About Us
Programs for small business owners, mentorship, and leadership development to empower Black Solopreneur
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Programs for Small Business Owners
At The SoloExecutive Foundation, we are a nonprofit organization committed to expanding access, opportunity, and long-term growth for Black entrepreneurs across the United States. We design and deliver high-impact programs for small business owners who are ready to build sustainable, scalable, and thriving businesses.
We exist because talent is universal, but access is not. Black Solopreneurs and founders often face structural barriers when seeking capital, networks, and strategic guidance. Our mission is to close that gap through structured entrepreneur support, leadership development, and results-driven mentorship.
We are proud to stand among leading entrepreneur support organizations that focus specifically on empowering Black entrepreneurs to become influential business leaders and entrepreneurs of impact within their communities and industries.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to strengthen the foundation of Black entrepreneurship across the United States by delivering structured entrepreneur support, transformative mentorship, and evidence-based business leadership coaching programs.
Vision Statement
We envision a business landscape where Black soloentrepreneur are recognized as innovators, investors, and influential voices in leadership in the business world.
Our Core Values
Equity & Access
Excellence & Accountability
Community & Collaboration
Sustainability & Impact
Why We Focus on Black Solopreneurs?
The data is clear and widely known. Black entrepreneurs face disproportionate barriers in access to capital, mentorship, and scalable networks. But the real issue is not awareness; it’s what is being done to change the outcome.
The truth is that Black Solopreneurs are not lacking talent or ambition; they are building without the infrastructure required to grow. As a result, many remain in self-employment, operating without the systems, support, and strategic foundation needed to scale.
At Bridge Forward, we move beyond highlighting the disparity. We focus on changing the trajectory.
Through structured executive development, we equip Black Solopreneurs with the financial systems, sales strategy, operational structure, and leadership capacity required to build sustainable, scalable businesses.
Because when Solopreneurs are equipped to grow, they don’t just improve their own outcomes, they:
- create jobs
- strengthen local economies
- and build lasting, generational impact
My Message
Building The Infrastructure Behind Business Growth
The SoloExecutive Foundation was founded on lived experience, understanding firsthand what it takes to build something meaningful without access to executive guidance, professional networks, or structured support. Too many Solopreneurs are expected to succeed in isolation, navigating complex business decisions alone while carrying the full weight of leadership.
The truth is that most Solopreneurs are not lacking talent; they are lacking the infrastructure to grow.
Our work is grounded in a clear and focused belief: when Solopreneurs are equipped with executive-level strategy, structured systems, and consistent mentorship, they do more than survive; they build businesses that are positioned to scale, lead with confidence, and create lasting economic impact.
Through the Bridge Forward Executive Development Program, we are intentionally addressing the gaps that prevent growth in financial control, sales strategy, operational structure, leadership development, and hiring readiness. This is not general business education. This is capacity building work designed to move Solopreneurs from self-employment to scalable business ownership.
We are committed to accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes. Progress is tracked, real business results define impact, and stewardship of resources is taken seriously. We invite you to stand with us to invest in leadership, strengthen businesses, and be part of a movement focused not just on access, but on outcomes that build sustainable economic impact.
Deneen Wiley-Dean
Leadership That Protects the Mission and Powers the Work
Board of Directors
The SoloExecutive Foundation is guided by a committed Board of Directors that provides strong governance, fiduciary oversight, and strategic leadership to ensure the organization operates with integrity, accountability, and measurable impact. The Board plays a critical role in stewarding the foundation’s mission, safeguarding resources, and advancing long-term sustainability.
Our Board members bring deep and diverse expertise across business, finance, nonprofit leadership, education, and community development. Together, they offer the strategic insight and oversight necessary to support executive-level programming and ensure that our work delivers meaningful outcomes for the Solopreneurs we serve
The Board works in close partnership with the Executive Director to uphold excellence, transparency, and responsible growth as the foundation expands its reach and impact across Ohio.
If you would like to be part of this movement as a board member, strategic partner, sponsor, or advisor, invite you to contact the Executive Director to explore how your leadership and expertise can help bridge opportunity gaps and strengthen Black-led businesses and communities.
Meet our team
Board of Directors
Deneen Wiley-Dean
Executive Director, Board Member
Working Board Chair.
Working Board Co-Chair
Board Advisors
