B3 Elevation

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B3 Elevation: Branding & Building Businesses is a small business training, coaching and marketing services nonprofit servicing entrepreneurs nationwide.

11/01/2026

You can feel the energy when Kevin A. Watkins, M.B.A., and Tawnya Rose take the stage! We love seeing Fifth Third Bank leaders actively engaging with entrepreneurs, listening to their journeys, exploring ways to help,and encouraging them to keep pushing toward what’s possible.

Sometimes the most powerful thing a corporate partner can do is show up, lean in, and help open doors.

Next stop:
Fifth Third Bank is presenting sponsor for Founder Friday’s GRAND RAPIDS – FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 | 8:30–10:30 AM for growth-minded small business owners!

Learn more and request a seat at;
https://b3elevation.com/founder-fridays/
Registration is required.

10/29/2026

🚀 **LANSING ENTREPRENEURS — Check out our 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹! We're bringing together five accomplished Lansing-area entrepreneurs and business leaders for an inspiring breakfast meeting.

Real Entrepreneurs. Real Stories. Real Conversations About Business Growth!

Meet the leaders who are building businesses, creating opportunities, and strengthening Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem:

⭐ **Bill Grice** – Managing Director, UM Companies | CEO, MW Advantage

⭐ **Liisa Speaker** – Owner & Lead Attorney, Speaker Law Firm

⭐ **Ashlee R. Willis** – Founder, Michigan Premier Events | Co-Founder, Lansing Lift Up Local

⭐ **Adam Seyburn** – Co-Owner, The Peanut Shop – Downtown Lansing

⭐ **Megan Doherty** – President & CEO, F.D. Hayes Electric Company

From legal services and business development to retail, event production, and electrical contracting, these leaders will share the lessons, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped their entrepreneurial journeys.

This is a complimentary networking and informational breakfast connecting Michigan business owners with valuable relationships, resources, and conversations about accessing capital and growing successful businesses.

📅 Friday, October 30 | 8:30–10:30 AM

Request a seat at:
https://b3elevation.com/founder-fridays/

10/26/2026

LANSING BUSINESS OWNERS: Are you ready to make connections that can move your business forward?

Founder Fridays is coming to LANSING on Friday, October 30!

This four-city Michigan entrepreneur series is designed to connect business owners with the capital, knowledge, relationships, and resources they need to grow and scale.

At our Lansing Founders Breakfast, you'll hear from two professionals who know what it takes to help small businesses succeed:

**David Hopper**, Vice President, Retail Business Development at **Fifth Third Bank**, brings seven years of banking experience and insights into business banking and access to capital.

**Tina Williams**, President of **QT Business Solutions**, is a former Small Business Banker who has worked with thousands of entrepreneurs across Michigan and the country. She brings practical expertise in business development, financing, business planning, and helping entrepreneurs become capital-ready.

This isn't just another networking breakfast. It's an opportunity to get in the room with people who understand your challenges, can answer your questions, and help open doors to your next level of growth.

𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬, 𝗢𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝟯𝟬 | 𝟴:𝟯𝟬–1𝟬:𝟯𝟬 𝗔𝗠
L𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻 | 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁

Want to be considered for an invitation? Request your seat today:\
[https://b3elevation.com/founder-fridays/]

Presented by Fifth Third Bank in partnership with B3 Elevation and QT Business Solutions.

10/22/2026

Detroit's Entrepreneurship Panel is coming in 🔥🔥🔥 This Friday, Founder Fridays Detroit puts the spotlight on four dynamic business owners sharing real stories, hard-earned lessons, and insights on building successful businesses!

FOUNDER FRIDAYS--DETROIT Entrepreneur Spotlight Panel:

⭐ Jason McGuire — CEO, ABC Professional Enterprise LLC

⭐ Amy Peterson — Co-Founder, The Congregation

⭐ Kenisha Lee — Subway Franchise Owner, Klee Real Estate Partners

⭐ Basel Elias — Executive Director, Detroit Technology Solutions

Detroit is just the beginning! We're headed to Lansing (Oct. 30), Grand Rapids (Nov. 6), and Flint (Nov. 13)!

Michigan entrepreneurs, request your invitation to an upcoming Founder Fridays breakfast at www.b3elevation.com/founder-fridays/.

Community. Connections. Capital.

10/18/2026

If you are a business founder looking for a community that opens doors, connects you to capital and resources, and surrounds you with ambitious entrepreneurs who are serious about growth, then Founder Fridays is for YOU!

Main Street deserves the same attention, investment, and opportunities as Wall Street!

That's why 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 is touring 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻, bringing together established, growth-minded business owners who are ready to build relationships, exchange ideas, access opportunities, and take their businesses to the next level.

Thanks to Third Bank, our Presenting Sponsor, and an incredible network of community partners and financial institutions, we're building an entrepreneurial ecosystem where connections turn into opportunities and businesses thrive!

Our tour will feature local entrepreneur hosts in Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Flint.

𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣: 𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗜𝗧!
F𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟯 | 𝟴:𝟯𝟬–1𝟬:𝟯𝟬 𝗔𝗠

This a FREE and invitation-style networking breakfast designed for entrepreneurs who are building, growing, and ready to scale.

Your next big opportunity could begin with one conversation.
Request your seat: https://b3elevation.com/founder-fridays/

Limited seating.

06/19/2026

DETROIT'S free virtual walkthrough is TODAY, Friday, June 19 at 5PM EST.

Today, on , we celebrate freedom, progress, and the power of economic opportunity. What better day to invest in the future of Detroit's entrepreneurs?

Join us at 5:00 PM EST for a live Zoom information session to learn everything you need to know about Detroit Elevate 2026 — a premier growth-stage business competition designed to help small businesses scale, compete, and thrive.

Today's Zoom Registration:
[https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tEvbcBPPQpenEt-uRMcVEA #/registration](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tEvbcBPPQpenEt-uRMcVEA #/registration)

Detroit Elevate is seeking growth-stage businesses located in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park that are ready to take their next big step.

Selected participants will receive:
✅ A $5,000 Cash Completion Grant
✅ Accounting, business planning, marketing, and technical assistance
✅ Access to long-term capital and funding opportunities
✅ Small business spotlight exposure to attract new customers
✅ A chance to compete alongside some of the region's most promising entrepreneurs

When small businesses grow, jobs are created, neighborhoods are strengthened, and communities prosper.

Applications are now open at [detroitelevate.org](http://detroitelevate.org).

Join us today at 5:00 PM EST and discover how Detroit Elevate can help take your business to the next level.

12/28/2025

Exposure changes everything.
Every small business owner standing behind these sponsors and community partners did something brave.

They signed up.
They stepped into the spotlight.
They took the mic and center stage.

They shared the truth of their passion, their productivity, and their purpose.
The judges heard them.
The community heard them.
And now — the community knows they exist.
That’s the power of exposure.
Because when people know you exist, they can support you.
They can buy from you.
They can refer you.
They can invest in you.

At B3 Elevation, exposure isn’t accidental — it’s intentional. And it’s a game changer for who are ready to grow.

In 2025 alone, through our weekly cohort programming, Biz Builder sessions, and our powerful Pitch to the Sharks national finale events, hundreds of entrepreneurs nationwide gained vital knowledge, encouragement, and connections.

And we’re not done.
👉 Your tax-deductible donation will help build stronger businesses and stronger communities.
🔗 Donate here: https://b3elevation.com/b3-donations/

We've raised over 70% of our 2025 fundraising goal, and your support can help us cross the finish line strong.

👉 Support the work. Support the exposure. Support the entrepreneurs:
🔗 https://b3elevation.com/b3-donations/

We salute these brave and determined Detroit founders in this photo: Katrina Anderson, Garnette Archer, Ashlee Austin, Jarriel Brown, Larry Crockett, Celeste Ivey, Regina Newberry, Tanisha Owens, Linda Kay Pruitt, and Robin Wilson.

We express deep appreciation for these Detroit sponsors and community partners who showed up in person to support: David Watkins, First Merchants Bank; Alyssa Tracey, Director of International Trade, MEDC;
Tiffany Cartwright, CEO, GLAM Body Scrubs; Crystal Gunn, Detroit Black Chamber; Tawnya Rose, Fifth Third Bank; and Kevin Watkins, Comerica Bank.

12/28/2025

Six months.
That’s how long it took.

Six months of **sacrifice**.
Six months of **discipline**.
Six months of unwavering **focus**.

And this moment—
standing proudly with a **B3 red bag** and a **completion certificate**—
is the proof.

Surrounded by our powerful **Houston sponsors & community partners**
(, , , Nini Gutierrez, Diane Palmer, Amber Jeanlouis, Sineria Ordóñez, Ahmad I., Blanca “Chacha” Cediel, Angel Cornelius, Oginga Carr, Mark Wi******er, and Shonenetta Bostice),
these crossed the finish line.

👏🏽 **Congratulations (left to right):**
Joy D. Calloway
Gabriel McKnight
Brian Williams
Kristina Cox

Now here’s where *you* come in.

To ensure **business owners in 2026** receive this same life-changing opportunity,
we’re asking you to pause for just a moment and **𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁**:

👉 **Donate here:** [https://b3elevation.com/b3-donations/]

We’re already **over 70% of the way to our 2025 goal**, and the **next five days are critical** to getting us across the finish line.

Your generosity helps fund:
✔️ coaching
✔️ access to capital
✔️ strategic business programming

Together, we’re building **stronger businesses** and **stronger communities** nationwide.

👉 **Support the mission:** [https://b3elevation.com/b3-donations/]

Because your generosity does more than give.
It **equips**.

Thank you for believing.
Thank you for investing.
Thank you for empowering the next wave of entrepreneurs. ❤️

12/02/2025

These are not just photos.
These are entrepreneurs who...

Showed up.
Delivered excellence.
Deserve our support.

They earned their grants through hard work, coaching, and pitching their businesses with excellence.

TODAY on 𝙂𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙙𝙖𝙮, their funding is at risk due to unexpected corporate sponsor backpedaling — and we’re refusing to let that stop what God started.

We’re calling on the community to help us raise $47,000.

✨ 47 people to give $1,000
✨ or 470 people to give $100

𝘾𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝟰𝟳?

Thank you in advance for 𝗚𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘:
https://b3elevation.com/donate/

11/29/2025

This Small Business Saturday, take a look at how …
💫 Brian can fix or consult on any tech issue your business is facing. https://wayneandreed.com/

✨Cami’s handmade apparel items are perfect for any business, Greek organization and more! https://camicolace.com/

💫 Celeste can whip up the most nutritious and delicious plant based pastries and culinary delights! https://www.patisserieci.com/

✨Charreah can put your name in lights and get you featured nationally with her incredible PR in marketing! . https://shinearmy.com

💫Gabriel, the chef extraordinaire, manages both private school cafeterias and event catering experiences with excellence! https://www.yccfoodservice.com/

✨Joy’s powerhouse keynote speaking and inspirational workshop facilitation could ignite your next event! https://joydcalloway.com/

💫 Kristina’s beautiful Alvin, Texas event venue is repeatedly selected as a fan favorite for weddings, parties, corporate retreats, movies, and more! https://themorganfalls.com/

✨ Linda’s gourmet family generational Cha Cha recipe can tantalize your taste buds with most any foodie favorites. https://mrspruittschacha.com/

💫 Wendy’s downtown Detroit, brunch and bistro restaurant has repeatedly been named one of the best the city has to offer! https://sugahplease.com/

✨ Larry’s savory premium barbecue sauces are not only a healthy alternative, but delicious on meats and vegetables! https://www.lorrainesbbqsauce.com/

These entrepreneurs are our 2025 B3USA CO-HORT GRADS who offer unique, high-quality products and services you definitely want to explore!

Learn more at: https://b3elevation.com/b3-donations/

Address

Houston, TX

Website

https://b3elevation.com/

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