The National Urban League has partnered with Babson College to assist businesses owned by Black women in growing their companies as part of the college’s Black Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership program.

According to a report on the Urban League site, Henry M. Thomas III, President and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield, said the women were selected for the program for their perseverance and commitment to their businesses and to the city of Springfield.

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“Every single one of those women not only know what they want, they also know what they need and that’s why they were suited for this program,” Thomas said.

The Urban League states it paid the tuition for each of the women with help from a $500,000 MassMutual donation as part of its mission “to grow women- and Black-owned businesses in the city.”

“I think the program has offered us the opportunity to come together as Black women in business and has given us the tools and resources to become a force in our own communities and work our way through this city,” said Cynthia Clemons, owner of Safe Harbor, a residential and adult day care program with locations in Springfield and Agawam.