Project 23
YOUR CHAMPIONS OF DIVERSITY
ENTREPRENEURS, BUSINESS & FRANCHISE OWNERS
PROJECT 23
What is Project 23?
Project 23 is a series of events that began in the year 2023, aimed at promoting minority franchise ownership. Specifically, our focus for 2023 is on the African American community. Our objective is to facilitate direct interactions between prospective franchisees, franchisors, and funding experts. Through these interactions, we aim not only to provide guidance for success, but also to offer immediate opportunities for individuals to embark on their franchising journey. We plan to continue planning events into 2024 and beyond.
Each event is designed to inspire and foster innovation among business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. We recognize that achieving meaningful change requires dedication and sacrifice. In the words of Frederick Douglass, "If there is no struggle, there is no progress."
To achieve this, each event features a panel of successful business owners who have firsthand experience with the challenges and obstacles of entrepreneurship. They share their personal insights and lessons learned, followed by a group discussion addressing the broader challenges currently faced by the local business community in the host location.
After an event has ended, the real work begins! All attendees collaborate to reshape the business landscape of their region by promoting African American business ownership, offering alternative funding options, and providing ongoing mentorship. This journey paves the way for creating generational wealth.
EVENTS
Project 23 Delaware | December 2023
Planning for this event is still ongoing, but you can find the most recent updates at our Project 23 Delaware event page here.
Project 23 Dallas | March 23, 2023
This event was hosted by the Dallas-Fort Worth Urban League of Young Professionals. Our full event page and replay of the live event is here.
Noteworthy attendees included Carlos White, an HBCU-bred, Ivy League Law-trained business optimizer and franchise developer with over 15 years of experience in franchise and distribution law. Carlos was appointed by Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, as the first Franchise Impact Ambassador and chair of the ‘Mayor’s Franchise Initiative’ to foster economic growth. He brought with him Dallas resident and international franchise star Calvin Golden Franchise Developer and multi-unit Wingstop owner as well as Tim Williams IFA Chief Franchising Officer and CEO of Williams Fried Chicken a local Dallas franchise that is expanding. These gentleman continue to be actively engaged in advancing African American business ownership in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in connection with Mayor Johnson's Franchise Initiative.
Another attendee who saw almost immediate progress following our event, was Anthony Williams AltCap Market President-TX who helped bring $5,000,000 in small business lending to the Dallas area through a partnership with Liberty Trust Bank. Check out our interview with Anthony regarding this milestone development.
We also had a bevy of successful African American franchisees including Melinda Sykes Owner of Waxing the City in Dothan, Alabama. Melinda opened Dothan’s Waxing the City in November 2017. Currently, the Dothan location is amongst Waxing the City’s largest revenue-generating franchise’s in the nation. She shared the recipe for her rapid success in the franchise space and how other entrepreneurs can utilize the franchise model provided by Waxing the City – one of several strong brands under the oversite of Self Esteem Brands, LLC – to gain the support needed to build an grow a profitable business. Check out her presentation from the event here.
WHAT IF I'M AN ENTREPRENEUR LOOKING FOR A NEW OPPORTUNITY?
HOW CAN I BECOME A FRANCHISE OWNER?
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU REACH YOUR BUSINESS GOALS THIS YEAR?
We believe that a business with a great team can make an impact! Take the first step: contact us, and together, we will reach your goals.