Rejection can feel like a door slamming shut in your face. And as an entrepreneur taking a leap of faith, the last thing you want is for your idea to feel dismissed.
When Dami Odunewu, CEO and founder of Purpose Connect, was rejected by the Black Ambition Prize in 2023, she was understandably hesitant to apply again. Now that she’s a semifinalist for the $1 million prize, she’s ecstatic that she did.
“I was on my way to Chicago for an SBA class I’m taking. That’s when I got the email that said you’re a semifinalist,” she explained. “It’s a big shift to go from getting rejected to getting multiple recognitions in one year.”
What is Purpose Connect?
Purpose Connect is a no-resume job matching platform for international students. The goal: to increase diversity in Southern Missouri, especially in areas of employment.
By increasing employment opportunities for international students, Purpose Connect is keeping student retention high and diversity alive in the region – both of which are very important to job seekers looking for inclusivity.
As a Nigerian woman in tech, she knows a thing or two about feeling like the doors are closed.
Early on in Odunewu’s life, she knew she wanted to be a medical missionary – it was her passion. Discovering something that she loved was the starting point of her business.
“If I didn’t discover that in my life, I would have never even thought about going into business. It led me to start asking more questions: ‘What other things am I passionate about?’”
Black Ambition Prize
Founded by musician Pharrell Williams, the Black Ambition Prize invests capital and resources into businesses founded by Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. Their mission is to bridge the racial opportunity and wealth gap through diverse environments.
Finding resources and support
The Springfield community has a rich history of entrepreneurship, innovation and economic vitality. The mural in the front door of Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center – home to efactory – is a nod to many well-known businesses that call Springfield home (Bass Pro,
O’Reilly Auto Parts, Andy’s, etc.).
Odunewu’s office is at efactory, which is fitting, since it offers her easy access to many resources.
In recent years, efactory has expanded its mission and suite of business support and talent development offerings to include enhanced employer partnerships and deep connections to Missouri State University. However, it was originally developed as a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs.
- The center still prides itself on providing these services today, including:
- No-cost business consultations and mentorship.
- Space to start and grow your business, with private offices starting at just 150 square feet.
- Shared spaces and amenities to reduce overhead costs and barriers to entrepreneurship.
- Training on business fundamentals.
One option that was not available when Odunewu began her entrepreneurial journey was the Early-Stage Business Boot Camp. These 8-session workshops are now being offered throughout the region, at no cost to participants.
The workshops are tailored to build a network of aspiring and new entrepreneurs who can learn from subject matter experts and successful entrepreneurs. Participants learn business foundations, build plans and create momentum for their businesses.
Cohorts are available across southern Missouri this fall. Visit efactory.missouristate.edu/bootcamp to enroll.
By Mia McDermott
UniteNews Contributing Writer
