Real work. Real places. Real change.

Special Projects

Custom Collaborations. Strategic Partnerships. Field Innovation.

While our core offerings are structured programs rooted in our WayBuilders methodology, we also engage in a range of special projects and custom partnerships that advance the broader field of ecosystem building. These collaborations span digital platforms, content strategy, technical assistance, and field-level learning—each tailored to the unique needs of our partners. From local pilots to national initiatives, these projects allow us to support innovation, amplify community voice, and deepen impact beyond the boundaries of our standard programs.

Black Wall Street Forward logo with a shield emblem containing the letters B, W, and F in yellow, red, and orange, and the words 'Black Wall Street Forward' next to it.

Signature Programs

Black Wall Street Forward

Black Wall Street Forward (BWSF) is a place-based initiative designed to restore entrepreneurial ecosystems in historically Black communities by reconnecting them to legacy, leadership, and lasting investment. Inspired by the history of thriving Black business districts like Durham’s Hayto disctrict, BWSF equips local leaders to build infrastructure, narratives, and capital flows that center Black prosperity.

Status: Currently in planning for a Spring 2026 cohort

logo with city buildings inside a map pin and network nodes above, next to the text 'PLACE BUILDERS' in yellow

PLACE Builders

Developed in partnership with EcoMap Technologies - and in honor of its founder Pava LaPere, PLACE builders is a national fellowship program equipping under-resourced entrepreneurial ecosystem builders in under-estimated communities to strengthen support for local entrepreneurs. Grounded in the Kauffman Foundation-funded ESHIP Way methodology, fellows receive training and support in ecosystem building, addressing systemic barriers, and impact measurement.

Status: Currently in planning for a Spring 2026 cohort

Client & Partner Programs

  • ESHIP Commons logo with multicolored interconnected circles and text.

    Platform Strategy & Development

    A growing digital hub and knowledge network for entrepreneurial ecosystem builders, offering curated resources, community spaces, and field-level learning opportunities.

  • Logo with the words "ishup" and "Envision" next to a colorful geometric shape.

    Program Design & Implemention

    Kauffman Foundation partnership | The field’s first community lab for ecosystem building, ESHIP Communities supported seven pilot cities in building collaborative infrastructure for inclusive entrepreneurship—laying the foundation for the national movement.

  • Logo of The Lemelson Foundation featuring a blue globe with gears and the tagline 'Improving lives through invention'.

    Ecosystem Strategy & Development

    A strategic collaboration of ecosystem weavers have been engaged to develop a regional entrepreneurial ecosystem strategy aligned with invention, equity, and economic mobility across Oregon communities - with the potential national scaling.

  • Black and white photograph of a tall skyscraper with the Sun in the background.

    Program Design, Implementation & Coaching

    Black Innovation Allliance partnership | A cohort-based program designed to strengthen innovation infrastructure by equipping Black-led entrepreneurial support organizations with tools, training, and solidarity for long-term impact.

Have a Project Idea?

This work is bigger than any one of us—and it starts with connection. Ready to build better with us?