Summary:
Kerry Bowie, the Executive Director of Majira Project, discusses the organization’s mission to support entrepreneurs and startups in building successful businesses. Majira, which means “growing season” in Swahili, provides consulting, coaching, connections, and capital to help these businesses thrive. Carrie shares the origin story of Majira and how it evolved from a pro bono arm of his consulting practice to a full-fledged nonprofit accelerator. He also explains the unique partnership with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the role of executive and business coaches in the program. Carrie emphasizes the importance of relationships and community development through entrepreneurship in closing the racial wealth gap. He shares his aspirations for the future of Majira, including formalizing operations, expanding partnerships with higher education institutions, and continuing to support black and brown entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways:
- Majira Project provides consulting, coaching, connections, and capital to support entrepreneurs and startups in building successful businesses.
- The organization’s name, Majira, is Swahili for “growing season” and represents the idea that startups need similar elements to thrive, just like plants need sunlight, water, and nutrients.
- Majira’s partnership with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) allows startups to receive pro bono consulting services from BCG consultants, helping them with strategy, sales, marketing, and operations.
- The program focuses on seed-stage companies that have already achieved product-market fit and are looking to grow and scale their businesses.
- Majira also provides executive and business coaching to entrepreneurs, helping them with personal and professional development.
- The organization aims to close the racial wealth gap by supporting black and brown entrepreneurs and encouraging them to give back to their communities.