Coral Ridge Mall’s Partner to Empower program helps entrepreneurs overcome barriers, build legacy

Partner to Empower, an entrepreneurial program offered through Coral Ridge Mall for underrepresented business owners, is open for applications and seeking candidates before the Feb. 21 deadline. Michelle Isabel, vice president of business development and Partner to Empower program for Brookfield Properties – Coral Ridge's parent company – started the program in May 2020 as a way to help break down systemic and socioeconomic barriers for entrepreneurs in underrepresented communities. “We wanted to provide some resources to business owners of color to open retail stores within our shopping centers,” she said. “It's an opportunity for us to help individuals open their first stores, for people of color to create a legacy for their families, to help create that generational wealth that has not existed before, providing resources so that they can realize those dreams of being an entrepreneur. You know, so often in minority communities, individuals are not given the same opportunities,” she continued. Jeng Tong Vue, owner of JaeTea in Coral Ridge Mall, participated in the program before opening his business in September 2023. Mr. Vue grew up watching his father operate a clothing and sewing business within the Chiang Kham refugee camp in Thailand, and after immigrating to the U.S., he worked as a cashier alongside his father at a bustling mall food court. Mr. Vue credits his father for instilling a strong work ethic in him, which inspired his entrepreneurial journey, he wrote the CBJ. His path became deeply personal when he assumed the role of caretaker after his father’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis. “Throughout those years even as I took care of my father, we continued discussing business opportunities, and I felt driven to honor both his and my own entrepreneurial spirit by starting something of my own,” he wrote. His aspirations of starting a business and passion for boba tea eventually converged, forming JaeTea. Recognizing the value of high-visibility locations, Mr. Vue was drawn back to the mall environment for the launch of his new business.

“While searching for the right space, I discovered Brookfield Properties’ Partner to Empower Program, which became a pivotal opportunity,” he said. Through the program, Mr. Vue secured funding for buildout expenses, received mentorship from seasoned retailers through its four week retail workshop, and gained access to prime Brookfield Properties locations. “Even with prior business experience, every new venture comes with its own unique hurdles,” he said. “Navigating mall lease agreements, operational logistics, and vendor relationships required careful planning and negotiation to ensure a smooth launch. Despite these challenges, I remained persistent and strategic, leveraging the resources and support available through the Partner to Empower Program to bring JaeTea to life inside Coral Ridge Mall.”

Program offers mentorship, funding

Describing Partner to Empower’s virtual retail workshop as “Harvard Business School on steroids,” Ms. Isabel said the four week program gives participants insight into key business areas, including banking, cash flow management, tax strategy, financial entities, supply chain operations, marketing, public relations and overall business management. “The workshop has been described as the best part of what we have to offer, and it really just gets (participants) ready to open their store and really concentrate on the business of their business, versus just being in the store and selling,” she said. Participants in the program have opened nail and beauty salons, martial arts businesses, day care centers and even candy stores, Ms. Isabel said. Some have even gone on to appear on national television. Daneya Jacobs, owner of Delaware-based Candy Connections and a past participant in Partner to Empower, has made appearances on Today with Hoda & Jenna and QVC.

“Getting in groups and talking to other people that were working through similar issues and challenges felt very empowering, all in itself, because often times, you can feel isolated and you can feel alone, and Partner to Empower was a great way and a great reminder to see that you're not by yourself and other people are experiencing the same things,” she said. The program isn’t just limited to brand-new entrepreneurs, Ms. Isabel noted – existing business owners looking to expand can apply as well. “We would love to help entrepreneurs expand throughout our entire portfolio. That would be a win-win for them and for us,” she said. “I just want to encourage people to go for it,” she continued. “Take a shot at it. In fact, there was an individual who did not get selected the first time, and she didn't give up and she got selected the second time around. It takes guts, it takes passion. It takes drive. It all starts with that dream that entrepreneurs have.” Applications for Partner to Empower are open between Jan. 15 and Feb. 21, with the second round opening in July. In addition to the retail workshop, participants receive one-on-one mentorship and business planning, networking opportunities and funding. To learn more about the program or to apply, visit here.