Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building
Unlocking the Power of Entrepreneurship in HBCU's
To address the challenge of empowering minority entrepreneurs, GNO, Inc. partnered with OHUB to create The High-Growth Upskilling + Company Building Accelerator Program. This program provides participants with the foundational skills needed to build, launch, and scale a high-growth startup. It also includes the HBCU Entrepreneurship Internship Program, which pairs juniors and seniors from local HBCUs - Xavier University of Louisiana, Dillard University, and Southern University at New Orleans - with startup companies seeking diverse talent for a paid summer internship.
For this project, I collaborated with GNO, Inc. and junior and senior HBCU students from Xavier University, Dillard University, and Southern University at New Orleans. We conducted extensive research to identify the project's requirements and constraints and developed a comprehensive project plan outlining our strategy. Throughout the project, we communicated regularly with stakeholders to ensure their needs were met and that the project progressed as planned. We also utilized various project management tools and techniques to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.
Under the instruction of Dave Parker, a five-time exited founder and CEO of the Trajectory Series, learners of the High-Growth Company Building Certificate completed five sessions designed to master complex concepts and navigate from idea to product to revenue. Learners who earn this badge possess foundational skills in customer and product development, pricing, business model optimization, market validation, and fundraising.
The Program
1. What was your Venture Ready score?
2. Value Props, Positioning, & Customer Development
3. Finding Product Market Fit
4. Marketing, Sales, and Business Development
5. Fundraising Fundamental and Pitch Day
High-Growth Company Building
Project Overview
Unlocking the Power of Entrepreneurship in HBCU's
Partnered with Greater New Orleans Inc. (GNO) to launch the second year of the HBCU Startup Internship program. The initiative provided an opportunity for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to gain real-world experience in entrepreneurship and innovation. The program included mentorship, training, and networking opportunities for the interns, with the aim of fostering diversity and inclusion in the technology industry.
CLIENT
Greater New Orleans, Inc.
ROLE
Chief Growth Officer
LOCATION
New Orleans, LA
TYPE
Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building
THE CHALLENGE
HBCUs have a long history of producing entrepreneurs and innovators, but students at these institutions often face challenges in accessing the resources and support needed to turn their ideas into successful businesses. This can be particularly true in the Greater New Orleans region, where there are limited resources and support specifically targeted at HBCU students.
In response to this challenge, GNO, Inc. launched the HBCU Startup Internship program to provide hands-on entrepreneurial experience and access to resources for HBCU students. The program aims to support the development of new businesses and promote economic development in the region.
Value Created
The HBCU Startup Internship program has been successful in providing hands-on entrepreneurial experience and access to resources for HBCU students in the Greater New Orleans region. By offering a range of resources and support, including hands-on experience, mentorship opportunities, and access to resources, the program has helped participants to develop the skills and experience needed to succeed as entrepreneurs. This has not only benefited the individual participants but also the Greater New Orleans community, by promoting economic development and supporting the development of new businesses.
