Emerging Entrepreneur Program
A program of BUF-OR's Economic Justice & Development Department
The Emerging Entrepreneur Program (EEP) is a transformative 9-month initiative designed to equip and empower entrepreneurs. Through this program, participants will develop a robust 5-year business plan, learn to raise capital and create a roadmap for scaling their business and adding jobs to the local economy. The EEP offers personalized attention, specialized expertise, and essential resources to a select cohort of four driven and ambitious entrepreneurs.
The primary goal of the EEP is to accelerate participants’ knowledge acquisition and practical application while providing essential capital support to propel their businesses to new heights. By focusing on the unique needs of business owners from Black and other communities of color, the program aims to create a more equitable and inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. An ‘Emerging Entrepreneur’ is defined as someone who has been in business for no more than five years.
Throughout the program, participants will receive a stipend of up to $8,000 and benefit from invaluable business consulting services offered by Morant McLeod and a distinguished Board of Advisors. The program is structured into three key stages:
Emerging Entrepreneurs Program Eligibility
Individuals must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply:
- An Entrepreneur whose current business is 1- 5 years old.
- An Entrepreneur whose business is incorporated with an LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp status.
- An Entrepreneur who is ready to scale their business.
- An Entrepreneur who is hungry for constructive information and accountability from successful entrepreneurs.
- Resides in the state of Oregon or Clark County Washington.
- Commitment to approximately 9 months of receiving monthly consultation with up to 5 Business Advisors, bi-weekly meetings with the CJE Director, and 6-8 hours of weekly independent learning/business plan work. (Meetings are virtual)
- Entrepreneurs must be willing to participate in a pitch competition on June 4, 2026.
2025-2026 Emerging Entrepreneurs
Abibat Durosimi
Abibat Durosimi is the Founder of Bloom Agency, a production and talent management company celebrating Black and Brown creativity through fashion, beauty, and cultural storytelling. She produces upscale runway shows, manages emerging talent, and creates community-centered wellness events that bridge artistry and empowerment.
Dijenaire Frazier
Dijenaire is the founder of DC RingZ. DC RingZ is a handcrafted glass jewelry brand creating one-of-a-kind rings, necklaces, and statement pieces that fuse luxury, culture, and innovation. Built on over a decade of glass artistry, every piece is designed to be original, rare, and impossible to replicate—transforming jewelry into timeless art. More than a brand, DC RingZ is a movement rooted in independence, generational wealth, and creative freedom, inspiring communities and the next generation to see glass not as fragile, but powerful.
Ambrosia Johnson
Ambrosia Johnson is the owner of The Lamb Art Studio, a creative hub dedicated to fostering emotional well-being, self-esteem, and resilience through art. What began as a love for the arts in childhood, later sparked by a simple paint kit gifted by her grandmother, has blossomed into a thriving business. Today, The Lamb Art Studio offers community paint events, themed workshops, and art programs, blending creativity with personal growth. Ambrosia is passionate about using art to inspire healing, connection, and empowerment in her community.
Morgan Polk
Morgan Polk is a licensed esthetician and founder of Polk Apothecary, a clean beauty brand, dedicated to creating luxurious, all-natural skincare with melanin-rich skin in mind. She combines her passion for holistic healing and corrective skincare to deliver both real results and a deeply relaxing experience. Through Polk Apothecary’s handcrafted products, Morgan helps clients build routines that actually work for their lifestyle while making them feel seen, cared for, and confident in their glow. Her mission is to celebrate the natural beauty of diverse skin tones while building a supportive community around self-care and confidence.
Rashan Williams
Rashan Williams is the Founder of Shifted Theory LLC, an organization dedicated to serving youth and communities across the Pacific Northwest. Through mentoring in K–12 schools and juvenile detention centers, Rashan works to empower BIPOC communities and help underrepresented youth build the skills and confidence needed to thrive. A devoted father of two daughters and an older brother to teenage siblings, Rashan understands firsthand the challenges young people face today, from the influence of social media and drug culture to rigid societal expectations. Rashan is focused on shifting the theory and mindsets of youth and young adults.
Program Questions?
Email: Emmanuel@bufor.org
Previous Emerging Entrepreneurs
Yoanne Clovis
Yoanne Clovis is a scientist, brand strategist, and marketing leader with 10 years of experience helping biotech of all sizes grow. In 2024, she launched her branding agency, specializing in translating complex science into impactful brand strategies and content for biotech and pharma companies. With expertise in digital marketing, CRM, and content creation, Yoanne empowers her clients to stand out and succeed in competitive markets.
Marcell Goss
Marcell Goss is a skilled chef and baker, a graduate of the Oregon Culinary Institute, and a former extern at the James Beard Award-winning Paley’s Place in Portland. As a new father, he is passionate about using food to build community and foster connections. It's A Vibe Catering delivers five-star culinary experiences, bringing high-quality cuisine to both local communities and corporate clients.
James Orr
James Orr was born and raised in Portland, OR. He is the founder of MyGoalZ, a social platform for people to encourage each other to achieve goals and create balance in their lives. He has over 15 years of accounting experience including 4 years as an auditor at PwC, and 8+ years of accounting management experience in both public and private sectors.
Jocelyn Rice
Jocelyn Rice is the creative director behind Black Earth United. Her clothing blends African-derived cultural expressions, shaped by the struggle for liberation in the face of enslavement in North America, with designs rooted in the earth’s evolution. Her garments have been featured in Vogue, Backpacker Magazine, sold in REI, and included in the permanent collection at the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan in Brooklyn. Jocelyn brings affirmations of the African spirit into the clothing we wear outdoors, reminding us of our deep connection to Mother Earth.
Program Questions?
Email: Emmanuel@bufor.org
2025-2026 Emerging Entrepreneurs Program Board of Advisors
Wilson Nitunga, MBA, Co-founder Of Simple X And WK Social
Wilson is a Business Faculty at Portland Community College, and co-founder of Simple X and WK Social. This social agency offers omni-channel marketing with a particular focus on Social Media Advertising.
Ben Harris, Owner of Numberman LLC
Ben Harris was born and raised in Portland. He attended Benson High School and received his BS in Accounting from Portland State University. He is the owner of Numberman LLC, a NE Portland accounting firm specializing in income tax preparation and consulting for businesses and individuals. The company was founded in 2014.
Dr. Keith Dempsey, Keith Dempsey Counseling & Consulting
Dr. Keith Dempsey has served as a therapist and clinical social worker in the Portland Community for over 20+ years. He has a passion for helping individuals, couples, and families reach their full potential through the power of counseling. He earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling and a PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision from Oregon State University. His doctoral studies focused on coping strategies for Black men. He has conducted national presentations and trainings regarding issues of diversity, racial trauma, and the plight of Black people. He is formerly the Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Counseling at George Fox University. He is the first African American to receive tenure at this institution.
Morant McLeod
Named after the two family lineages of freed ancestors who came before its founder, Morant McLeod is a global management consulting firm supporting Fortune 500 companies, governments, and other organizations to plan and reach strategic goals.