Posted on June 30, 2025

Why Entrepreneurship Matters

When a small business opens in a struggling neighborhood, it does more than sell goods:

• Creates local jobs. Neighbors can work close to home and earn steady paychecks.
• Keeps money circulating nearby. The dollars spent at a corner café or barbershop stay in the community instead of flowing to big chains miles away.
• Makes streets feel safer. Lit-up storefronts, regular foot traffic, and engaged business owners discourage crime and bring fresh energy to the block.
• Shows kids new possibilities. Seeing someone who looks like them run a successful shop proves big dreams are within reach.

One “Open” sign can spark real hope for an entire ZIP code.

What Kingdom EDC Does

Kingdom Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) makes sure bright ideas don’t die for lack of knowledge, cash, or confidence. Founded by Dr. Ronell Pugh, KEDC mixes faith-based values with hands-on training so everyday visionaries can launch and grow. Here’s how:

1. Skill-building classes. Our Micro-Entrepreneurs Training walks people through planning, budgeting, marketing, and more—step by step, in plain language.
2. Startup Intensive. Over 30 focused hours, participants create a real business plan with guidance from experienced mentors.
3. Industry-specific labs. Want to start a micro-farm or an urban gardening venture? Our Agriculture Entrepreneur Lab covers profitable approaches from soil to sales.
4. Work-Life coaching. Soft-skill and mindset sessions prepare folks who need a confidence boost or are re-entering the workforce.
5. Faith & Finances workshops. We teach budgeting, saving, and debt reduction from a biblical perspective, fostering healthy money habits from day one.

The Ripple Effect

• Neighbors hire neighbors. Graduates tend to employ people who live nearby, multiplying local incomes.
• Families build equity. Even a tiny venture can grow into an asset that closes gaps in generational wealth.
• Blocks transform. Busy storefronts deter crime, brighten streets, and inspire property improvements.
• Children dream bigger. They can point to real-life entrepreneurs on their own block and say, “I can do that too.”

Early Wins

KEDC graduates have launched everything from mobile coffee carts to hair studios. Some now mentor newer cohorts, creating a self-sustaining cycle of support. Weekend pop-ups and neighborhood markets draw visitors and boost foot traffic, breathing new life into once-empty corridors.

How You Can Help

• Sponsor a seat. A $500 gift puts one aspiring entrepreneur through our Startup Intensive.
• Volunteer as a mentor. Your experience in finance, marketing, or operations could shave years off someone’s learning curve.
• Provide micro-capital. Partner with KEDC to offer small loans or revenue-share deals that spark growth.
• Share the story. Tell friends, post on social media, or forward this blog—your network may hold the next great business idea.

Final Thought

Entrepreneurship is community self-repair, and Kingdom EDC hands neighbors the tools. If you believe vacant lots can become vibrant corridors, join us. Together we can flip the switch on hope, one storefront at a time.

Ready to get involved? Visit kingdomedc.org to volunteer, donate, or enroll.