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$1,000 Start-Ups - Removing Barriers, Empowering Entrepreneurs, and Fuelimg Success

Our Mission

$1,000 Start-Ups is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization working to increase economic opportunities and reduce barriers to successful business ownership for members of traditionally underserved communities.

How We Achieve It

Tuition-free Entrepreneurship, Financial Management, and Life Skills for Entrepreneurs Program with start-up funding available.

 

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SELF-PACED
ONLINE COURSES!

$1,000 Start-Ups Online Course

The $1,000 Start-Ups curriculum is now availanle as a step-by-step, self-paced online course available to anyone, anywhere!

Start & Grow a Profitable Small Business Series:

  1. Entrepreneurship: Laying the Foundation for Success (Available Now!)
  2. Financial Literacy: Mastering Your Financial Destiny (Coming Soon!)
  3. Life Skills for Entrepreneurs: Cultivating a Balanced Life (Coming Soon!)
Check it out!

ARE YOU READY TO TURN PASSION INTO PROFIT?

We are thrilled to offer you these essential and practical strategies for building a strong business foundation right from the start! 

Click the image to download for FREE!

Essential Tips for Entrepreneurs Free Download
VISION

Our vision is to create a world where economic opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of background. We strive to empower potential entrepreneurs from traditionally marginalized or at-risk communities by providing the education, training, and funding needed to launch low-cost business startups. By building a consortium of businesses that mentor, support, and grow together, we aim to foster an inclusive ecosystem that nurtures innovation, collaboration, and shared success.

2025 $1,000 Start-Ups Cohort Graduates
START

$1,000 Start-Ups offers an entrepreneurship, financial management, and life skills training program at no cost to adults, including up to $1,000 business start-up funding. Prospective business owners can sign up for an Informative Session to learn more about the program and join the next class.

GROW

Current business owners can discover new ways to grow your small business while sharing your experience and knowledge to support others. Join the Consortium to learn and collaborate with other entrepreneurs and small businesses to increase your success. Follow our blog, learn about available coaching, and discover our other resources.

2026 $1,000 Start-Ups vendor market bustling with people
Gene Freund, Mentor; Sam Lane, Board Member - $1,000 Start-Ups
GET INVOLVED

There many ways community members, businesses, and organizations can support the development and growth of small businesses by attending events, volunteering, mentoring, or donating. Learn more!

Veronica Jennings

“The education I received is priceless. Everything you need to be really successful and thrive and grow is in the program.  It is up to you how far you want to go.


~ Veronica Jennings, Founder and CEO, Glory Covering

Jane C. Moore

$1,000 Start-Ups is all you need to start your own business. Many opportunities are given in and out of class to hone your skills and build your business. The classes are interactive, supportive, and practical. I love the collaboration, connections and contacts.

Jane C. Moore
Moore Actions

Virginia Daugherty

Fantastic Asset to the Community!

Virginia Daugherty
Resident, Fernandina Beach, Florida

Kati McClurg

“You can’t even put a value on it because it’s just beyond. It’s hard to start a business and if you’re a woman or if you are from the global majority, there’s a huge challenge to starting your business and I’m just so grateful that this Program is there for underserved people who don’t always have opportunities.

Kati McClurg
Rain Lily Montessori

Joufflie Richjardson

This has been a phenomenal experience. While I know the space of birth very well, I did not know the space of business. I had a lot of AHA! moments. If you want to start a business this is the place to be.

-Joufflie Richjardson
Owner, Divine Agape Doula
Services

Avis Miller

Completing the $1000 Start-ups program enhanced, complimented and ensured the success of our business.

– Avis Miller
Co-owner, Coast One Tours

Raven Style

I turned my lifelong hobby into a business and I could never  ahave done it without $1,000 Start-Ups guiding me every step of the way.

– Raven Style
Owner, Carcu-J

Kara Rosenthal

“The mentorship, hands-on training, and supportive community helped me sharpen my business skills, refine my marketing strategy, and build confidence. This program gave me the tools and encouragement to grow my business during a critical transition.”

– Kara Rosenthal
Owner, Nassau Laser Engraving

Veronica Jennings

“The education I received is priceless. Everything you need to be really successful and thrive and grow is in the program.  It is up to you how far you want to go.”


~ Veronica Jennings, Founder and CEO, Glory Covering