Ennis T.​ Henderson

Beginning in the 1970’s and 80’s, I began to notice that virtually all of my neighbors either worked for someone else, or was seeking a job working for someone else.  They had bought into the idea that they were powerless to change their own economic circumstances through business ownership.  Not only is this sad and disheartening, but it is also damaging to the aspirations of future generations, but also a drag on the local and national economies.  For many years I have wanted to do something about this issue, but wasn’t properly prepared to assist anyone in this particular area. Throughout my formative years, I began to notice that there was only a handful of Black owned businesses in my hometown. This was an issue because the poorest people there happened to be African American.  Although the city was continuously growing, Black business ownership remained stagnate. Now 33 years later, the business climate has improved.   Today, there are a whopping 10 businesses in my hometown that are owned by African Americans.  How sad.

 

After a recent visit to my hometown, I discovered that many of my neighbors (Old and new) have had negative experiences in their past efforts to secure assistance and/or funding for new business enterprises. This has left too many of them with an overwhelming sense that continued efforts in that direction would be futile, so many of them have simply given up on trying. My experience tells me that there are several very important capabilities and resources required to plan, finance, launch, and successfully operate a business.  Several of these capabilities include: Basic bookkeeping skills, marketing, personnel management, record keeping and reporting, inventory management, customer service skills, cash-flow management, and sales abilities to name a few.  Any individual that is lacking in these areas has a high propensity for failure.  Failure is the by-product of fear, a lack of the adequate skills, a lack of financial resources, poor planning, and a lack of motivation all rolled into one neat little package.  The good news is that fear can be conquered.

 

I have developed a web based system that is available 24 hours per day, to help entrepreneurs identify where they are in the business developmental process. The system will help them to identify potential challenges associated with their respective projects, and assist them in developing strategies to move their businesses forward with sensible, achievable plans. When a novice spends a little time working their way through this new system, they will know exactly what to expect, and how to prepare and proceed forward. After using the system, they will have many of the resources needed to get the job done right. As I further develop the site, I will take the steps necessary to inform the public of how to find and access these helpful new resources. Direct assistance will also be available for those that require it. This program is open to anyone that needs it, but a focus will be applied to veterans, and the poor and disadvantaged segments of our population.