Urban League of Broward County Gets $25,000 Grant from Florida Panther’s Foundation to Assist Entrepreneurs
Urban League of Broward County Gets $25,000 Grant
from Florida Panther’s Foundation to Assist Entrepreneurs
Fort Lauderdale, FL (Nov. 19, 2018) – The Urban League of Broward County has received a $25,000 grant from the Florida Panther’s Foundation to support the agency’s work in helping minority and veteran entrepreneurs create thriving businesses.
Designated as a Community Champion by the Florida Panther’s Foundation, the Urban League of Broward County will use the grant to expand its Entrepreneurship Center, which works to create, sustain and grow businesses in South Florida, particularly in historically disenfranchised communities. “We are honored to award the Urban League of Broward County with a Community Champions Grant this season. With veterans’ issues being an important pillar to the Florida Panthers Foundation, we are excited to build our partnership through Urban League’s veteran programs as they make a positive impact on the South Florida community.” -Lauren Simone, Executive Director of the Florida Panthers Foundation.
In addition, the grant will boost the Urban League of Broward County’s Support Services for Veteran Families program, which is also funded by United Way of Broward County. The program provides financial, housing and support services for veterans and their families.
“We are so grateful to the Florida Panther’s Foundation for supporting these important community programs,” said Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, president and CEO of the Urban League of Broward County. “Minority business owners, especially veterans, are a fast-growing contributor of our economy, and our end-to-end business development services help companies focus on succeeding in the marketplace.”
In presenting the grant at a recent Florida Panther’s hockey game, the team also recognized Carlos Prada, a 13-year Army veteran who benefited from the Urban League of Broward County’s employment assistance and eventually came to work at the organization.
Following his service in the military, Carlos came to the Urban League of Broward County's veterans program where he secured temporary employment and worked as a project manager to rehabilitate homes with the organization’s housing partner BAND. Eight years later, Carlos remains a valued member of the Urban League of Broward County team and recently led the development of four new single-family homes in Fort Lauderdale for first-time home buyers.
Dr. Smith-Baugh added: “Carlos is a perfect example of how the Urban League of Broward County helps improve the lives of veterans and many other members of our community. The grant from the Florida Panther’s Foundation will allow us to continue doing that kind of work for business owners by uplifting them with resources, knowledge and capital and providing them a path to success.”
About Urban League of Broward County
The Urban League of Broward County is a not for profit organization founded to empower communities and change lives. Our mission is to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights. Our “Breaking the Cycle” programs uplift more than 11,000 people every year through affordable housing initiatives, youth development, and diversion, employment and training, community empowerment, and civic engagement. Learn more about the Urban League of Broward County by visiting www.ulbroward.org.
About the Florida Panthers Foundation Community Champions Grant Program
The Community Champions Grant Program allows charitable organizations throughout South Florida to request financial support for their programs and initiatives. Through this grant program, Panthers ownership has committed $5 million over 5 years to the local community. At each of the 41 home games throughout the season, the Foundation will recognize and award one grant for up to $25,000 to a local organization. To learn more or apply for a grant, please visit FloridaPanthers.com/Gran