The Inclusive Innovation Incubator (In3) and “Pathways To Inclusion” In Washington DC
On November 30th 2017 Mayor Bowser and DMPED released the “ Pathways to Inclusion ” report on the current state of inclusion in the tech economy in Washington DC. Almost a year ago the Mayors office took the first step in towards the creating the opportunity for some of the objectives of the report by partnering with Howard University to look for an operator of an incubator space on Howard University Campus. Luma Lab the education arm of Clearly Innovative Inc was selected to be the operator of the space and has recently announced the creation of a non-profit called “ Luma Innovation Foundation for Entrepreneurship ” to support this program and other programs focused on diversity and inclusion in technology and the innovation economy.
For the District of Columbia to remain on the cutting edge of tech entrepreneurship, it is critical to grow an inclusive ecosystem that welcomes and leverages diverse ideas and taps into new markets. — from “Pathways To Inclusion Report”
Here at Clearly Innovative/Luma Lab, we have the support of the Mayor’s office and Howard University in focusing on our goals of providing support for underrepresented entrepreneurs and small business owner in the district who are looking to improve the outcomes of their entrepreneurial endeavor. The new space called the “Inclusive Innovation Incubator” or In3 has goals that are aligned with multiple objectives in the report and we believe with the support of Howard, the Mayor’s office and the entire business community of Washington D.C we can all contribute to the overall success of the region.
How We Are Aligned
Below are a few of the specific items that fit into the overall objectives of the report. We believe that In3 is just one part of the overall initiative but it is a critical one
Create an inclusive hub for underrepresented entrepreneurs to launch and grow companies: This is exactly what the physical space of the Inclusive Innovation Incubator addresses. We are looking for individual entrepreneurs and small businesses to purchase desks and offices or memberships in the space. A crucial component of our plan is to build a community and ecosystem of diverse innovators that can exist beyond just the physical space. By connecting the existing ecosystem with new players we can create and sustain a better D.C.
Support physical infrastructure needs of entrepreneurs: Lack of space a is addressed by the point above, but it cannot be discounted how critical having a physical home base demonstrating a commitment to inclusion in the ecosystem
Support and fund a robust capital program for underrepresented entrepreneurs: The initial objective of In3 is to address the need for the physical space and programming to meet the needs of the entrepreneurs. We do understand the need for capital to fund the businesses and want to create a space where investors can find high quality, diverse, and innovative companies, entrepreneurs, and products to invest in.
Connect diverse entrepreneurial ecosystems: Once again this goes back to the importance of the physical space; having a place to gather without cost being a limiting factor can help to facilitate the connection of the entrepreneurial ecosystems. We look to partner with many of the existing groups in the region to hopefully be a regular meeting or event space in the city
The Big Ask: Financial Support, Programing Partners and Mentors
We are in a similar situation as the small business owners and entrepreneurs we are are trying to support; we come from the same community with the same financial limitations we are trying to address… lack of capital. The wealth gap in the African-American community is well known and well documented, the struggle for entrepreneurs of color is a reality that must be addressed.
I am an African American man who has limited financial capital and limited social capital to flip through my Rolodex and make calls to get sponsors to step up and put real dollars behind some of the issues the Mayor is trying to address to make this city a better place for everyone. Just like any other entrepreneur we will support with space and programming at In3, we also need real capital to move to the next level; the Inclusive Innovation Incubator IS a small business.
Why Me?
I am often asked why did I do this, the answer is simple, it needed to be done. There is no pot of gold waiting for me at the end of the three year agreement; in fact In3 has been a side project negatively impacting the overall performance of the services business Clearly Innovative Inc and the existing education initiatives of Luma Lab ; but we feel the short term challenges will be outweighed by the long term impact it has for the individuals in the community who are looking for someone to step up and lend support to help them try to achieve their dream.
I spoke at the Harlem Week conference a month ago and addressed this same question using a line from a Micheal Jackson song, as corny as it may seem.
I have come farther than I thought I ever would when I started my company and the best thing I can do to say thanks to all of those who helped me is to try my best to ensure the Inclusive Innovation Incubator is a success and help to create a “Pathway to Inclusion” for others in Washington D.C.
For more information on the Inclusive Innovation Incubator please see the website and signup for announcements on pricing, pre-opening events and updates.
For more information on Luma Innovation Foundation for Entrepreneurship and to sign up for opportunities to get additional support for your entrepreneurship projects, please see the website at http://www.thelife-foundation.org/