EIR Update - Jan '22 update

Project by: Phill Coleman (Entrepreneur in Residence)

One-liner: Exposing black and brown communities to the benefits of blockchain technology by helping organizations establish educational programs.

Project Summary: I aim to establish educational programming for BIPOC that introduces participants to the advantages of blockchain technology.

Progress Report for January

Restoring The Fundamentals (Grant Project)

• Secured NEAR education grant
• Secured partnerships w/ Jordan’s Beauty - Chicago staple in Hair Care - 44 years in operation.
• Filed for 501C3 status
  -Hired Marketing Manager for upcoming program launch
• Partnered w/ QSTN (NEAR ecosystem company) to create program dashboard
• Identified upcoming grant opportunity through Comcast Rise program

The Gray Matter Experience (Grant Project)

• Secured NEAR education grant
• Partnered w/ QSTN (NEAR ecosystem company) to create program dashboard
• Aligned w/ team on program curriculum and strategy
• Started hiring process for program instructor
• Identified potential sponsorship through Comcast

Entrepreneurial Activity

• Met with Jourdan Sorrell who leads Comcast’s giving foundation & broadband internet adoption program with school districts and other organizations sponsoring families in the Greater Chicago Region.

  • Discussed Comcast sponsorship and investment opportunities for grantees.
  • Discussed bringing blockchain education programs to Chicago to support the black and brown communities.
  • Discussed upcoming Economic Development Symposium w/ SouthEast Chicago Commission
    • Would like me to join as a panelist
    • Would like me to suggest speakers where applicable. This is an opportunity to recommend NEAR ecosystem founders, EIRS, etc.

• Aligned w/ NEAR marketing team on strategy and deliverables. Conversations to be continued this month.