History

As a direct response to the challenges brought on by the pandemic, E&BC has been a catalyst in Massachusetts' entrepreneurial ecosystem, addressing access to information, resources, and capital. Since our inception E&BC has made significant strides in empowering entrepreneurs, particularly in minority and women-owned business enterprises. To date, E&BC has supported over 75 businesses, aiding them in various stages of development from concept to commercialization. This support has not only fostered business growth but has also played a vital role in strengthening the local economy.

In terms of partnerships, our collaboration with MassCEC, Commonwealth Corporation and other key organizations such as Latino Economic Development Corporation and The Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley has been productive. These partnerships have led to the successful implementation of programs that directly benefit entrepreneurs and small business owners in

Western Massachusetts. One notable outcome of these collaborations is the enhancement of our educational programs, such as our Personal Financial Literacy and Small Business Fiscal Management courses. Over 60 individuals have participated in these courses, gaining valuable skills and knowledge that have empowered them to effectively start, manage, and grow their businesses.

E&BC’s commitment to providing comprehensive support to emerging and established business owners is evident in these achievements. Our efforts have not only helped individual entrepreneurs but have also contributed to building a more inclusive and dynamic business community in Massachusetts.

Our unique blend of finance expertise, business formation acumen, financial literacy, leadership development, time management, and critical thinking skills positions us as the ideal candidate for this startup studio. Our practical experience and proven results in these areas underscore our capability to lead effectively.

Led by Ronald Molina-Brantley, our CEO, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as First Vice President at a regional bank. His deep insight into finance and access to capital is vital for both personal and business success. Ronald's role in designing comprehensive financial literacy programs and his commitment to serving the underbanked are highlighted by his guest lectures at prestigious institutions like Babson College School of Business and advisory roles at Tufts University. These experiences demonstrate his ability to impart crucial financial knowledge and skills.

Our leadership development programs led by Chief Learning Officer (CLO) Kelvin Molina, who has over 20 years of military experience, have consistently produced successful outcomes. These include impactful community resident leadership initiatives and social justice programs. The leadership of our CLO in the Community Leadership Institute since 2012 showcases our dedication to cultivating community-based leadership, a testament to our effectiveness in this domain.

Both Ronald and our CLO Kelvin, excel in managing complex, cross-sector initiatives. The CLO's military background as a logistician has refined their project management skills, ensuring the efficient and effective execution of programs.

Our team's consultancy background, combined with pioneering efforts in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), demonstrates our proficiency in diversity training. The strategic planning and change management led by our CLO, coupled with Ronald's innovative financial strategies, exhibit our ability to resolve complex challenges strategically.