Beyond Collecting Cans: How Start-Up Entrepreneurs Make Impact Through Philanthropy
Seneca Williams "Entrepreneur Therapist"
Author 📚 Conquer The Imposter 📈 Breakthrough Business Anxiety 🎙Speaker 💼Therapist, Coach & Founder of The Conquer Network | VP, Behind The Leaf 501(c)(3)
What comes to mind, when you think of a “philanthropist”?
Do you picture Oprah, yelling “You get a car! You get a car! You get a car!” ?
Or, do you think about the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation?
"You don't need to wait until you're a billionaire to be a philanthropist. Small actions, consistently taken, can create a big impact." - Sara Blakely, Founder of Spanx.
If you have ever desired to make a difference in the world, but you thought you had to be a millionaire, or can only collect canned food, this article is for you.
Before we move on, I do not think anything is wrong with canned food drives.
When I collected canned goods, it was fulfilling, but I didn’t always see the faces of those who received the canned goods. I didn’t know their story, or how it impacted their life long term. I wanted to go beyond collecting cans. A can of peas could feed someone for one meal, but I wanted to offer something that could feed someone for a lifetime.
The experience of making a lasting change in someone's life, being able to follow their journey, and seeing how your support transforms them, their family, and community, it’s the most impact you can make.
My Philanthropy Story
Prior to entrepreneurship, I didn’t realize that I was a philanthropist. I just wanted to help people and make a difference.
My mother always participated in various causes. She was a union representative and shop steward with CWA Local 1180 in New York City. In addition, she was a wife, a caretaker for her mother-in-law, a mother of 2, a full-time employee, and a graduate student. My mother wasn’t making millions, but her impact was worth so much more.
Witnessing her commitment to causes outside of just her own family and work, inspired me to want to be more and do more in the world.
Around 2011, I started a Meetup group called The Hotmylk Project in New York (Heroic Outstanding Triumphant Mom You’d Like To Know) bringing Moms and Kids together to attend outings and events around the city.
I participated in multiple fundraisers for Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence in New York.
When I moved to Florida, I briefly had another Meetup group Empowered Ladies Lead. We went to happy hours, had coffee, had brunch, and discussed life, wellness, work, and business. We had an amazing Women's History Brunch in 2019. <<This clip was the last event.
I donated Christmas gifts to kids in other countries, through my church in Florida.
I also visited a prison in Florida to hand out Christmas presents and support families during inmate visits.
This is not me tooting my own horn, these are examples of how someone like you, just starting up a business, without a team, without millions of dollars can make an impact too.
Start-up entrepreneurs are often focused on building and scaling their businesses, aiming for financial success and sustainability.
While these goals are undoubtedly crucial, there's another dimension that can elevate your business and leave a lasting impact on the world: philanthropy.
Are you a Philanthropist? (and you didn’t know)
A philanthropist is someone who seeks to promote the well-being of others through charitable acts, typically by donating money, resources, or time. Philanthropy is more than just giving away your wealth; it's about making a positive impact on society, addressing critical issues, and leaving a legacy of goodwill. Over the years, I have provided my time and skills to churches and non-profit organizations.
"Giving back is not just a moral obligation; it's a smart business move. A business that cares about the world is a business the world cares about." - Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group.
The Impact of Becoming a Philanthropist:
Ways You Can Become a Philanthropist (Now):
Even if your business isn’t raking in millions (yet), you can make a meaningful impact as a philanthropist, now! Here are some practical steps:
The Conquer Network's Philanthropic Initiative:
The Conquer Network recognizes the power of philanthropy and its potential to transform business owners' lives. The Conquer Network is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build mental wealth, breakthrough business anxiety and beat business burnout.
In February 2023, The Conquer Network, awarded Alexandra A., Founder of IFearlessCo. a full grant for the Business Anxiety Breakthrough Coaching Program.
Alexandra participated in a pitch competition for investor funding at The Flourish Media Conference, an “Annual business conference in Miami, FL for minority women to connect with angel investors.”
In her business pitch, she shared that she needed funding for business mindset coaching, to help her stay the course, on this everchanging entrepreneurial journey.
Since completing the Business Anxiety Breakthrough coaching program, IFearlessCo. has increased its online visibility and continued to grow. You can find IfearlessCo. on Instagram posting short inspirational clips to inspire other businesswomen to have faith!
Paying it forward through 2024
In November 2023, The Conquer Network is offering a $2,500 business grant to 20 entrepreneurs aiming to elevate their businesses and become philanthropists, regardless of their current financial status.
By providing guidance, mentorship, and resources, The Conquer Network aims to empower entrepreneurs to upgrade their businesses and become philanthropists through the Business Anxiety Breakthrough Program.
This initiative will help start-up entrepreneurs, break through any business mindset limits and prepare them to pitch their business for funding at the next Flourish Media Conference in Miami, FL 2024.
The Business Anxiety Breakthrough Coaching Program will help entrepreneurs to:
Ultimately, getting entrepreneurs mentally prepared to grow their business authority, increase their clients, and pitch their business for more funding, will have a positive impact on their lives, their families, and their communities.
Did you know The Conquer Network Backstory?
Some people know that I am a licensed psychotherapist, coach, and mental health speaker, but they don’t know about The Conquer Network. It began as a passion project.
In 2018, one of my High School friends lost her battle with depression. She fought long and hard to stay here with her 2 sons. In the years and months, close to her earthly departure, we discussed motherhood, mental health, and entrepreneurship. When I got the news of her “un-aliving herself” I was devastated. It hit too close to home.
One year later, I thought to myself, there are so many entrepreneurs going through similar life challenges, but don’t have emotionally safe spaces where they can talk about entrepreneurship, life, and mental health.
The Conquer Network group was created at the end of 2019, with a mission to focus on mental wealth for business, breaking through business anxiety, and preventing business burnout. We had "conquer classes" and sister circles for small groups where they could learn, support, and express themselves.
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Then came 2020, and we all know what happened. You would think that The Conquer Network would flourish since everyone was on lockdown and tuned into social media. But that year my health drastically declined to the point of not working at all, not even taking clients for therapy.
Should I close The Conquer Network?
By the end of 2020, I didn’t have the bandwidth or capacity to do anything but stay healthy and raise my daughter. I was dealing with chronic health conditions that were draining.
I thought, “I could always just focus on my therapy practice or get a job. Would anyone really care if I disappeared?”
But I didn’t want to go down without at least a little fight.
Following my own Conquer Method and Business Anxiety Blueprint, which I’ve used with my own clients, I knew that I needed an in-person community in South Florida. So I tapped into the Flourish Tribe.
It was the philanthropic mission of Behind The Leaf, that brought me back to my mission and kept me going!
I attended The Flourish Media conference in February 2020 and decided to return in February 2021 (but not just as an attendee).
In February 2021, I grew the courage to pitch my business to investors, shark tank style.
I was awarded the Flourish Media Conference business grant.
I invested that grant to work with Behind The Leaf non-profit to re-brand and improve my social media branding.
In 2022, I joined the Flourish "Made For Millions Mastermind".
I invested in the Ultimate Flourish Experience which helped me upgrade my branding and marketing through content days and online marketing support.
In 2023, I was a featured speaker at The Flourish Media Conference, discussing Mental Wealth and Business. I contributed to the FMC business grant.
Since working with Flourish, I have expanded my social media reach, made community connections, and launched a course, Business Anxiety Breakthrough which I have rebooted to become a 6 month coaching program launching in November 2023.
Thanks to donations to Behind The Leaf non-profit, I didn't quit and I am here showing up for you.
Having the support of a local community has made an impact on my life as a single mom and minority entrepreneur. This is why I want to support other women entrepreneurs to conquer mental wealth for business, so they can flourish.
Become The Change:
As a start-up entrepreneur, you have the potential to make a lasting impact on society, even if you're not yet a millionaire.
Becoming a philanthropist can transform your business, enrich your personal life, and contribute to the betterment of the world. Embrace the power of philanthropy and let your business become a beacon of hope and change.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi,
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
So, embark on your philanthropic journey, for the world is waiting for your positive influence.
It’s your turn to add philanthropist to your title!
You can make a donation to Behind The Leaf, a 501c3 Public Charity based in Miami, Florida on Thursday, November 16th, 2023 “Give Miami Day”.
“ In 2024, with help from YOUR giving, Behind The Leaf can deepen its mission with laser-focused support for 50 women business owners. This cohort will gain access to a series of masterclasses powered by Capital One Cafe on sales, accounting, supplier diversity opportunities, and government contracting.” Donate today and plan to join us at the Flourish Media Conference Feb 16-17, 2024.
Ready to elevate your business?
Are you a service-based entrepreneur interested in applying for the $2,500 grant for the Business Anxiety Breakthrough coaching program in November 2023?
The Conquer Network will help 20 women prepare to attend the 2024 Flourish Media conference. Everyone in the coaching program will be prepared to apply for a business grant or pitch their business at the conference. You must attend the conference virtually or in person to qualify for the grants FMC grants.
Email: hello@theconquernetwork.com
Join the free group www.theconquernetwork.com to stay updated.
Follow @theconquernetwork on social media
Seneca Williams, LMHC is an Entrepreneur therapist, coach, and speaker for service-based entrepreneurs ready to break through business anxiety and beat business burnout.
She is a mental health speaker (for hire) at Universities, Corporations, Organizations, and Business Groups.
Topics (Programs): Speaker Reel
Seneca is also the founder of The Conquer Network, a personal growth platform for service-based entrepreneurs. The mission is to provide mental health-focused business support for entrepreneurs with online businesses.
Disclaimer: Business Anxiety is not a mental health diagnosis. Coaching is not a replacement for therapy. This article is not medical advice. Please consult a therapist licensed in your state (country) if you are experiencing signs of a mental health disorder. Visit www.nami.org or www.psychologytoday.com
Call 9–8–8 the National Suicide Crisis Lifeline
Contact Seneca Via Website: www.senecawilliams.com
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Let's chat, join the free group to stay in touch! @The Conquer Network.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and does not intend to impose any opinions about philanthropy. Give what you can, if you can, when you can. If you want to give canned goods, that's great. I am not against canned goods.
There is a link to the Behind The Leaf donations page in this article. Any questions about this non-profit or donations should be directed to their organization.
The Conquer Network (Seneca Williams) does not receive any money from donations made through the donation link. I receive no compensation for any mentions or links in this article.
The Hotmylk Project and Empowered Ladies Lead are no longer in operation, but The Conquer Network is.
Sources Cited: