Formation Ventures

Our culture shows us images of successful entrepreneurs all the time - but do they look like you? Entrepreneurship is not reserved for a select few! It is accessible to anyone with the right mindset, skills, and determination. Every business started with a single idea and the courage to pursue it. What obstacles are you facing preventing you from pursuing your passion? Tell us in the comments below.

According to an article by Tribal Business News, "In the United States, you're more likely to be struck by lightning than you are to encounter a Native woman-owned business backed by venture capital." That’s likely because Native women receive a mere 0.0013% of venture funding. This statistic highlights the steep climb to startup and growth funding for female entrepreneurs in Indian Country. Nevertheless, let's call attention to Oklahoma, where a new business accelerator program, by the name of The TU Cherokee Women’s AcceleratHER Fellowship, is aiming to change those odds! This 12-week fellowship program is designed to help rapidly scale native women-owned businesses. Who is your favorite native entrepreneur? Support them today by sharing their business with others the comments below. Then click the link below to Buy Native on today. https://buynative.com/ #FormationVentures #indiginouspeoplesday #purchasenative #womenownedbusiness

"I want to change the narrative of who becomes an entrepreneur in this country," - Formation Ventures CEO and Co-Founder, Saamra Mekuria-Grillo. Click through to hear more in her recent TedTalk. Real Talk! You can become an entrepreneur, too. Formation Ventures supports your journey to successful entrepreneurship - no matter where you are in the process. We know young Black people have amazing ideas to improve their lives, their communities, and the world. Together we want to make sure that you have the resources to turn your ideas into reality!⁠ Learn more by visiting https://lnkd.in/gmzYjyjV

Black entrepreneurs are shaping the future.⁠ ⁠ Through Run The Future, a joint collaboration between Formation Ventures and Cambiar Education, young Black people experience entrepreneurial learning opportunities, built on the foundation of culturally affirming engagement and a clear understanding of what drives innovative businesses.⁠ ⁠ What are your entrepreneurial goals for the remainder of 2024? Comment below, then click the linkin.bio to learn more. ⁠

Entrepreneurship can often seem shrouded in mystery and glamorized by overnight success stories. But at its core, entrepreneurship is about identifying opportunities, solving problems, being flexible, and networking! Demystifying entrepreneurship reveals that it’s not about elusive genius or luck, but about hard work, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt and grow. Whether you’re dreaming of starting a tech startup, a bakery, or a consulting firm, the principles of entrepreneurship remain the same. By understanding these fundamentals, you can embark on your entrepreneurial journey with confidence and clarity. Tune into our Founder's Ted Talk to learn more! Link here: https://lnkd.in/gW94vVSd

What happens when a powerful community of leaders, disruptors, and innovators joins forces to push boundaries and drive educational progress? IMPACT. We are thrilled to share our CEO and Co-Founder's #TEDTalk. Saamra Mekuria-Grillo's perspective and story are worth celebrating. Yours is too! So, question: do you see yourself as an entrepreneur? Tell us in the comments below. Then tune in at the following link to view the recent release of her TedTalk. https://lnkd.in/gW94vVSd #TEDTalk #TEDEd #WeAreEdLoC

If you've been tuned in, we have been talking a lot about building a community around your business. From why it's important, to the benefits it can garner for small businesses. Now, let's discuss how to build one.⁠ ⁠ Here are a few quick tips:⁠ ⁠ Avoid generic messages and be authentic.⁠ Example: Use images and language that your audience can relate to and that will pique their interest.⁠ ⁠ Create an open space for people to connect.⁠ Example: House your community on easily accessible platforms like Facebook.⁠ ⁠ Make sure your community's values align with those of your customers/members.⁠ Example:⁠ Ask questions and listen to the thoughts and opinions of your audience. This feedback can guide community engagement and help you to better communicate your mission, core values, vision, and the rollout of products and services.⁠ ⁠ Are you currently part of a business community? Tell us about them below. #communitybuilders #FormationVentures #entrepreneurship #businesstips

This month we have been talking about building a community. From why it's important, to the benefits it can garner for small businesses. Now, let's discuss how to build one. Here are a few quick tips: Avoid generic messages and be authentic. Example: Use images and language that your audience can relate to and that will pique their interest. Create an open space for people to connect. Example: House your community on easily accessible platforms like Facebook. Make sure your community's values align with those of your customers/members. Example: Ask questions and listen to the thoughts and opinions of your audience. This feedback can guide community engagement and help you to better communicate your mission, core values, vision, and the rollout of products and services. Are you currently part of a business community? Tell us about them below.

Gen Z can teach us all a thing or two about consumer marketing and advertising. They tend to shy away from brands whose messaging feels forced and crafted, or who are more narrow-minded in their targeting. Instead, Gen Z prefers to invest in businesses that build meaningful relationships and communities with their target audience. They also feel drawn to messaging that feels authentic and in alignment with younger consumers' known challenges and social norms. Give us a better understanding of what's most important to you, and how you decide to support a business or brand?

Entrepreneurship and Labor Day are both deeply embedded in the fabric of our society. But how do they relate to each other and why are both essential to our economic landscape? Keep reading! Entrepreneurship fuels innovation and economic growth by starting and running new businesses. Entrepreneurs are often seen as the champions of innovation, bringing new ideas to life and driving economic progress. They take significant risks in pursuit of their visions, which can lead to the creation of jobs, the development of new products and services, and the stimulation of local and global economies. Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States, and is dedicated to honoring the contributions and achievements of the workforce. This holiday recognizes the hard work and dedication of laborers who have built and continue to sustain industry and economic growth. While entrepreneurs may be the visionaries behind new ventures, it is the workforce that brings these visions to fruition. Skilled laborers, from engineers to factory workers to sales teams, are crucial in turning entrepreneurial aspirations into reality. Happy Labor Day! Are you an entrepreneur or a member of the workforce? And do you see that changing in your future? Comment below.