Entrepreneurial mentorship for young men of color

Mentoring programs for Black and Brown Youth in Chicago

we are a nonprofit organization

empowering

communities of color in chicago

We believe in building community through the development of African American youth in the South and West sides of Chicago. The Male Mogul Initiative provides entrepreneurial training and mentorship that transforms young men into business leaders and inspires them to become role models in their neighborhoods.

How do our mentoring programs work?

Phase I: Learn

The first phase is a 12-week program in which participants work on their social-emotional skills and learn our four pillars of development: Character Development, Academic Achievement, Workforce Enhancement, and Community Development.

Phase 1

Phase II: Develop

The second phase is 12-weeks of entrepreneurial training designed to help young people transform their ideas into businesses, and develop their social-emotional skills. Male Mogul also provides micro-loans for business development to people that qualify.

Phase 2

Phase III: Apply

This phase takes place during the summer and gives participants the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the first two phases. In this phase, participants operate their entrepreneurial venture. Other job and internship opportunities are also available during the Apply phase.

Phase 3

Phase IV: Transform

The Gap Innovation program is specifically designed to provide young men with the social- emotional support they need to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Through a partnership with City Colleges of Chicago and other workforce development programs, Male Mogul offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes leadership development, career planning, mental health support, and business certifications.

Phase 4

Phase V: Invest & Build

The Invest & Build phase offers a unique approach to organizational sustainability. We have built a community wealth-building ecosystem by creating a circular economy consisting of business incubation, finance, direct services, indirect services, and community reinvestment. The Invest & Build phase offers business consulting, access to capital learning, financial literacy, wealth building, and workforce skill development.

Phase 5

2023 Annual Report

Check out our annual report to see the progress Male Mogul Initiative made in 2023. Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to empower the communities of color in Chicago.

View the Report

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To a nonprofit empowering communities of color in Chicago.

Generosity from individuals and corporations alike allows us to make miracles out of our moguls.

Text MMI2024 to 707070 to donate.

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This was one of the best programs I have seen in my three years with After School Matters. The instructor was supportive of all youth and his understanding of pacing activities was excellent. He is the definition of a positive role model for youth.

One former member helped with the program because it helped him through personal struggles, and the instructor is clearly well respected by all of the participants. Guides and supports were included with all activities, and the youth often discussed the course content without being prompted by the instructor. One participant even used her income toward her business concept.

I was impressed with all aspects of this program, and I don’t have many suggestions. Every activity was linked to real-life business or working situations, and the youth’s contributions were outstanding. The staff has a clear understanding of student engagement and making all activities relevant to the learning objective. Outstanding work!

-After School Matters