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By Rhonda Crowder
This year’s conference helped business owners “evolve.”
With 50+ speakers, more than 1,700 registrants, approximately 65 youth participants, and more than 15 sponsors, the FutureLAND 2024 has been deemed a success and impactful by conference organizers, the City of Cleveland, United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, and JumpStart.
Although it has come to an end after two and a half days of fireside chats, workshops, exhibits, a keynote address by Everett Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter in partnership with City Club of Cleveland, networking, and parties, several entrepreneurs walked away with a lasting impact on their businesses.
“Knowing some attendees left the conference with financial resources that could take their businesses to the next level aligns very well with this year’s theme: Evolve,” says Teleangé Thomas, FutureLAND founding partner.
During the opening night fireside chat, emerging, and established entrepreneurs were given practical tools and insights filled with inspiration. They learned to build their credit, refine their approach, cultivate confidence, strengthen their business practices and personal habits, and invest, and build wealth.
American financial literacy entrepreneur, philanthropist, author, and Operation HOPE CEO John Hope Bryant presented an impromptu $20,000 contract to 29-year-old East Cleveland-based graphic designer Darin Gooch after he stood up, asked Bryant a question then told Bryant he planned to start a business. The contract will allow him to provide graphic services for Bryant’s annual global summit.
Bryant made an unexpected announcement regarding a new partnership between Operation HOPE and Shopify. Through this partnership, he provided in-kind grants for Shopify ECommerce stores, valued at approximately $25,000 each, to up to 10 business owners in the audience. Shopify award recipients will also receive an autographed copy of his book, Financial Literacy for All: Disrupting Struggle, Advancing Financial Freedom, and Building a New American Middle Class.
LISC Cleveland Small Business Services also awarded microgrants to business owners for $1,500 (unrestricted funds to boost business) to FutureLAND attendees.
The grantees are London Mitchell, One Chance The Brand; Drevian Arrington, Andre Willis, Jasmine Willis of The Trash Boys LLC; Randa Jackson, Tru Balance Inc. DBA Cleveland Cotton Candy Machines; Brandi Gaye, The Lovely Corner LLC; Michael A. Crawford, Learning to Overcome Violence & Envy LLC; Courtney Dorsey, CoCo D. Luxe Beauty LLC; Kareema Morgan, Her Harmony Health LLC; Simone Powell, Swim Baby Swim Cleveland LLC; Marissa Denise Wilson, Capsoul; and Joseph “Jay Kool” Glover, Kool House Media.
“It’s really exciting to know that FutureLAND can be the reason an entrepreneur can keep their business open, grow it, and decide to remain in Cleveland,” Alysha Ellis, FutureLAND co-founder.
About FutureLAND Conference
FutureLAND Conference is an annual event designed to inspire innovation and foster collaboration among community leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.
This year’s conference, themed “Evolve” explored how members of the ecosystem can adapt to and shape the future of Cleveland through actionable insights and partnerships. Sponsors included the Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, Saint Luke’s Foundation, LISC Cleveland, Stand With Crypto, Jobs Ohio, PNC, Park Place Technologies, Westfield, Corporate College, College Now, Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, and others.
