America21 aims to transform outdated economic narratives by focusing on inclusive competitiveness and connecting underrepresented communities to modern innovation clusters. The initiative emphasizes the importance of STEM education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship, particularly among minority populations to drive job creation. Through partnerships and programs, America21 seeks to promote equitable access to resources and foster a culture of innovation across the nation.

1. WHAT IS Changing the Economic Narrative
America21 seeks to catalyze a new economic movement
by transforming 20th century economic narratives that
The America21 Project? pervade disconnected sectors of urban regions into
awareness of, and engagement with, the 21st century
global Innovation Economy and set the tone for new
inclusive economic policies.
Promoting Inclusive Competitiveness
America21 seeks to infuse and inculcate the language
and strategies of Inclusive Competitiveness among
thought leadership, which ensures multi-generational
investment that equips all of our nation’s human assets
to contribute to the global economic competitiveness of
America throughout the 21st century.
Connecting the Disconnected
America21 is a national nonprofit intermediary that
connects 20th century communities to 21st century
regional innovation clusters across the urban
landscape, from the Pipeline of STEM Education to the
Productivity of High-Growth Entrepreneurship.

2. Since 1980, nearly all
Who’s JOB is net new jobs are the
it to create result of fast-growing
young companies —
more JOBS? start-ups fueled by risk
capital investments. Kauffman Foundation
In 2011, roughly 70,000 companies received
more than $52B in funding from angels and
venture capitalists. Center for Venture Research
Minorities comprise just
7% of entrepreneurs
seeking funding and only
4% of angel investors, but
represent 36% of the
population … and growing.

3. How are most Today’s economic paradigm is a fast-
paced, knowledge-based, tech-driven
U.S. jobs global Innovation Economy comprised
of three core components:
created in the
21st century? STEM Education & Workforce Development
(science, technology, engineering & math)
Entrepreneurship, especially HIGH-GROWTH
Access to Capital & Capital Formation
(angel investors, venture capital and public-private partnerships)
1.9 million Black-owned
businesses produced LESS
than 1% GDP in 2007.
More than 1.8 million of
those businesses were sole
proprietors with ZERO
employees.

4. Who will
create jobs in
the future? 64% of Hispanic and 63%
of Black Americans ages
18-34 want to start their
own businesses.
Only 5% own a business.
Kauffman Foundation
Unemployment among
youth is 22%. For Black
youth it’s 45%.

5. What is the Changing the Narrative
Blogging, interviews and columns
America21 Articles in national publications
Seminars & Workshops
Conference programming at journalists conventions
approach? Development of minority media entrepreneur workshops
Strategic relationships across media industry
Development of STEM-focused programs
Relationship with White House HBCU Initiative
Promoting Inclusive Competitiveness
Alliance with Nortech in Cleveland, OH
Relationship with Jumpstart America
Planning Committee member, SBIR conference, Portland, OR
Relationships with SBA, NIH, NSF, EDA
Relationships with regional, local governments (OH, OR, PA, D.C.)
Connecting the Disconnected
Development of STEM-focused programs, Philadelphia, PA
Development of Urban Innovation Roundtable, Portland, OR
Startup Funding Panel / Leadership Luncheon, Philadelphia, PA
Leadership Discussion on Entrepreneurship, Univ of Portland, OR
Seminars, speaking engagements (AL, D.C., PA, OR, OH, MI)
Gathering of Angels Summit (Rutgers Univ. Newark, NJ)
Partnership with Black Ivy Alumni League
Partnership with NBDPA
Partnership with Black professional STEM associations

6. HBCU STARTUP INITIATIVE
From Pipeline to Productivity
Seminar Innovators Pitching Funding
Series Workshop Clinic Startups
Cultivating a culture of innovation
An initiative of The America21 Project currently under development

7. What am I
doing to
create more
JOBS? Johnathan Holifield, Esq.
America21 Co-founder
Chief Strategist & Evangelist
Chad Womack, Ph.D.
America21 Co-founder
Managing Director
Mike Green
America21 Co-founder
Communications Director
Contact America21:
Blackinnovation.org
info@blackinnovation.org
541-730-2164