Entrepreneurship Powered by Business Math

Adult literacy

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Entrepreneurship is often seen as a pathway to economic independence—but without foundational business math and financial literacy, many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle to sustain or grow their ventures. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 82% of business failures are due to poor cash flow management or lack of financial understanding. Yet many adults—particularly those from underserved communities—have never had access to meaningful math instruction or financial education. Positive, real-world math experiences can shift this mindset. Entrepreneurship Powered by Business Math aims to bridge this gap through culturally relevant, applied instruction that helps adults gain control over their finances, understand profit margins, interpret data, and make strategic decisions. Our approach turns math into a tool for empowerment—building confidence, increasing sustainability, and unlocking long-term economic mobility.

Entrepreneurship Powered by Business Math is a hands-on learning initiative led by ASE and B-RELYT Organization, Inc. designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs build the financial literacy and business math skills needed to launch, manage, and grow successful ventures. This program will serve 100 low-income and underserved adults across Los Angeles County who have entrepreneurial aspirations but lack formal training in financial concepts like budgeting, pricing, profit margins, forecasting, and cash flow management.
Participants will engage in a dynamic, cohort-based experience that blends real-world instruction with peer learning, mentorship, and access to tools that translate directly into business success. Through live workshops, case studies, and 1:1 support, individuals will learn how to interpret financial statements, analyze data, and apply math as a decision-making tool. The program also includes microgrant opportunities, pitch development, and business coaching.
Graduates will leave with stronger confidence in managing their business finances, a clear growth plan, and connections to a network of support. By transforming math from a barrier into a business-building asset, this initiative promotes long-term sustainability and wealth generation in communities that need it most.

If successful, Entrepreneurship Powered by Business Math will increase the number of financially literate entrepreneurs in Los Angeles County, particularly among low-income and underserved populations. Participants will gain the confidence and skills to launch or stabilize their businesses, leading to increased household income, job creation, and community revitalization. By demystifying financial concepts and making math accessible, this initiative will shift mindsets—transforming math from a barrier into a business tool. In the long term, we aim to scale the program through additional cohorts, digital learning modules, and partnerships with workforce development agencies, positioning hundreds more Angelenos to thrive as business owners.