The founder and president of a Louisville software company has been selected for the EY Entrepreneur Access Network.
Don Weobong, founder of Telania LLC, has joined the 2022 cohort of the nationwide accelerator program that aims to elevate emerging and established Black- and Latino-owned companies. Telania, founded in 2002, operates a software called eLeaP, which provides a learning management system and a performance management system for medium to large organizations.
This year's Entrepreneur Access Network (EAN) cohort includes 96 Black and Latino entrepreneurs from across the U.S. who lead high-potential companies representing various industries including technology, retail and consumer products, manufacturing and distribution and professional services. Through EAN, participants are connected to an elite network of investors and advisors to help address disparities encountered when growing their businesses, according to a news release.
“For minority entrepreneurs to experience long-term economic success, the entire business community must address unequal access to capital, mentors and networks,” said Lee Henderson, Americas EY Private Leader and executive sponsor of the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network, in the release. “Our goal is to provide these innovative entrepreneurs with the support needed to scale-up their thriving companies and create prosperity for their businesses, their stakeholders and ultimately, their communities.”
EAN’s 12-month program includes a company assessment, alignment with a dedicated EY U.S. relationship advisor and a customized learning plan based on the needs and maturity of the company. Participants receive guidance on a range of topics including digital transformation, support in upskilling employees and help developing boards and expanding professional networks, among others.
Black and Latino business owners who applied for the program were evaluated based on their leadership style and business acumen, in addition to their company’s culture, level of innovation and potential for scalability, the release continued.
Weobong, an alum of both Spalding University and Bellarmine University, named his company after his ancestral village in Ghana. He leads Telania alongside his wife Marsha, who is chief financial officer. You can read more about the company in this December 2020 profile.
"I am so humbled by this opportunity," Weobong said in a release. "I know our eLeaP team is excited to leverage the learning, networking and experience of a global giant like EY to help us continue to provide outstanding service."
