Reimagine Talent's First Seed Capital Grant

Dear Linkedin Community:

Last week, I was afforded the opportunity of a lifetime to pitch Reimagine Talent at the Good Soil Summit for entrepreneurs in Orlando, Florida. Good Soil was founded by the incomparable Bishop T.D. Jakes and sponsored by Stand Together and Wells Fargo .

Reimagine Talent was selected out of 146 businesses as a semi-finalist. Six semifinalists pitched live at the summit for three seed capital grants.

In my first “formal” pitch EVER on behalf of Reimagine Talent, we placed 2nd and received a $50,000 seed capital grant.

I am deeply humbled and utterly speechless thinking about the early days of founding my company and how far we’ve come!

I started Reimagine Talent (formerly College Code) at 28 years old in my Harlem New York City apartment. I left a great job on Wall Street to pursue a dream God put in my heart.

Many thought I was too young, misinformed, and misguided to found & lead a company. Yet, by God’s grace I persisted and built Reimagine Talent brick by brick.  

Before ever leading a team to support powerful global organizations and deliver programs at leading conferences, I volunteered to teach personal finance to youth across New York City’s housing projects.

I would often lead these workshops with two to three people present. These organizations had limited funding, but they did vital work and offered hope to the city’s most marginalized communities. I gave that work my all and it undeniably built my character and commitment towards equity.

Before I could afford coaches, I checked out business and faith based books from the 42nd Street library. Those books stretched my mind and offered practical steps to build my vision from the ground up. 

One of the books that significantly guided me was Soar written by Bishop T.D. Jakes — a truly full circle moment to be a direct recipient of his ministry, leadership, and impact. A reminder that God orders steps.

I will never forget where I started and the good people who supported me along the way. You all know who you are and my appreciation for you runs DEEP!

A fact: 80% of Reimagine Talent’s revenue comes from referrals and repeat customers. I am deeply grateful that we are trusted time and time again to do work that is making a difference in workplaces and for the next generation workforce! 🙏🏾

Now a message for you! My hope is that you keep going and refuse to give into naysayers and your own inner critic. There is MORE!

Thank you so much for taking a few minutes to read this good news and for choosing to be a part of the Reimagine Talent Community as a client, partner, friend, and/or supporter!

🗣️PS: Be on the lookout next month for how we will use the funds to scale our workforce & talent development hybrid learning programs!

In Service,

Chelsea C. Williams

Founder & CEO, Reimagine Talent