanding of business operations. Dunn noted that the training helped her navigate essential aspects of running a business, from financial management to marketing strategies. She credited the program with enabling her to secure a grant and successfully maintain her business beyond the critical three-year mark.

The Urban League is currently seeking $150,000 in funding to sustain the BETA program, having already scaled back its budget by $100,000 due to funding challenges from TVA. Carson stressed the program's broader impact, stating that it not only benefits individual entrepreneurs but also strengthens families and communities by promoting employment and economic self-sufficiency.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the critical need for continued support of programs like BETA, which play a vital role in empowering local entrepreneurs and fostering economic resilience in Shelby County. As the commission considers the funding request, the potential for the BETA program to contribute to the region's economic landscape remains a focal point of community interest.