Jadah McClam Turns Adversity into Entrepreneurship Success
At just 16 years old, Jadah McClam made a life-changing decision. After recognizing she was headed down the wrong path, she chose to channel her ambition into something positive. She launched what would eventually become McClam Accessories, a jewelry business focused on stylish, affordable pieces that are made to last. Inspired by her love of jewelry and a natural entrepreneurial spirit, Jadah identified a gap in the market for high-quality, tarnish-resistant accessories that customers could wear every day without breaking the bank. What started as McClam Charms grew into McClam Accessories, a brand that now serves customers through both online sales and mobile drop-off services. As a participant in the Entrepreneurship Center’s Young CEOs Cohort 1, Jadah strengthened her business foundation, refined her marketing strategy, and gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to successfully run and grow a business. “The biggest lesson I learned during the Young CEOs program was the importance of consistency, preparation, and knowing your business inside and out,” said Jadah. “The program helped me get back to the drawing board, strengthen my foundation, and move forward with confidence.” Jadah’s dedication and growth throughout the program earned her the title of Young CEOs Cohort 1 Grand Prize Winner, along with a $1,200 prize. She reinvested the prize money into legal business needs, new packaging, and inventory. “Jadah’s journey is exactly why the Young CEOs Program exists,” said Khristie Kennedy, Program Manager. “She turned challenges into opportunities, embraced every lesson, and demonstrated the determination and resilience needed to build a successful business. Her growth throughout the program was inspiring to watch.” Today, Jadah is expanding McClam Accessories throughout the Atlanta area, growing her online presence, and connecting with new customers. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and a willingness to start with just an idea, young entrepreneurs can create opportunities that change the trajectory of their lives. Interested in becoming the next Young CEO success story? Our fall cohort begins Sept. 29, and there’s still time to register. If you’re a business owner ages 17-24, this program is for you. You’ll receive expert-led workshops, one-on-one coaching, networking opportunities, small business resources, and the chance to compete for micro-grants to help launch or grow your businesses. Click here to apply. Have a question? Please email Khristie Kennedy at kkennedy@ulgatl.org. Visit ulgatl.org often to explore programs that can help you and your family thrive.
A Young CEO Builds Pathways to Long-Term Financial Stability
“When we help young people establish strong financial habits early, we are supporting their individual financial stability and helping create a foundation for long-term wealth building. Often, we are disrupting cycles of generational poverty and positioning the next generation to build, preserve, and transfer wealth.” Breana Curry, senior program manager at the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s Financial Empowerment Center, made that statement in noting the success of a young woman, Daisha, who recently participated in the League’s Young CEOs program. “One of the most rewarding parts of Daisha’s story is seeing her move from Young CEOs into sustained financial coaching and continue applying what she learned to real-life milestones,” Ms. Curry said. “Her journey shows the value of introducing financial empowerment early and creating opportunities for young adults to continue receiving guidance as their lives, careers, and financial responsibilities evolve.” In the Young CEOs program, Daisha’s business idea won the pitch competition. When the program ended, Daisha moved into an eight-month individualized financial coaching period. This allowed her to immediately build upon the financial concepts she learned as a Young CEO and to extend them to her personal goals. During this period, she achieved meaningful financial and personal milestones. She obtained a new credit card and successfully applied the credit-management strategies developed through coaching to responsibly manage the account. As she continued strengthening her credit profile, her credit score increased from 687 to 732—a 45-point improvement. Daisha also purchased her first vehicle, marking another significant step toward independence and financial stability. Through ongoing coaching, Daisha developed a stronger understanding of credit management and financial decision-making. She transitioned from feeling financially insecure and uncertain about her future to feeling more confident and empowered in managing her finances. “I am incredibly proud of all the progress I have made in such a short time working with Eusevius, my financial coach,” Daisha said. Daisha has now earned her bachelor’s degree and secured full-time employment at a pharmacy, moving ahead in her quest to achieve economic mobility and career advancement. Her experience reflects the value of financial education and individualized coaching, particularly for young adults. In her continued engagement with the League, Daisha made progress in multiple areas — from credit building and responsible use of financial products to employment, education, asset acquisition, and tools for economic stability. As she traverses the next stage of her journey, Daisha can confidently rely on her strong financial foundation to help her achieve her goals.
From Vision to Venture: Meet Jamila Sutton of Coffee Snobs
Every thriving business starts with a vision. From Vision to Venture, a new video series from the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s Entrepreneurship Center, highlights the entrepreneurs turning those visions into businesses that serve their communities. We’re kicking off the series with Jamila Sutton of Coffee Snobs, a coffee shop built around more than just a great cup of coffee. Coffee Snobs was created with a vision to bring people together, spark conversations, and create a welcoming space where community comes first. In this first episode, Jamila shares more about the story behind Coffee Snobs, her entrepreneurial journey, and the passion that continues to drive the business forward. Located at4400 Brownsville Rd #104, Powder Springs, GA 30127, Coffee Snobs is creating a space where people can slow down, connect, and enjoy the simple experience of sharing a cup of coffee. Through From Vision to Venture, we’ll continue introducing you to the entrepreneurs connected to the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s Entrepreneurship Center and sharing the stories, challenges, and ideas behind their businesses. Watch the first episode and meet Jamila Sutton of Coffee Snobs. Click here to watch the full episode.
KYJ Consulting LLC: Power, Persistence, and Procurement
Kim Jones, the visionary force behind KYJ Consulting LLC, recently achieved what many small business owners only dream of: securing a $1.2 million government contract. But her journey didn’t begin with the contract. It began with a commitment to learn, grow, and boldly pursue opportunities. With a focus onproviding high-quality consulting services and a reputation for excellence, Kim knew she was ready to scale. But she also recognized that she needed strategy, structure, and support to successfully navigate the complex world of government contracting. Enter the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and its Entrepreneurship Center (TEC), a vital ecosystem for entrepreneurs like Kim who are determined to make an impact. Through targeted training, coaching, and critical introductions, the ULGA TEC program helped Kim prepare KYJ Consulting for the federal marketplace. Malcolm Whichard of Procureforce further accelerated her progress with his expert insights on procurement strategy, compliance, capability statements, and responding to RFPs (Requests for Proposals). The collaboration empowered Kim to submit a competitive proposal confidently and WIN! Together, this trio — KYJ Consulting, ULGA TEC, and Procureforce — formed the blueprint for success. Winning a $1.2 million government contract wasn’t just a business win, it was a life-changing milestone. It positioned KYJ Consulting as a certified and trusted government vendor, capable of delivering high-impact service at high levels. Her achievement proves that with preparation, persistence, and the right partners, small businesses can thrive in large-scale arenas. “This contract is more than a number,” Kim said. “It’s a testament to what’s possible when you stay the course. The support from the Urban League and Malcolm Whichard helped me align my business with real opportunity. I’m grateful and ready for what’s next.” Kim is now laser-focused on performance excellence, compliance management, and scaling sustainably to handle future contracts. She also mentors other small business owners who are walking the same path she once did. With her as a guide, they will learn how to turn possibility into profit through education and execution. Her journey is a shining example of how access and being a voice can bridge the gap between small business potential and public sector opportunities.
Stacey Brown soars with Doctor Bird Protective Gear LLC
Stacey Brown soars with Doctor Bird Protective Gear LLC When Stacey Brown launched Doctor Bird Protective Gear LLC, she did so with a clear mission: to protect and empower in the wake of the Covid pandemic. Her company specializes in high-quality protective gear designed to meet the safety needs of various industries. Her product combines durability, function, and cultural pride under one powerful brand name. Once she launched her business, she set a goal of breaking into the government contracting space, an elusive target for many small business owners. Being competitive in the contracting arena takes more than just a great product: It takes preparation, knowledge, strategy, and a strong support system. That’s where the Urban League of Greater Atlanta comes in. Ms. Brown turned to the League’s Entrepreneurship Center (TEC) a year ago, to amass all the knowledge and skills she would need to succeed. In partnership with ProcureForce, the professionals at TEC guided Ms. Brown in fine-tuning her capability statement, clarifying her differentiators, and building a strong procurement infrastructure. She worked closely with Malcolm Whichard, founder of ProcureForce, who offered strategic insight into government contracting, bid writing, compliance, and proposal development. This preparation gave Ms. Brown the confidence and tools to compete in a highly regulated space where attention to detail and compliance is everything. And it led to her successful application for her first government contract. She secured an $80,000 investment that represented more than a check: It validated her product, brand, and ability to deliver value to the public sector. She not only gained new revenue and visibility but also stepped into a broader arena of suppliers contributing to public safety and occupational health. Ms. Brown spoke enthusiastically about the support and business acumen she acquired through TEC. “The Urban League helped me realize that my business was ready. Malcolm and the team showed me how to package the business,” she said. “Winning this contract wasn’t just a win for Doctor Bird. It’s a win for every small business that dares to believe they belong in the room.”
Star Client Takes Her Side Business to a Full Time, Thriving Enterprise
Star Client Takes Her Side Business to a Full Time, Thriving Enterprise For 15 years, Patricia Morgan had been working her side-passion job while employed full-time in a position she depended on for financial security. But during the pandemic, her side business caught the attention of so many companies, Ms. Morgan took a leap of faith. She formalized her business, Executive Learning Lab, and within two years, stepped away from her paid position to give full-time to her passion in the A wide range of backgrounds and Belonging and leadership development space. “We help organizations create safe and affirming spaces and we do that through three service models: training & development (all staff training on D&I, compliance training, employee relations & well-being training); leadership development (leadership coaching, leadership training); and strategic planning (what does it look like to carefully get there).” Her company has grown exponentially and has won a contract above half a million dollars. Ms. Morgan credits the Urban League with giving her the tools to advance. “As soon as I officially registered my business as an LLC in 2020, I decided to connect with the Urban League,” she said. “I began tuning into the webinars like the weekly “Lunch & Learn” series and participating in the 1:1 business coaching that’s offered. Also in 2020, I entered one of the partner-led pitch programs and won $5,000.” Ms. Morgan saw that the Urban League had even more to offer. She joined The Entrepreneurship Center’s (TEC) Small Business Development Center Care Program in March 2021. In March 2022, she participated in the Growth Accelerator Program. And in September 2022, she applied for another grant, Elevate Together, and won another $5,000. “Recently, I participated in the Metro Atlanta Capital Readiness Program, which has been fruitful. It was important for me to join this program because I wanted to be very intentional about my business getting a federal contract,” she said. “We were killing at roughly 70% rate at the state, local & municipality level, but I wanted to get into the federal space. And I did just that! I secured my first federal contract. It’s a $550k contract with a Department of Defense agency.” An additional benefit of working with the Urban League, Ms. Morgan said, is that doors are opened for talented individuals to walk through to compete on a level playing field. “What I love about ULGA is that the programs are backed with capital. I’ve been placed in rooms to make strategic partners, teaming partners, people who I’ve been able to go after RFPs together and we’ve won them. This year, my company has seen an 80% growth in revenue from last year. And we secured over a million dollars in contracts for this fiscal year and also won thousands in grants.” Ms. Morgan said she lives by the adage, “Never tell yourself no.” She explained, “I’m not going to shut the door on myself. An imposter syndrome is a tool that the enemy has used for too long to make us believe that we are not capable and that we don’t deserve a seat at the table. It doesn’t serve you to play small. Take up space, especially in this anti-DEI climate we’re in. Continue fighting to get into those spaces.” Her goal, she continued, is to hire more staff and ultimately sell her business and transition to helping other women turn their businesses into multi-million-dollar enterprises. “To the Urban League team, thank you so much for taking a risk on me. Opening your doors and always embracing me,” she said. “If there’s a business concern that I have, I don’t have to figure it out on my own. You support me. I so appreciate the way you are invested in my personal and professional growth.”
FruiTea Bubbles Café: Brimming over with success
FruiTea Bubbles Café: Brimming over with success Lisa Lindsay opened FruiTea Bubbles Café in 2022 after a successful run of selling pitchers of her smoothies and pressed juices to friends and a growing clientele of people in her community. She says the idea of her enterprise comes from a childhood surrounded by British-Caribbean traditions such as daily teatime and an appreciation of fruity flavors. As for growing her Cobb County-based business, Lisa gives credit to the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s range of programs that promote small business longevity. “I gained a deeper understanding of my business through the education and support from ULGA coaches when I came to the League in early 2024,” Lisa said. “They also helped me connect with other small businesses.” Lisa explained that her confidence and financial strength grew through programs the League operates in partnership with Cobb County. First, Lisa entered and won $20,000 in the Cobb County Initiative grant pitch contest. Next, she networked with other small businesses in events sponsored by the Cobb Economic Development team. That outreach led her to apply for a quarterly grant offering, winning $10,000. Further, ULGA coaches introduced Lisa to Cobb Works Employee Resources. There, she partnered with the Cobb Works team to hire youth to work at FruiTea Bubbles Café. Cobb Works pays the salaries for the young people to get hands-on job experience and knowledge in successful enterprises. Lisa also signed up for the League’s Restaurant Accelerator program that bolstered her skills in operational processes and networking. As a result, she developed a sales partnership with CheRene Macarons, pairing the sale of bubble tea and macarons. Finally, through the League’s Capital Readiness Procurement Accelerator, Lisa has earned her Minority-Owned, Women-Owned, Small Business, and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certifications. “I encourage small business owners to see how the Urban League of Greater Atlanta can help you stabilize and thrive,” Lisa said. “We all have a lot to learn in order to advance in a rapidly changing environment. “The League gave me access to capital, the tools to strengthen my operations, and the encouragement to pursue expansion opportunities I had not previously considered. Because of their guidance, I’m building a scalable, community-rooted brand that’s not only surviving but thriving.”
A Guiding Hand Helps An Entrepreneur Launch Her Dream
A guiding hand helps an entrepreneur launch her dream. Kemisha Carter had a sound idea to develop a business related to the construction industry. But she needed a boost of assurance and the tools to pull it off. Her decision to seek guidance from the Urban League of Greater Atlanta paved the way. Ms. Carter is the founder and CEO of Commit Works Transportation. Her company specializes in providing dump truck hauling services for asphalt, milling, and other critical materials essential to road construction and infrastructure projects. A recently secured contract with the commercial paving contractor Adcamp, Inc. elevates Commit Works Transportation to competitive status in the construction hauling industry, “ULGA introduced me to valuable resources, from business formation to navigating the intricacies of securing working capital,” Ms. Carter said. My coach, Antonio Shackleford, was especially pivotal in guiding me through the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship, encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone and address the imposter syndrome I felt. “His wisdom and support gave me the confidence to build my business with faith at its core. I learned to implement tools like budgeting techniques to stay on top of operating expenses and strategies to create a more efficient business model and maintain steady growth.” With the League’s guidance, the Commit Works team developed and is executing a business plan that calls for: – Consistent demonstration of operational readiness and reliability. – Strategic relationship building within the industry. – Unwavering commitment to service excellence and project timeline adherence. – Investment in establishing a reputation for dependability and professionalism. Mr. Shackleford proudly notes that the company’s new partnership with Adcamp, Inc. represents more than just a business agreement. “It serves as validation of Commit Works Transportation’s capabilities and approach to service delivery. A contract like this allows the company to showcase its expertise in managing complex hauling requirements while maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency,” Mr. Shackleford said. He added that he sees Ms. Carter’s acquisition of the new contract as both a milestone and a stepping stone toward the company’s long-term vision of being a leading provider in the construction transportation sector. “This contract with Adcamp, Inc. marks just the beginning of our journey,” Ms. Carter says. “We’re committed to exceeding expectations and proving ourselves as a valuable partner in every project we undertake.” The Urban League, she said, gave her the necessary confidence and the tools to succeed in her entrepreneurial goals.
Entrepreneur Moves from Take-Out Only to Full-Service Model
Entrepreneur moves from take-out only to full-service model. Jarvis McClain moved to Atlanta in 1995 and worked in education for 15 years before deciding to follow his entrepreneurial dream. In 2020, he founded 2 Amigos Tacos and built a small customer base but ran into hurdles in his quest to expand from a take-out only to a full-service model. Like many entrepreneurs of color, Jarvis found it hard to secure grants or capital at reasonable interest rates to expand his business. With the support of Urban League’s Capital Readiness Program, Jarvis secured a low-interest loan from Invest Atlanta, which funded his build-out. He also learned from coaching sessions designed to boost efficiency and revenue growth. “I overcame challenges by seeking guidance from my Urban League Business Coach and diligently following up on his suggestions to improve my business strategies,” Jarvis said. “I feel more confident in my ability to thrive in this uncertain economy, knowing I have the support and access to resources that will help my business succeed.” Looking ahead from a position of strength, Jarvis has set a goal of expanding to a second location within the next two years. “We hope Jarvis’s story will inspire other entrepreneurs to connect and partner with an Urban League Business Coach to enhance their business knowledge, financial & operational best practices, sales & marketing strategies, and secure capital to grow their businesses,” said Antonio Shackelford, Metro Atlanta Capital Readiness Business Coach at ULGA. “Statistics show a deep gap in the success rate of Black-owned start-ups versus white, most often attributed to historical bias in access to loans, grants, and other financing. Our goal at the Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Center is to close that gap and level the playing field for Black entrepreneurs to gain fair access to capital and to adopt strategies to guide success.” Shackelford added, “Small businesses are the backbone of thriving communities throughout the state. When our entrepreneurs succeed, job opportunities increase, neighborhoods stabilize, and the tax base grows. Everyone benefits.” Visit ulgatl.org/entrepreneurship to learn more about how the Urban League’s Capital Readiness program can help your business thrive.