CNN Hero Launches The BBOP Center To Help Propel Women Entrepreneurs

Photo courtesy of The IPY AgencyPhoto byThe Jennifer Hudson Show

Recently, Kim's story was included in the Italian film "Tell it Like a Woman," which was created to draw attention to issues combating gender-based violence and women’s empowerment. Kim's segment was produced by Taraji P. Henson, with Jennifer Hudson playing the role of Kim.

CNN Hero Kim Carter holds many titles, including Affordable Housing Developer, Strategic Planner, Innovator, Motivational Speaker, and Author. Kim is the President & CEO of the Center for Housing Advancement and Motivational Projects (CHAMP) and the founder and Ambassador of the Time for Change Foundation. Founded in 2002, TFCF assists homeless women and children in achieving self-sufficiency by providing housing and necessary supportive services through evidence-based programs, housing, and trauma-informed approaches to address their needs.

Although the road leading to this place in life was bumpy and filled with curves for Kim. She had a troubled childhood which eventually led to drug use and incarceration. Fighting homelessness has turned into a life of advocacy, a pardon from the Governor of California, a successful foundation, and several notable awards. Including becoming a CNN Hero, and parts of Kim’s life story being told by Academy Award winners Jennifer Hudson and Taraji P. Henson.

In 2022, Kim released her book "Waking up to My Purpose," which focuses on Recovering, Repairing, Repaying, and Rejoicing. In addition, Kim & The TFCF broke ground on a 10,350-square-foot BBOP (Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit) Center in San Bernardino. The BBOP Center is the first of its kind economic HUB in the Inland Empire and opened on March 15, 2023.

The BBOP Center has 14 offices, a cafeteria, shared workspaces, children's play area and will be open 16 hours a day. The BBOP Center also houses fast-pitch rooms with venture capitalists where women entrepreneurs can pitch their ideas and a one-on-one room for signing deals. Legal guidance will also be available for contract review to ensure the women are getting what they worked for.

I had the opportunity to ask Kim about virtual opportunities. She went on to say, “Our BBOP Academy provides virtual classes through our online courses. The Build, Grow and Scale programs are available internationally.”

BBOP Center