Ms. Charlie Daniel
What’s the name of your business?
The name of my business is the African American Opiate Coalition (AAOC).
Is there any history behind the name chosen?
I am going on my 8th year in this business. I saw the death rate of African Americans dying from opiate overdose and other substance abuse, so I started coalition of African American leaders in Madison
What is the purpose of your business?
The purpose of the business is outreach to African Americans and other communities of color about the epidemic and stigma around opiate use and substance abuse. Really bringing awareness to people and dispel the stigma
People of color die at a higher rate than any other population but don’t recognize it in the community like we should. A person could die but they would never say, “due to opioid overdose”, not recognized in our community
How do you feel about being in the Hub?
Best thing to ever happen. It is such a joy to be in hub with other people of color and businesses that I never knew existed or a lot of them. I am glad that we are able to showcase these businesses.
Let me have a short comment to a long-term goal?
To put me out of work. One day we won’t be dealing with overdoses of opiates and other substance abuse.
Jalen Greenlee
What’s the name of your business?
The program I manage is called gBETA Urban League, a free, seven-week accelerator for early-stage Black entrepreneurs based in Madison, WI. It’s a collaboration between gener8tor, a nationally ranked startup accelerator, and the Urban League of Greater Madison. The name “gBETA” reflects our mission to provide a beta version of the full accelerator experience, offering mentorship, resources, and structure in a way that is accessible and deeply community-centered.
Is there any history behind the name chosen?
The “g” stands for gener8tor, and “BETA” highlights the early-stage focus of the program. Our Urban League program is one of many gBETA programs across the country, but it stands out for its intentional focus on supporting Black founders here in Madison.
What is the purpose of your business
Our purpose is to help Black founders grow their businesses and gain access to the resources, mentorship, and capital they need to succeed. We believe entrepreneurship is a key driver of generational wealth and community transformation. Through gBETA, we work directly with founders to refine their pitch, build traction, and prepare for the next stage, whether that be investment, revenue growth, or strategic partnerships.
In addition to gBETA, we also run gALPHA Urban League, a four-week program that helps aspiring entrepreneurs take the first step in turning their ideas into real businesses. It is designed for individuals who may have a strong concept or a problem they want to solve but are not sure where to begin. gALPHA gives them the coaching, support, and structure they need to move forward. Many participants go on to launch ventures or apply to our gBETA program for continued support.
How do you feel about being in the Hub
Being at the Black Business Hub has been transformational. The energy here is unmatched. It is a space intentionally created for Black excellence, creativity, and ownership. Working from the Hub allows us to stay rooted in the community we serve and meet founders where they are. There is a true sense of momentum here, and it is inspiring to work alongside other mission-driven organizations and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future.
Let me have a short comment to a long-term goal
Our long-term goal is to create an ecosystem where Black founders in Madison and beyond can thrive. We are laying the foundation today so that five, ten, and twenty years from now, we see a new generation of business leaders and job creators rising from this community.
Lavonne Polk
What’s the name of your business?
Plants And Potions Premium Juicery
What is the purpose of your business?
The purpose behind plants and potions is to enhance the electrical vessel by promoting healing, hydration and cleansing on a cellular level to bring forth longevity.
How do you feel about being in the Hub?
I love being part of the hub because it’s a gallery of black cultivators, leaders, thinkers, and people who strive to be great. Being in this environment motivates me to operate in my creativeness to inspire and empower.
Let me have a short comment to a long-term goal?
Longevity A Sip Away!
Jade Harris
What’s the name of your business?
Summit Credit Union
Is there any history behind the name chosen?
The name “Summit” represents our goal of helping members reach the peak of their financial journey. It reflects our commitment to guide individuals to new heights of financial wellness, confidence, and security.
What is the purpose of your business?
Our purpose is to empower women—and others—to build financial security, grow wealth, and avoid poverty in retirement. As a member-owned financial cooperative, we work to create a better, more equitable world by making money management easier, more effective, and more enjoyable.
How do you feel about being in the Hub?
We’re incredibly excited to be part of the Hub! Our mission and values closely align with the work being done here. We see the Hub as a powerful opportunity to give back to the community, especially on the South Side, and to support initiatives that address economic disparities. It’s a great step toward building financial wellness and equity in the areas that need it most.
Let me have a short comment to a long-term goal?
A long-term goal for Summit is to expand our impact by continuing to prioritize financial education, support women’s financial wellness, and partner with communities to close wealth gaps—ultimately helping more people achieve dreams, financial wellness, and richer lives.
Kirby Toon
What’s the name of your business?
Forward Community Investments, Inc. (FCI).
Is there any history behind the name chosen?
Our name reflects the essence of our work—advancing equity and opportunity across Wisconsin. We began in 1994 as the Madison Area Community Development Loan Fund, later transitioning to the Dane Fund to broaden our reach within Dane County. In 2005, we formally adopted the name Forward Community Investments, a nod both to Wisconsin’s state motto and our commitment to propelling communities toward a more just and inclusive future.
What is the purpose of your business?
For more than 30 years, Forward Community Investments (FCI) has served as a catalytic partner in Wisconsin’s pursuit of promoting greater social and economic opportunity. As a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), our purpose is to invest in people, projects, and organizations that create lasting, community-led change.
We act as an investor, connector, and advisor—deploying mission-driven capital and customized technical support to ensure that individuals and communities have the tools and resources to thrive. Our flexible financing solutions are tailored to meet the needs of nonprofits, community organizations, real estate entrepreneurs, and small businesses across the state. At the core of our work is a steadfast commitment to building financial strength and sustainability for those advancing equity in their communities.
How do you feel about being in the Hub?
Relocating to the HUB was a natural extension of our commitment to place-based investment and community-rooted impact. FCI was founded in Madison, and the Dane County geography remains a cornerstone of our work. The HUB’s vision for inclusive economic development aligned seamlessly with our mission.
As an early supporter of the building’s development through our New Markets Tax Credit investment, we were proud to play a role in bringing this transformative space to life. Becoming one of the HUB’s first tenants allowed us to deepen that investment, not only as occupants but as partners to fellow tenants. We’ve supported several HUB-based entrepreneurs in launching or expanding their businesses. It’s been deeply rewarding to witness their success and to be part of a shared ecosystem of equity-focused enterprises.
Let me have a short comment to a long-term goal?
FCI’s long-term vision is anchored in both urgency and ambition. Wisconsin continues to rank among the most inequitable states in the nation across key economic and social indicators. To confront these challenges, FCI has established bold growth objectives: over the next three years, we aim to expand our state-wide reach and serve a significantly greater number of borrowers across the state. We will achieve this by growing our investor and capital base, expanding strategic partnerships, and investing in technology to enhance the efficiency and impact of our work.
In a time of uncertainty for mission-driven funding, FCI remains a reliable and unwavering partner to organizations advancing equity—working to expand access, strengthen the infrastructure that supports thriving communities, and build lasting resilience across Wisconsin.
