As part of our ‘Partner Spotlight’ series, we introduce our 2022 ECOSYSTEM partner, the Durham Success Summit. The Durham Success Summit is an evidence-obsessed nonprofit organization providing transformative professional development experiences to young Black men ages 16-24 in Durham, NC.
Describe your organization in 25 words or less.
We are an innovative, data-driven non-profit organization providing FREE leadership development, career preparation, and business mentorship programs to young Black men in Durham, North Carolina.
How does your organization support entrepreneurs?
Summit Founders is an intensive 6-month business incubator that provides entrepreneurial training utilizing Icehouse curriculum, mentorship, and seed funding to aspiring full-time entrepreneurs with an idea. Our admissions criteria is based primarily on applicants’ entrepreneurial spirit and vision, rather than purely focusing on metrics such as GPA and/or startup valuation.
Where do you see your organization in five years?
One day, DSS will have centers across Durham to ensure young men in the community have easy access to services.
What problem is your organization trying to solve?
Due to a lack of access to professional networks, young Black men can sometimes struggle to participate in the workforce. In January 2020, a study revealed that young Black men had the lowest participation rate of all demographics at 57 percent, and far lower than the 81.6 percent participation rate of older Black men.
What advice would you give other organizations in acquiring funding?
Nothing for the youth without the youth.
Published July 17, 2024
Submission Provided by: Derek Rhodes (Founder and Executive Director)
As part of our ‘Partner Spotlight’ series, we introduce our 2022 ECOSYSTEM partner, the Durham Success Summit. The Durham Success Summit is an evidence-obsessed nonprofit organization providing transformative professional development experiences to young Black men 16 through 24 in Durham, NC.
Describe your organization in 25 words or less.
We are an innovative, data-driven non-profit organization providing FREE leadership development, career preparation, and business mentorship programs to young Black men in Durham, North Carolina.
How does your organization support entrepreneurs?
Summit Founders is an intensive 6-month business incubator that provides entrepreneurial training utilizing Icehouse curriculum, mentorship, and seed funding to aspiring full-time entrepreneurs with an idea. Our admissions criteria is based primarily on applicants’ entrepreneurial spirit and vision, rather than purely focusing on metrics such as GPA and/or startup valuation.
Where do you see your organization in five years?
One day, DSS will have centers across Durham to ensure young men in the community have easy access to services.
What problem is your organization trying to solve?
Due to a lack of access to professional networks, young Black men can sometimes struggle to participate in the workforce. In January 2020, a study revealed that young Black men had the lowest participation rate of all demographics at 57 percent, and far lower than the 81.6 percent participation rate of older Black men.
What advice would you give other organizations in acquiring funding?
Nothing for the youth without the youth.
Published July 17, 2024
Submission Provided by: Derek Rhodes (Founder and Executive Director)
