WHAT WE DO
We fight unemployment and economic hardships with entrepreneurial training & small business development for urban youth.
In communities like Newark, almost 40% of our population lives below the poverty line—and that was prior to the pandemic. With the Thrive Initiative, we take the grit, confidence, and discipline from our IRONBOUND Boxing gym and transform young boxers into thriving entrepreneurs.
Our phased approach to business education exposes young adults early and often to the experiences and possibilities of freelancing, solopreneurship, and small business ownership.
“The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses—behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.”
OUR MISSION
Expand the impact of minority-owned small businesses—and the young entrepreneurs who will lead them.
8%
Of the nation’s 30.7 million small businesses are owned by Black or African-American entrepreneurs.
8.7 million
Number of workers employed by minority-owned businesses—about 8 employees per business.
48%
Minority-owned businesses are 48% more likely to add new services to support their community and employees during a crisis.
WE DO THIS BY
IMPROVING ACCESS TO
Business Education
Through our Thrive Initiative 4-week curriculum
Professional Mentorships
Through our growing (and generous!) partner community
Cash, Credit & Capital
Through grants, scholarships, and financial education.
Supportive Networks
That increase visibility and support
On-the-job Training
Via internships and apprenticeships
PROGRAM DETAILS
HOW THRIVE WORKS
A phased approach to entrepreneurial education.
Each student athlete is empowered by business training, mentorship, and the chance to win scholarships, start-up capital, and small business grants in key stages of their business.
Phase 1
Learn the Ropes - The Core Curriculum
Our 4-week curriculum meets every Saturday afternoon and focuses on helping underserved young entrepreneurs navigate business development from idea to invoice.
Unlike start-up incubators, Thrive embraces the significant contributions of all levels of entrepreneurship—from freelancing to small business ownership.
BUSINESS BASICS
Set the Structure
Learn how to flesh out an idea, create an initial business plan, and generate income by monetizing a product or service.
MARKETING
Build Your Brand
Identify target markets and key selling points plus learn how businesses separate themselves, one message at a time.
FINANCE
Manage Your Success
Creating a strong financial vocabulary is the key to the success of every business. We’ll help you get to the bottom of your bottom line.
LEADERSHIP
Step up and Serve
Every business needs a strong leader—even if you are the only one on the team. Find out what it takes to keep going and growing.
Next round starts March 3rd!
Phase 2
Get in the Ring - Deliver Your Business Pitch
After the initial phase, Thrive entrepreneurs are welcome and encouraged to participate in our accelerator program, which incentivizes this journey with cash prizes at every key milestone—and one-on-one business coaching that helps them every step of the way.
KEY MILESTONES
One-page executive summary with a clearly articulated business idea
Initial financial plan (complete with the opening of a business bank account.)
Marketing plan with relevant research and support
Phase 3
Put in the Reps - On-the-Job Training
We are developing a network of paid and subsidized internships with local small businesses to give our Thrive entrepreneurs the opportunity to experience the realities of running a small business and grow their business acumen in the process.
We know that not every small business can afford to pay or train interns—and we actively look to support this critical effort. Interns are a powerful way to support day-to-day operations and give back to the entrepreneurial community.
What’s YOUR big idea?
Contrary to popular belief, most businesses don’t start with a novel idea or a huge start-up budget.
The most successful businesses start by solving someone else’s day-to-day problems. If you’re struggling with a business idea, here are a few to think about:
Pet care
Walk dogs, feed cats, provide grooming services
Home assistant
Help the elderly or homebound with groceries, errands, daily well-being check-ins, or meal planning and prep.
Small business support
Cleaning, pick-up/delivery, inventory management, social media implementation, virtual assistant support, graphic design and more!
Carwash and vehicle detailing
Personal training
FROM FOUNDER “IRON” MIKE STEADMAN
If there is one thing I’ve learned in my entrepreneurial journey is that education and experience are vital tools for early and repeated success. My hope is that, through THRIVE, you’ll learn how powerful this journey can be for yourself, your community, and the industry you serve.
I can’t wait to see what you do.
Keep fighting,
—Mike