Members of the 2024 EYE cohort graduates at the 2024 NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange in Atlanta
The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) recently announced the 10th cohort of the Emerging Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) program. EYE is a nine-month experience uniquely designed to provide the next generation of minority entrepreneurs (ages 19 – 35) with skills, tools, and strategies to start or grow their innovative businesses. This year’s Emerging Young Entrepreneurs are:
- Taha Addow, Builders Technology Source
- Ranier Agustin, RanierFit
- Modupe Babalola, Lofinda Luxury
- Asha Bey, Asha Bey Communications
- Tyla-Simone Crayton, Sienna Sauce
- Vanessa Da Costa, Chilombo Consulting
- Raul De la Vega, JVF Plumbing Contractors
- Lennox Francis, Cyber Go
- Malcolm Freeman, Capstone security and investigations
- Bradley Gifford, Spoonful
- Ashley Gilmer, Divine Eye Media
- Leasia Gooding, Priority 1st Healthcare Staffing
- Devin Graham, Wow 1 Day Painting
- Brianna Hairlson, Bri’s Dance Place
- Paul Hairlson, Paul Hairlson Photography
- Philomina Kane, KIN Apparel
- Cherry Kim, Kim’s Maintenance Services
- Alina Lee, Aspire Law
- Carolina Lopez, BEJOU
- Yaslyn Lora, Lula’s Empanadas
- Demetrius Martin, Verses Media
- Crystal McLean, Crystal Clear Consulting Group
- Isaiah Mcswain, Zayam Design
- Jazmyn Michel, Peace of Find
- Alexandra “Lexx” Mills, Revvl
- Kevin Mobolade, Swipe Credit
- Shane Nelson, Thoughtphil (Reify Solutions)
- Andrew Nguyen, The O Agency
- Lauren Ogunyemi, East 223RD
- Christian Onyemem, Christian Onyemem CPA Firm, PLLC
- Brett Parson, Preeminent Professional Services
- Alyscia Raines, ADR Consulting Group
- Ra’Keeya Ramos, Gentle Beginnings
- Joend Robles, Auxilia Facility Solutions
- Pierrelande Saint Cyr, FlavourMingle
- Isabel Sanchez, Dreamroo
- Roniesha Sanders, SendANurse
- Anita Sewell, Anita L Sewell Enterprises
- Aaron Swinton , MAVRK Studio
- Jelissa Thomas, D3 Delivery LLC
- Obi Ukwu, Attendants Inc
- Duane Wallace, Downtown Strategy Group
- Rathan Yogi, Sano Nuts and Dry Fruit LLC
“In this increasingly uncertain social and economic environment, it is more important than ever before that we provide the minority business leaders of the future the opportunities they need to succeed,” said NMSDC Senior Director of MBE Services and Strategic Partnerships Jetheda Hernandez. “These young entrepreneurs are key to building a more inclusive, impactful economy that works for all,” she added.
Beginning this year, NMSDC will partner with the Howard University and PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship to offer an enhanced learning curriculum for the program. The National Center for Entrepreneurship will provide this year’s EYE participants with an eight-module curriculum to empower them with the skills and tools to grow their innovative businesses. Course offerings include:
- Defining Your Business Model and Discovering Your Customers.
- From Digital to Dollars: Using Digital Marketing to Acquire Customers.
- Building a Brand Through Content Creation.
- Producing a Profit and Knowing Your Numbers.
- Measuring Success: Metrics and Data Driven Decision Making.
- Communicating Effectively: Keys to An Effective Pitch.
- Process and Procedures: Using Artificial Intelligence and Other Technology to Automate Operations.
- Startup to Scale: Strategies to Grow.
In addition, NMSDC is continuing its partnership with McPherson, Berry & Associates to facilitate and manage the program and provide additional capacity-building opportunities for this year’s program.
EYE participants must obtain NMSDC MBE certification (if they are not already certified). They will also have the opportunity to compete in a pitch competition at the 2025 Annual Conference in Exchange, which will take place in Miami from Nov. 2 to 5. For more information on the EYE program, visit nmsdc.org/programs/emerging-young-entrepreneurs-program/.
