• 513-475-7151
  • 2303 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206

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AOL 2026

Assets Over Liabilities Financial Literacy Program ™

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A 4-month instructional financial literacy program for business owners who want to improve their financial competencies and economic choices when establishing their long-term business goals.

Program Begins:
February 18, 2026 | 9:30am EST

Apply Now

Application Close Date:
Friday, January 23, 2026

Application is closed!

Application Close Date:
Friday, January 23, 2026

Countdown Expired!

Specialized Curriculum

Industry leaders have designed a curriculum that is outcome driven and intended to produce maximum results for program participants.

SCORE Assistance

As part of the program, participants will receive on-site one-on-one SCORE assistance to help guide them on their path to success.

Pitch Competition

The program will commence with a pitch competition that will allow participants to present the culmination of their acquired knowledge and vision for moving forward.

Financial Growth Plan

Program participants will emerge from the program with a customized financial growth plan that will be capable of providing guidance, even after program completion.

Relationship Building

In addition to being equipped with financial knowledge and business intelligence, participants will have the opportunity to cultivate meaningful relationships that can help move their business forward.

Business Fundamentals

This state-of-the-art Financial Literacy Program will produce a solid foundation for participants by making sure they understand the business fundamentals that support a thriving enterprise.

Are You Interested?

Complete the application today.

Apply Today

Program Overview

The focus of the AOL program is to provide business owners an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the operational aspects of their business by providing an overview of the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. The AOL program will demonstrate through a hands-on approach how the three financial statements are used to assist in making financial business decisions.

Assets Over Liabilities (AOL) Calendar:

Program Duration: February 18, 2026 – June 10, 2026
Meeting Time: Wednesdays, 9:30am – 12:00pm
Format: In-Person (virtual depending on weather)

Course Objectives:

By the end of this program, participants will:

  • Understand fundamental financial statements, including the Income (Profit / Loss)
    Statement, Cash Flow Statement, and Balance Sheet
  • Develop skills to analyze financial data and make informed business decisions
  • Learn strategies for effective cash flow and working capital management
  • Gain insights into liquidity management and financial ratios
  • Create a comprehensive Financial Growth Plan to support business sustainability and growth
  • Enhance their ability to present financial data confidently through financial pitch practice

 

Teaching Strategies:
Traditional lecture, discussion, videos, interactive activities, and online resources.

Expectations & Participation:
Active participation is encouraged to maximize learning outcomes. Participants should come prepared, complete assignments on time, and engage in discussions. Optional pitch practice sessions are available for those who wish to refine their presentations.

Facilitator Contact Information:
W. Ricky Pleasant
wricky@african-americanchamber.com

Hosted at:
The African American Chamber
2303 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati OH, 45206

Program Eligibility

The companies best suited for the AOL program are those that have survived initial start-up, achieved early growth, and are poised for further growth.

The business must have:

  • An annual revenue of at least $50,000 – $100,000
  • At least One year in business and one year of financials

Meet the following criteria:

  • Under resourced and historically excluded business owners

And must be able to fulfill a required 4-month commitment, including:

  • Completing all the required assignments
  • Completing three-year financial growth plan to graduate
  • Participants must sign a commitment letter after acceptance to the Assets Over Liabilities Program. The letter must be received before the start of the program.

Process for Applying

1
Complete the online application.
2
If selected for an interview, the Assets Over Liabilities Team will contact you.
3
After all interviews are conducted, selected applicants will receive an acceptance email.

Program Curriculum

Introduction of core business fundamentals to help participants clearly understand how their companies operate and make money. We will review common business structures, key financial concepts, and the basic language of business, setting a strong foundation for future sessions. By the end, participants will be better equipped to describe their business model, identify how value is created, and see where financial management fits into day-to-day decisions.

Participants will learn how to read and interpret an Income Statement (Profit & Loss Statement). We will break down revenue, cost of goods sold, and operating expenses, then connect those pieces to overall profitability. By the end, participants will understand how to track whether their business is making money, where profits are coming from, and how to use this information to make smarter decisions.

Participants will focus on the Cash Flow Statement and why “profit” and “cash” are not the same thing. Participants will explore how money moves in and out of the business through operations, investing, and financing activities. By the end, they will understand how to spot cash flow challenges, why timing matters, and how to use cash flow insights to keep their business stable and prepared for growth.

Participants will dive into the Balance Sheet to understand what their business owns, what it owes, and what’s left over. We will walk through assets, liabilities, and equity, and show how the Balance Sheet provides a snapshot of financial health at a point in time. By the end, participants will be able to use a Balance Sheet to assess stability, risk, and long-term strength.

Introducing the concept of creditworthiness and how lenders evaluate small businesses. Participants will learn what banks and other lenders look for, including financial performance, cash flow, collateral, and personal credit. By the end, they will understand how to strengthen their financial profile, prepare for funding opportunities, and position their business as a reliable borrower.

Participants will prepare for and practice a mock loan interview and business pitch. We will cover how to clearly explain the business, present financial information with confidence, and respond to common lender questions. By the end, participants will have refined their talking points, improved their presentation skills, and gained valuable feedback to help them show up ready for real-world funding conversations.

Introduction of the basics of contracts and negotiation for small business owners. Participants will learn key terms to watch for, how to protect their interests, and strategies for negotiating fair agreements with vendors, partners, and clients. By the end, they will feel more confident reading contracts, asking informed questions, and advocating for what their business needs.

Participants will present their Financial Growth Plan in a pitch format and celebrate the completion of the program. This culminating experience allows them to showcase what they’ve learned, receive feedback from partners and peers, and present their business to potential funders or collaborators. Graduation recognizes their hard work and marks the next step in building stronger, more financially resilient businesses.

Introduction of core business fundamentals to help participants clearly understand how their companies operate and make money. We will review common business structures, key financial concepts, and the basic language of business, setting a strong foundation for future sessions. By the end, participants will be better equipped to describe their business model, identify how value is created, and see where financial management fits into day-to-day decisions.

Participants will learn how to read and interpret an Income Statement (Profit & Loss Statement). We will break down revenue, cost of goods sold, and operating expenses, then connect those pieces to overall profitability. By the end, participants will understand how to track whether their business is making money, where profits are coming from, and how to use this information to make smarter decisions.

Participants will focus on the Cash Flow Statement and why “profit” and “cash” are not the same thing. Participants will explore how money moves in and out of the business through operations, investing, and financing activities. By the end, they will understand how to spot cash flow challenges, why timing matters, and how to use cash flow insights to keep their business stable and prepared for growth.

Participants will dive into the Balance Sheet to understand what their business owns, what it owes, and what’s left over. We will walk through assets, liabilities, and equity, and show how the Balance Sheet provides a snapshot of financial health at a point in time. By the end, participants will be able to use a Balance Sheet to assess stability, risk, and long-term strength.

Introducing the concept of creditworthiness and how lenders evaluate small businesses. Participants will learn what banks and other lenders look for, including financial performance, cash flow, collateral, and personal credit. By the end, they will understand how to strengthen their financial profile, prepare for funding opportunities, and position their business as a reliable borrower.

Participants will prepare for and practice a mock loan interview and business pitch. We will cover how to clearly explain the business, present financial information with confidence, and respond to common lender questions. By the end, participants will have refined their talking points, improved their presentation skills, and gained valuable feedback to help them show up ready for real-world funding conversations.

Introduction of the basics of contracts and negotiation for small business owners. Participants will learn key terms to watch for, how to protect their interests, and strategies for negotiating fair agreements with vendors, partners, and clients. By the end, they will feel more confident reading contracts, asking informed questions, and advocating for what their business needs.

Participants will present their Financial Growth Plan in a pitch format and celebrate the completion of the program. This culminating experience allows them to showcase what they’ve learned, receive feedback from partners and peers, and present their business to potential funders or collaborators. Graduation recognizes their hard work and marks the next step in building stronger, more financially resilient businesses.

AOL Program Starts Soon!

Complete the application today.

Apply Now

Sponsorship Roles & Benefits

Program Sponsors Roles

  • Financial Institutions will have an opportunity to assist with instruction & panel participation, programmatic costs, providing a location for the graduation, and the pitch awards.
  • Educational Institutions will have an opportunity to be a subject matter expert guest and panel participant.
  • Cincinnati SCORE will provide mentors who are experienced business owners and leaders in various industries. The SCORE Mentors will provide on-site one-on-one homework financial assistance. to assist the business owners in understanding and applying financial concepts and analyzing their business financial statements, as well as assist in preparing them for their financial pitches.

Benefits of Sponsorship Engagement

  • Promotion of your engagement with the program via print, television, and social media, and MBAC/AACC websites.
  • Developing relationships with prospective business clients.
  • Achieving community outreach goals.

Sponsorship Opportunities

  • Pitch Award
  • Curriculum
  • Graduation Location
  • Food for graduation
  • Books
  • Program Engagement

Questions? Contact Us.

Questions? Contact Us.

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Cincinnati, OH 45206
Phone: 513-475-7151
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

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