Cape Girardeau, MO — The Multicultural Business Development Alliance (MBDA) of Cape Girardeau, established in October 2023, is already making waves in the regional business community. With a mission to promote entrepreneurship and support the growth of minority-owned businesses, MBDA continues to cultivate a network of innovation, resilience, and opportunity.
This May, MBDA marked a significant milestone with the graduation of its first Launch U entrepreneurial education cohort. Facilitated by business mentor and coach Richard James, Launch U began in late February and provided aspiring entrepreneurs with essential tools to develop, refine, and launch their business ideas.
The capstone of the program was the Pitch Night, where cohort members presented their business concepts before a panel of judges. The clear standout was Rachel Wallace, a passionate financial coach and the founder of EMPOW8R—a mission-driven company focused on helping individuals break free from financial stress through literacy, planning, and empowerment.
Wallace’s compelling pitch earned her the top award and a $1,000 prize from MBDA. In her presentation, she addressed a critical issue that resonates with many Americans: financial instability.
“There’s an epidemic happening right now—one that isn’t caused by a virus but is just as dangerous,” Wallace told the panel. “It’s called financial instability, and it’s affecting millions of people across the country. It keeps hardworking individuals in cycles of stress, debt, and missed opportunities. And like any illness, if left untreated, the symptoms only get worse.”
Her business, EMPOW8R, is designed to interrupt that cycle. Through credit education, personalized financial coaching, and strategic money mindset work, Wallace aims to help clients move from financial powerlessness to financial freedom.
“Financial wellness should be accessible to everyone,” she said. “Working with a financial coach can help you structure your finances for long-term success. It’s time to stop surviving and start thriving.”
Wallace’s victory at the MBDA pitch competition is just the beginning. With her award and a growing community of support, she is ready to expand EMPOW8R’s impact across Southeast Missouri and beyond.
To learn more about Rachel Wallace’s work and how EMPOW8R can help you achieve financial stability, visit www.EMPOW8R.com.
