A free year-long, application-based program supporting and encouraging independent pharmacy ownership among individuals belonging to historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.

Throughout the program, Pathways participants gain access to:

• • Pharmacy owner-mentors

• • Webinars and self-directed activities focused on essential business principles as they relate to pharmacy ownership

• • Scholarships to attend NCPA’s Ownership Workshop

• • Business plan reviews by industry experts

With this program, the NCPA Foundation aims to:

• • Increase the number of pharmacies in the U.S. owned by individuals belonging to historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups

• • Reduce barriers to obtaining knowledge and networking experiences necessary on the path to pharmacy ownership

• • Support the development of mentor-style relationships among current, experienced pharmacy owners and aspiring minority pharmacy owners

• • Foster a supportive and diverse community of collaboration and idea sharing

Ownership Fundamentals Webinar Series

Webinar topics may include, but are not limited to:  

• • Personal Finance for the Entrepreneur  

• • Opening and Buying a Pharmacy Timeline

• • How to Write a Business Plan  

• • Maximizing Your Front-End Image

• • Pharmacy Benchmarking

NCPA Pharmacy Ownership Workshop

Pathways pharmacists will be awarded scholarships to attend the October NCPA Ownership Workshop in-person, ahead of the NCPA Annual Convention. More information can be found on the Ownership Workshop page. Travel expenses and lodging will be the responsibility of the pharmacist.   

Business Plan Review

Pathways participants will have the opportunity to have their business plans reviewed by industry experts before submitting to their financial institutions for consideration.

Background

NCPA was proud to support the 4th Annual Minority Pharmacist Entrepreneur Conference (MPECrx). Continued collaborative efforts between NCPA and MPECrx led to the creation of Pathways to Pharmacy Ownership, which officially launched January 2022. The NCPA Foundation recently took over administration of this program in the fall of 2024.

This program is open to all individuals belonging to historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Contact Us if you have any questions or concerns. 

Special thanks to our Co-Supporters