Grow Your Business, Community, and Confidence with We Rise
We’ve come to the close of another successful We Rise business accelerator cohort! Sixteen business owners met over the last six months to learn about entrepreneurship and connect with other Black-owned businesses. Meet Kem Matthews, Brittny Johnson, and Joe Diggs – a few recent graduates – and see how We Rise is powering Arizona’s Black entrepreneurs one business at a time.
How has the We Rise program helped or impacted your business?
Joe Diggs - We Rise has given me, a brand new entrepreneur, the tools, connections, and confidence to move forward with my dream of opening my own restaurant space. It connected me with people who challenged me to be better and try things I would never have considered had I not met them. My success with Go Go Joe's will be because of the lessons I learned and the people I met as part of this cohort.
Brittny Johnson - The We Rise program opened my eyes to see my business differently. I’m not one for finances, so the program made me realize that I cannot escape something so vital to my business if I want to grow. It also introduced me to like-minded individuals and people that have helped me grow my business.
It also held me accountable for my business. I love being creative, but now I’ve gained many additional tools to help me grow my business.
Kem Matthews - The We Rise program and its participants have given me the knowledge and confidence to be a better business manager and owner.
Would you recommend We Rise? Why or why not?
Joe Diggs - I would recommend We Rise to any African American person with entrepreneurial dreams. By building up and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in Phoenix, it helps us build our economic independence and self-sufficiency. This allows us to lessen the economic impact of discriminatory practices denying us economic growth opportunities. You will come out of this program a better business person, better connected to the local African American community here in Phoenix, and a more confident entrepreneur.
Brittny Johnson - Yes, for many of the reasons listed above, but most importantly because it got me out of my comfort zone and when you allow yourself to get out of your comfort zone you push yourself to grow.
Kem Matthews - Yes, I'd recommend the program. It simply gives sustainability to the dream of being a business owner.
What was your biggest takeaway from We Rise?
Joe Diggs - My biggest takeaway is the sense of empowerment I feel as a budding business owner. I have more confidence in my business plan. My connections with my fellow cohort members also resulted in a greater camaraderie.
Brittny Johnson - Doing business is more than having a product or service; that’s just one aspect.
Kem Matthews - I'm looking forward to a lasting learning, bi- rewarding experience.
Joe Diggs | GoGo Joe's: This food and catering start-up focuses on comfort foods inspired by the unique culture and cuisine in the Washington, D.C. area. Joe’s ultimate goal is to build a space that the Black residents of Phoenix feel is theirs.
Brittny Johnson | Trades of Brit: Trades of Brit highlights handcrafted soap and body items made in small quantities utilizing natural high-quality oils, butters, and botanicals. The business takes joy in making each item natural.
Kem Matthews | Green Touch Grow Boxes, LLC: Green Touch Grow Boxes is a hydroponics business that allows low-income families and individuals to grow nutritious produce in limited spaces