Takudzwa Chiduma

Elevate is a comprehensive 6-month accelerator program that empowers, refines, enhances, and scales Black businesses. It offers individualized business assessments, customized workplan development, and one-on-one technical assistance.

Open Arms link is a licensed 501(c)(3) nonprofit by the Michigan Department of Human Services Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing, as well as a contracted Home Health Provider with the Department of Community Mental Health (Clinton, Eaton and Ingham) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Our mission is to provide secure, person-centered, supportive, and structured residential care homes for individuals with developmental disabilities, empowering them to make choices, grow, and contribute to their community. Working closely with Community Mental Health, we offer psychiatric evaluation and medication prescriptions, occupational therapy, nutritional support, case management, special medication, and nursing services.

Why Lansing?
When we first moved here from Zimbabwe in 2001 we settled in Lansing, Michigan. The community was very welcoming and we where happy to start our business in this region because it has now become our home.

What inspired you to start a business?
While pursuing my Masters degree in Human Resources at Central Michigan University, I worked as a group home manager. Upon graduation, I realized that starting a business in this field was my true calling, as I am passionate about it.

What is your vision for the future of your business?
My vision is to establish a foundation and foster a community dedicated to serving the needs of our local area. Additionally, we aim to operate a non-profit organization that provides valuable services to our community.

What goals do you hope the Elevate program will help you achieve?
My goal is that our organization will get more visibility and begin the process of branching out.