At Future Founders, we don’t just teach entrepreneurship—we ignite it. Our mission is to empower underestimated youth by equipping them with the skills and mindset to thrive in the 21st century.
Last summer, we ran a special cohort of our popular Be Your Own Boss internship, partnering with the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) to bring this program to a select group of Chicago teenagers. As these teens quickly learned, this program isn’t just about learning business basics; it’s about breaking down barriers and inspiring young innovators to reimagine their futures.
One shining example of this transformative journey is Jayden Tyler-Nuamah, a member of our 2023 cohort. Jayden’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of our work, showcasing how the right support and mentorship can turn ambition into achievement.
The Be Your Own Boss program (BYOB) brings together young individuals from underserved communities, providing them with hands-on training, mentorship, and a supportive network. For this particular version of the program, we worked in collaboration with the CHA to invite a select group of teens to join our cohort, offering them a chance to learn from experienced entrepreneurs and develop their own business ideas.
Chicago teen Jayden Tyler-Nuamah was one of the inspiring participants from this cohort, and his journey through the program highlights the profound impact it can have on young entrepreneurs.
When asked about his favorite aspect of participating in Future Founders, Jayden emphasized the value of working closely with experienced entrepreneurs. “My favorite thing about participating in Future Founders was that I got to work with founders who knew what it was like to be their own boss, start a business, and run it while staying on top of other things,” Jayden shared. He appreciated the opportunity to learn from people who had successfully balanced multiple responsibilities while pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. This exposure to real-world experiences and challenges was invaluable in shaping his entrepreneurial mindset.
As he engaged with real world entrepreneurs, Jayden learned the importance of thinking outside the box. “When you identify a problem and develop a solution, you should build on that solution ten times over,” he said. The program encouraged him to generate multiple ideas and refine his business model continuously. This approach not only helps in creating a robust business plan but also instills a habit of innovation and adaptability, crucial traits for any entrepreneur.
Jayden’s participation in the Be Your Own Boss program has fueled his aspirations to start his own business. He envisions launching a hair care brand that caters specifically to African American hair needs. “Starting off with different hair picks and combs for African American hair and expanding to hair care products,” Jayden explained. His personal experience of struggling to grow out his hair and finding suitable products inspired him to create a solution for others facing similar challenges. Jayden’s business idea is not just about selling products but about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives by providing tools that help them embrace and manage their natural hair.
Jayden’s enthusiasm for the Future Founders program is evident when he talks about recommending it to others. “I would tell a friend that Future Founders is a really good program, not just for beginners, but for anyone interested in building their own startup or networking with like-minded visionaries,” he said. He highlighted the program’s role in teaching participants to think creatively and develop multiple ideas, which are essential skills for any aspiring entrepreneur. Jayden’s experience underscores the program’s effectiveness in expanding participants’ knowledge and helping them take their business ideas to new levels.
Since completing the Be Your Own Boss program, Jayden has continued building. He now runs a rental car business alongside his dad and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship & Innovation at The George Washington University School of Business.
At GW, Jayden has pushed himself academically and professionally while staying rooted in community. Through the Black Business Student Association, he’s continued applying what he learned in BYOB, especially the value of building alongside ambitious, like-minded peers.
One standout moment came during his first semester, when he competed in the Pitch George Competition. Working with a team from his Entrepreneurship & Management class, Jayden helped develop a business idea that advanced to the final round, reinforcing his belief in collaboration and diverse skill sets.
“It means a lot that Future Founders continues to recognize me years later for the work I’ve done beyond that summer.”
For Jayden, one lesson stands above the rest: consistency.
“Everything you build may not make sense at first—but it gains meaning if you can push through the trial-and-error phase.”
He recalls the early days of his BYOB team struggling to align on a business idea. It took persistence and repeated iteration to find the intersection of their interests—but that consistency ultimately led to an award-winning pitch.
That work paid off when his team earned the People’s Choice Pitch award, cementing the importance of sticking with the process.
Today, Jayden is fully immersed in entrepreneurship. Alongside his studies, he operates a growing car rental business, transitioning from Getaround to Turo as he expands. It’s a natural fit, combining his passion for cars with his drive to build businesses.
After graduation, Jayden plans to expand his entrepreneurial experience internationally. His family has business operations in Ghana, where he sees significant opportunity for growth. He aims to apply everything he’s learned – from Future Founders to his own ventures – to help scale those businesses to the next level.
“Programs like this give students the ability to see a vision bigger than themselves. I’m incredibly grateful for the exposure and experiences Future Founders has provided, and I still reference them in my development today.”
“Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re funding something truly impactful for students in under-resourced communities.”
Jayden’s journey through the Be Your Own Boss program highlights the transformative power of Future Founders. By providing youth with the knowledge, skills, and mentorship they need, we aim to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.
Programs like Be Your Own Boss are crucial in fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance among youth from underserved communities. They not only equip participants with practical skills but also inspire them to think big and pursue their passions with confidence.
At Future Founders, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. Jayden Tyler-Nuamah’s story is just one of many that demonstrate the impact of our programs. As we continue to partner with organizations like CHA, we look forward to empowering more young individuals to become successful entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities.
Click here to learn more about Be Your Own Boss and be the first to know when applications for future cohorts open up.
Ready to get involved? Join our newsletter for updates
Δ