Our
The LEAP Program
A Holistic Pathway to Entrepreneurial Success in New Jersey
BrightStreet’s LEAP program is a comprehensive framework designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs—Start-Ups, Solopreneurs, and Micro-Enterprises—gain the capital, knowledge, financial tools and networks needed to build durable wealth and thriving businesses. Each component of LEAP works together to ensure that entrepreneurs not only launch and grow their businesses but also build long-term financial resilience and access to mainstream economic opportunity.
Together, these four pillars give entrepreneurs the tools, resources, and networks they need to succeed and create stronger, more vibrant communities.
Affordable Capital That Builds Both Businesses and Personal Wealth
Accessible and affordable financing is the foundation of our empowerment model. Many talented entrepreneurs lack the collateral, credit history, or track record required by traditional lenders. BrightStreet fills this gap with a combination of low-cost business loans and retirement-building grants.
Business Loans
Entrepreneurs can access loans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 to start, strengthen, or expand commercial ventures
Key features include:
- Prime-rate interest (locked in at inception of the loan)
- 3-year loan term
- Monthly repayment
These loans are designed to be both affordable and flexible, enabling businesses to invest in equipment, inventory, marketing, licensing, or other growth needs.
Retirement Grants: Incentivizing Long-Term Prosperity
Upon successful completion of the program, entrepreneurs may earn a grant equal to up to 50% of their loan amount, deposited directly into their retirement savings account
For example:
A $10,000 loan can generate a $5,000 retirement grant if the entrepreneur – and their cohort — perform successfully.
This dual-engine model:
- Supports both current business growth and future financial security.
- Uses a cohort-based structure to strengthen community support by creating “Communities of Borrowers” – groups of approximately 10 – 20 entrepreneurs whose collective repayment performance can maximize the additional benefits of individual grants.
Training, Mentorship, and Hands-On Support to Create Sustainable Businesses
BrightStreet provides a comprehensive suite of business education, technical assistance, mentoring, and practical tools to equip entrepreneurs for success.
Individualized Assessments
Each entrepreneur begins with a personalized readiness assessment to identify:
- Business goals and challenges
- Skills and knowledge gaps
- Operational needs
- Best-fit mentors and technical assistance providers
This ensures a customized pathway rather than a one-size-fits-all program.
Mentorship & Coaching
Every participant is paired with a dedicated mentor/coach who:
- Guides them through orientation, application, and early execution
- Helps refine their business model and operating plan
- Provides ongoing, hands-on support
- Connects them to a network of subject matter experts in legal, accounting, technology and other areas
This relationship is central to improving success rates for early-stage businesses.
Business Academy / Bootcamp
Program participants must complete a curriculum, unless waived, designed to build strong business fundamentals (available through a network of approved partners). Topics typically include:
- Developing and testing a business plan
- Costing, pricing, bookkeeping, budgeting, and cash flow management
- Leadership and operational management
- Marketing and sales strategy, including digital tools, website design, and social media
- Meeting lending requirements and preparing for pathways to traditional bank financing
- Business registration, compliance, and accreditation
This curriculum also includes workshops with legal, accounting, and technology professionals
Banking, Insurance, and Retirement Tools That Build Stability
The BrightStreet model ensures every entrepreneur secures access to core financial products—services that many early-stage entrepreneurs lack but are essential for long-term wealth creation and protection.
Business Banking Services
Through partner banks, each participant has access to:
- A business checking and savings account
- Banking tools linked to their loan disbursement and repayment
- Access to financial education and support from banking professionals
This creates the foundation for formalizing operations, building credit, and preparing entrepreneurs for mainstream finance.
Insurance Protection (Coming Soon)
Participants receive a life insurance policy that stays active as long as their loan is current.
This provides a critical safety net for new entrepreneurs: and basic financial protection for families.
Retirement Accounts
Every participant opens a retirement savings account, making an initial deposit of approximately $250.
Through the grant component, participants can significantly grow this account – an intentional design to build wealth beyond immediate business operations.
These financial access tools reflect our belief that entrepreneurship should be a pathway to multi-generational financial resilience, not just business activity.
Social Capital That Strengthens Success and Builds Community
Entrepreneurship can be isolating – especially for those operating in historically underserved communities. BrightStreet intentionally builds peer networks and social capital structures that support long-term success.
Communities of Borrowers
Entrepreneurs enter the program in cohorts of 10–20 individuals, enabling:
- Peer accountability
- Collective learning
- Shared experiences navigating challenges
- Maximization of Retirement Grants through Community repayment performance
Quarterly Meetings
These gatherings provide opportunities to:
- Review progress and challenges
- Celebrate wins
- Strengthen community ties
- Share operational strategies and resources
- Meet with mentors/coaches, Advisory Board members and partner organizations
These events facilitate professional exposure, networking, and continued learning.
Other Professional Networking Events
Through partnerships with universities, corporations, business development groups, and community associations, participants gain access to a broad array of external programming that expands their networks and visibility.
These networks help entrepreneurs secure customers, partnerships, technical advice and strategic guidance – strengthening both individual and community-level economic mobility.