Building Toward 1,000 New Owners
The 1,000 Owners Initiative is our flagship goal: launch and support 1,000 Black-owned businesses across America. We are just getting started. Join us from the beginning.
Where We Are Now
We are building this movement from the ground up. Here is our starting point.
What We Have
- A platform to bring members together
- A clear mission focused on ownership
- A transparent approach to funds and governance
- A vision that thousands can rally behind
What We Are Building
- Our first 1,000 founding members
- Chapter ambassadors in major cities
- Our business application and vetting process
- Our mentor and advisor network
We have not funded any businesses yet. We have not launched any chapters yet. That is the truth. But every great movement started somewhere, and this is our somewhere.
How The Initiative Will Work
Members Pool Resources
Every membership contribution goes into our business funding pool. When 10,000 members contribute $25/month, that is $250,000 monthly for business creation.
Entrepreneurs Apply
Black entrepreneurs submit applications with their business plans, financials, and impact projections. Our team reviews and scores each application against standardized criteria.
Community Votes
Shortlisted businesses are presented to members for voting. The community has direct input on which businesses receive funding.
Funding and Support
Selected businesses receive capital plus comprehensive support: mentorship, marketing resources, networking opportunities, and ongoing guidance.
Transparency and Reporting
Every funded business reports quarterly on revenue, job creation, and community impact. Members see exactly how their contributions create results.
Businesses We Want To Help Grow
We focus on businesses that create real jobs and build real wealth in our communities.
What We Are Building Toward
These are goals, not accomplishments. We share them so you know the vision we are working toward together.
Founding Owners
Building the foundation of the movement
Active City Chapters
Local communities driving local change
Businesses Supported
Real businesses creating real wealth
Jobs Created
Employment opportunities in our communities
National Conference
Bringing the movement together annually
Selection Criteria
Not every business qualifies. We are looking for founders with real potential to build lasting enterprises that create community impact. Here is what we will evaluate.
Viable Business Model
Clear path to profitability with realistic financial projections
Community Impact
Potential to create jobs and serve underserved communities
Founder Commitment
Full-time dedication or clear transition plan to full-time
Scalability
Potential to grow beyond initial market or location
Coachability
Willingness to receive mentorship and implement feedback
Why These Criteria Matter
We are not just giving away money. We are investing in businesses that will employ people, serve communities, and build generational wealth.
Every dollar our members contribute should go to founders who are ready to do the work. That means having a real plan, being coachable, and being committed for the long haul.
High standards lead to high success rates.
More Than Money: The Mentorship Model
Capital alone does not build successful businesses. Every funded entrepreneur will be paired with a mentor who has built and scaled businesses in their industry. These will not be casual check-ins. They will be structured relationships with clear milestones.
We are building a mentor network of successful Black entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and industry specialists who want to give back. This network will grow alongside the movement.
Great mentorship is the difference between a business that survives and one that thrives.
Help Us Get To 1,000
The first 1,000 members will lay the foundation for everything that comes after. Your membership today helps fund the first businesses, launch the first chapters, and prove that this model works.