Let us Nudge’s Post

Kicking off Michigan Tech Week means that we are also that much closer to the Black Tech Saturdays (BTS) Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit, which I am humbled to take part in. As I've seen BTS create inclusive spaces for Black entrepreneurs that have traditionally felt like they were "too much" or just didn't belong, it is fitting that my particular panel is titled 'Navigating Cross-Border Business Strategies.' It's taking place on October 5, 2 - 2:45 PM in the College for Creative Studies - Alfred Taubman Center 460 W Baltimore Ave, Detroit, MI 48202 - Conference Room 1. Knocking down boundaries means that we're also knocking them down internationally and encouraging each other to think bigger, even when it is scary. A million dollar business in the U.S. can easily be a billionaire dollar business if it has an international footprint. The question is really about how to make that happen. In my session, I'll be helping entrepreneurs bridge the gap between desire and action. Black Tech Saturdays Michigan Tech Week Michigan Founders Fund Link to register: https://lnkd.in/g84jNFs4 #makingdollarswhilemakingchange #internationalentrepreneurship #blackentrepreneurship #BlackTechSaturdays #DetroitDigitalEmpowermentSummit #Detroittech #MichiganTechWeek

Twenty-three is a game-changing number — ask Michael Jordan and Lebron James. Since 2021, Resource has graduated two cohorts comprising 23 BIPOC-led Entrepreneur Support Organizations – raising over USD 23M in operating capital. Our report with Black Innovation Alliance, “Shifting the Center,” embodies both the current work and future vision for Resource – an initiative to back the entrepreneur support organizations that support entrepreneurs of color. The notion of shifting the center is what the ESO leaders we support do daily in disrupting systemic economic inequity. We envision a future where Black, Latinx, and indigenous-led ESOs have the necessary resources to mobilize investment capital to the startups they support. Read the report to learn more about this vision for Resource’s next chapter and learn five ways you can join us: https://lnkd.in/d-J-HpiK 

With so many joys and tasks to handle each day, it's easy to focus on getting things done rather than taking a moment to celebrate the victories and also share them on media channels. Two things I missed to share: 1. The Cassini Business Accelerator Batch 2 results 🏆 and 2. the beginning of Batch #3 🏃.  Let's start with some numbers. 21 startups in Batch #2 over the 6 months have: 🛰️ € 117 M collectively secured equity-based funding; 🛰️ € 20 M raised from other sources of private funding; 🛰️ € 6.3 M secured public funding; 🛰️ 4602 generated sales leads; 🛰️ 127 made sales deals (a total cumulative value of € 24.4 M); and so much more impact! In May 2024, Batch #3 startups embarked on their journey in the programme! Even though they are still in the middle of it, I invite your space scale-up to apply for the Cassini Business Accelerator Batch #4! 🌌 #CassiniBusinessAccelerator #EUSpace #cassiniEU Civitta Verhaert | Masters in Innovation Plug and Play Tech Center Sting

Calling all #AssistiveTech and EquityTech entrepreneurs 📣 Halcyon's EquityTech Fellowship empowers entrepreneurs across the United States and the globe leveraging technology to increase social and financial inclusion and close equity gaps in wealth, education, and accessibility. Halcyon fellows receive training in product-market fit, investment readiness, and leadership, among other program-specific benefits. Learn more and apply below: #AccessibilityTech #DisabilityTech #Startup #Accelerator

Last week, we had the pleasure of attending the last Collision Conf in Toronto! 🚀 We were there supporting the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA), and it was a great opportunity to network, meet new small business owners, and learn more about the world of tech! BEA was there as part of the Black Innovation Zone - a collective of 9 Black-led organizations (Black Entrepreneurship Alliance, Nobellum, Federation of Black Canadians, Black Founders Network, African Impact Initiative, BlackNorth Initiative, Black Opportunity Fund, DMZ, Tribe Network) curated to boost visibility and support for Black founders, and professionals in Canada! Although we're not the exact audience for Collision (we don't know much about tech 😅) it was still great to explore the world through the eyes of the innovators, developers, and individuals developing new ideas for the future. ✨ If you attended this year's Collision, what did you find the most insightful about the conference? 💭 #Collision2024 #TechConference #EquityandInclusion #Entrepreneur

Today, February 1st, is the beginning of #BlackHistoryMonth! We wanted to highlight one of our incredible 2023 cohort companies, Herculean Feats founded by Jason Hercules. Herculean Feats supports a sustainable and equitable built environment with innovation. They build tools that let community members easily interact with infrastructure to get the most out of their experience in the public realm. As a program dedicated to supporting New majority founders, we realize that navigating an entrepreneurship journey as a Black founder is not easy, especially considering the difficulties that come with accessing funding and resources. So, this #BlackHistoryMonth, let's all remember that supporting Black creators, businesses, founders, and individuals should be done 365 days a year, not just during the month of February. #BlackHistoryMonth2024 #SmartFuturesLab #NewMajority

August is Black Business Month, and as a Black-owned business, we are proud to highlight the incredible contributions of Black entrepreneurs and businesses. From innovative startups to established enterprises, their talent, passion and determination are paving the way. Join us in supporting Black-owned businesses this month and beyond. Help us celebrate their achievements every day. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future. #BlackBusinessMonth #ShopLocal #SupportBlackBusinessEveryday #BlackEntrepreneurs #BlackBusinessOwners #BlackBusinessMatters #BlackBusinessCommunity #ThePhoenix #SupportingBlackBusiness

If you have spoken to me in the last 3 years, you know that the principles of Syntropic Enterprise give me hope for our future in these times. Principles to help you to design an enterprise (work, family, community), find your direction and speak to power. Now you have the opportunity to be introduced to them in person with the founder of Syntropic World, Christine McDougall!

Congratulations to our 2024 cohort at Amped Russell Technology Business Incubator! We are thrilled to welcome you to the program and commend your dedication to growing your businesses. Your hard work and commitment to creating a foundation for generational wealth are truly inspiring. We look forward to supporting you on this journey of entrepreneurship and success! #AmpedRTBI #BlackBusiness #LatinxBusiness #GenerationalWealth #Entrepreneurship"

As Black entrepreneurs, it’s unfortunate that we don’t have access to capital and the same support from VCs as our white counterparts. According to #Crunchbase, “Venture funding to Black-founded U.S. startups last year totaled only $705 million—marking the first time since 2016 that the figure failed to even reach $1 billion.” The industry does need to change and become more inclusive; however, year after year we’ve seen that it hasn’t improved. What the lack of #VC funding has taught me as I put together our event is that you can’t rely solely on that to make your business take off, and, more importantly, sustain itself. Too many #BlackFounders don’t end up taking their companies to the next level because they are expecting investors to be the solution to their problems. VC funding should be viewed as a means, not an end. Here’s what I learned from speaking to attendees and speakers at leading tech companies over the years about what support is needed to help our businesses thrive. #YesWeLaunch #YesWeScale #YesWeWin