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The Gray Matter Experience's mission is to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of Black changemakers by bridging the entrepreneurial knowledge gap and driving positive community change.Our engaging programs, dynamic curriculum, and community of allies transform their leadership pathway from start to finish. Innovative bootcamps, immersive national partner programs, and foundational experiences from internships to pitch competitions invite young Black people, ages 14 to 24, to build futures in business and innovation they may not have had the privilege to access. We do this through skilled mentorship, community-focused impact, and creating safe spaces designed by Black leaders for curious creators, innovative thinkers, and budding visionaries. We offer what past generations needed — ongoing, holistic support and culturally nuanced methodologies that empower curious thinkers to become influential innovators who achieve upward mobility.Advocating for economic equity has always been our guiding principle. Since The Gray Matter Experience’s inception in 2016, we have contributed to narrowing the racial wealth gap by bringing the power of entrepreneurship to more than 1,000 young Black people, investing more than $95,000 in seed funding and pro bono services, and supporting 95 impact-driven entrepreneurs. With roots in the world-class city of Chicago, our curriculum has evolved into a nationally recognized and sought-after model for entrepreneurship education. Join us in fostering culturally responsive learning environments where equity and opportunity thrive. Together, we will empower a new generation of Black changemakers to chart their bold paths and create systemic change within their communities.
SoloSpouse is a one-stop-shop with all the knowledge, tools, and support for managing the death experience. We erase the chaos that comes with managing logistics of mortality so rebuilding a joyful life is possible. From checklists and straight-to-the-point must do's to wide-ranging topic areas which spark lightbulb moments SoloSpouse is also community, a network of experts and real world members who share your experience. We are a single source for navigating the unimaginable so you can get back to the people and activities you love.Rebuilding a Life You LoveWe believe that end-of-life planning isn’t just about navigating the financial, legal and social repercussions of your spouse’s death. It’s also about planning for your future—from returning to the workforce, to caring for children and pets, to handling new household responsibilities. We empower our members to anticipate and manage these challenges through educational content, trusted resources and an active community of members to support you through the process.A Step-by-Step ApproachThere are no words for the grief, disbelief and shock that comes with losing a spouse. Managing this sorrow is overwhelming—especially when paired with a growing to-do list of practical concerns. SoloSpouse proactively guides you through the process of prioritizing and addressing these tasks, while allowing you to set the pace. Our goal is to ensure you still have a partner and the resources you need to lay the foundation for what lies ahead.Referrals You Can TrustFrom funerals to financial planning, when life throws you a curveball, it’s hard to know who to trust. That’s why we’ve built a directory of regional service providers who align with our mission of providing transparent, straightforward support when you need it most. From lawyers, to therapists, to general contractors, SoloSpouse carefully vets each provider, allowing you to confidently take the next step and leave the research to us.Together We Rebuild!
There are many eCourses on the market, but many are built for technology startups, leaving most small businesses with very few support opportunities. The Launch & Growth Academies are the answer to this market need. These programs have been vetted by over 1,500 entrepreneurs and supported by organizations like the Women’s Business Center, the Small Business Development Center and by companies like Bank of America. Each academy is facilitated by an experienced entrepreneur and connects participants to peer support. Each week cohort participants will meet for two hours to discuss the eCourse material covered in the prior week. These sessions are critical to build community and push through challenges. All weekly classroom sessions take place via Zoom, ensuring equitable access for all. LAUNCH ACADEMY This program guides aspiring entrepreneurs through the 17 foundational steps of launching a business. Each week participants will complete 2-3 steps of the launch process and will be required to submit checkpoint questions before moving to the next step. These will be collected in a document for reference. The capstone will require each participant to create a one-page business plan and a polished elevator pitch. While anyone would benefit from this business fundamentals program, it was designed with a small business owner in mind (versus someone who is building a highly scalable, venture-backed business). GROWTH ACADEMY This program guides small business owners through the steps needed to scale their business. The capstone will require each participant to create and present a pitch to an investor, bank, or strategic growth partner. While the program covers all possible fundraising options (debt, equity, crowdfunding, etc), this course is best suited for small business owners who will be more likely to utilize debt to scale their business.
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