01 Apr BOND Launches Entrepreneurship Academy for Men and Boys

BOND (the Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny), a Los Angeles based nonprofit founded by Jesse Lee Peterson, launched an Entrepreneurship Academy for Men & Boys (ages 15+) on March 28, 2017. Applicants for the program had to submit a one-page outline for their business idea and undergo an interview in order to be considered for the program. There were 7 finalists selected.

BOND founder and president, Jesse Lee Peterson, ran the first meeting. He went around the room and had the guys introduce themselves and give a brief elevator pitch about their business. The businesses included, Internet<i”> marketing, <i”>public relations firm, <i”>radio production services, <i”>HVAC repair and maintenance, a clothing line, and a drone based delivery service.

The men in the BOND Entrepreneurship Academy have a very diverse background (whites, blacks, and Hispanic). Their age range is 20 to 55. The guys are all enthusiastic and ready to start working on their businesses.

Challenges and optimism

Some of the men opened up and talked about what it took to get to this point. One man wanted to start a business since 2012, but had to put it on hold in order to support his wife and kids. He thought his wife was the backbone of the family, but she didn’t support his desire to start a business. His marriage ended in divorce, and he was homeless for some time. Now, he’s back on his feet with a job, a place to live, a car, and says he’s ready to focus on his business.

One young man received advice from Jesse Lee Peterson and the group on how to improve his clothing line. They gave him ideas on how to better brand the merchandise. They also encouraged him to rethink his target audience. The young man was receptive and happy to get the advice.

Keep it simple

Jesse gave the guys some parting advice about staying focused and keeping things simple. “The ability to run a business and do well in life is already in us; we just have to grow into it,” said Jesse. “Don’t be double minded. Commit to working harder than you’ve ever worked before, and don’t let anyone talk you out of it.”

The first meeting concluded with Jesse giving all the finalists a copy of his booklet, “The Seven Guaranteed Steps to Spiritual, Family, and Financial Success” (ebook available from Amazon)—a small but powerful booklet filled with wisdom.

The BOND Entrepreneurship Academy meetings will be held once a week. A business expert will be at each meeting to address a specific topic related to business and entrepreneurship. The next meeting and the first speaker will focus on how to write a solid business plan.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 4 at 5 p.m. For information about this program call 323-782-1980, or email bond@bondinfo.org

BOND is a nationally recognized 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization founded for the purpose of “Rebuilding the Family by Rebuilding the Man.” We don’t accept any government funds, and we rely on your donations to operate our programs and services. To make a donation click here.

Watch and listen to the report about the launch of the BOND Entrepreneurship Academy here (also embedded above).