Impact Report
June 21, 2024 | Durham, NC
Purpose
The purpose of the Wall Street Juniors Entrepreneurship Escape Room event was to provide an interactive and educational experience that highlights the entrepreneurial journey of Black-owned businesses. By engaging participants in hands-on activities within themed escape rooms, the event aimed to:
Enhance understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by Black entrepreneurs
Foster skills in team building, collaboration, time management, and client management.
Create a supportive community environment for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Celebrate and promote local BIPOC-owned businesses and business-serving organizations.
Our Vision, Mission and Values
Mission
Wall Street Juniors is committed to advancing financial literacy education, promoting positive economic habits, and nurturing social responsibility.
Vision
Through inclusive involvement and a dedicated emphasis on intergenerational education, we strive to foster community sustainability and generational wealth in historically marginalized, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and under-resourced communities.
Event Objectives
Immerse participants into the entrepreneurial experience through a series of interactive exhibits and themed escape rooms.
Provide a hands-on opportunity for participants to step into the shoes of an entrepreneur and navigate through the challenges and triumphs of building a successful business.
Engage participants in experiential learning, fostering a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship principles and practices.
Challenge participants to solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and make strategic decisions reflective of realworld entrepreneurial scenarios.
Entrepreneurship Ecosystem & Gift Shop
The presence of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem & Gift Shop at the escape room event had a significant impact on the participants and the broader community. By bringing together a diverse array of vendors, the event fostered a vibrant entrepreneurial environment that facilitated the circulation of dollars within the BIPOC community and provided essential support to emerging entrepreneurs.
The Ecosystem & Gift Shop created opportunities for attendees to purchase products and services from BIPOC-owned businesses. This not only supported the vendors financially but also reinforced the importance of economic empowerment and community wealth building. By circulating dollars within the community, the event contributed to the financial sustainability and growth of these businesses.
The business-serving organizations present at the event offered valuable resources, guidance, and support to aspiring entrepreneurs These organizations provided information on business development, funding opportunities, and strategic planning, equipping attendees with the tools needed to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors
Total Vendors Present
There were a total of 10 vendors present at the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem & Gift Shop.
Business Serving Organizations
Small Business Center @ Durham Tech
ECHO
Forward Cities - E3 Durham Carolina Small Business Give It To The People
Durham Public Library - Small Business Center
Wall Street Juniors
BIPOC-Owned Small Businesses
LoveUs Brand Mind, Body, and Scents
Desta Natural
Our Sponsor
Black Wall Street Forward
Black Wall Street Forward's generous sponsorship of $10,000 was pivotal in making the Wall Street Juniors Entrepreneurship Escape Room event possible. This collaboration was a testament to the power of community partnerships and the sha h.
Launch d five comm
Winsto of Black entrepreneurship in those communities and to take collaborative action to build a better collective future. Black Wall Street Forward is a narrative change initiative dedicated to reimagining the vibrancy and economic impact of Black-centric business support networks across America. As an action learning network of Black leaders committed to catalyzing economic liberation and wealth for Black communities, Black Wall Street Forward is developing vibrant Black Wall Streets across the country.
The partnership between Black Wall Street Forward and Wall Street Juniors was invaluable for the Entrepreneurship Expedition: Journey, Explore, Simulate project. This collaboration highlighted the collective commitment to advancing Black wealth creation and entrepreneurship. By bringing together resources, knowledge, and networks, the partnership empowered participants to envision and realize their entrepreneurial potential The impact of this event extended beyond individual growth, contributing to the broader goal of economic development and global societal advancement through entrepreneurship and community co-design.
ECHO
Durham County Public Library
Loki Media
Fave Photo Booth
Carolina Small Business
Neco's Village
E3 Durham
Purpose Learning Lab
Operations
Check-in via Eventbrite:
The event team ensured familiarity with the Eventbrite system and had access to the necessary equipment for scanning tickets and checking in attendees.
Event Wristbands:
Attendees were provided with wristbands. These wristbands served as access passes for the duration of the event and were essential for identifying participants.
Escape Room Explained:
Clear instructions were provided on how the escape room worked, the objectives of the game, and any rules or guidelines that needed to be followed.
Cash Vault Challenge:
Groups in the Entrepreneurship
Escape Room received an escape word upon completing all activities. This sentence unlocked the final door. Successful groups could then enter the Cash Vault for a chance to win money by completing a final challenge.
Media Release Consent:
During the check-in process, the team was responsible for collecting media release consent from all participants. The purpose of the consent form was clearly explained, ensuring that participants understood how their likeness might be used in event-related media.
Mission Map:
The layout of the escape rooms was explained, and additional information was provided to help participants navigate through the challenges.
Sharing via Social Media:
Participants were encouraged to tag the organization's social media accounts in their posts.
Program Details
The Believe In You Money (BIYM) Fund is an integral part of our financial education programs. Inspired by the principles outlined in Jessica Norwood's book, Believe-In-You Money: What Would It Look Like If the Economy Loved Black People?, this fund aims to provide participants with a tangible start to their financial journey by contributing small yet impactful amounts.
Participants began their mission by taking on the role of Kennedy, the solo graphic designer of Morpho Graphics with big dreams. The walls were adorned with unfinished projects and blank canvases waiting for their touch. Their task was to unlock the potential of each design, bringing them to life with creativity and problem-solving skills.
Room Theme: The creative studio of Kennedy Thomas, a solo graphic designer based in Durham, NC. Kennedy created visual content for clients, including logos, branding materials, illustrations, and other marketing collateral. Participants stepped into Kennedy's shoes and navigated a series of challenges to help her expand her design business and achieve success.
Objective: Provided an immersive, fun, and engaging experience that enhanced participants' understanding of the day-to-day operations and challenges faced by Kennedy Thomas, a solo graphic designer, while subliminally teaching entrepreneurial skills.
Participants dived into the world of AquiTu Water Company, where the clear blue waves of innovation and sustainability met the challenges of modern business. As they stepped into the shoes of the leadership team – Frank Rider, Rhashad Thomas, and Johnathon Newkirk – they became the driving force behind this dynamic company.
Room Theme: A modern office space with water-themed decor, displays of AquiTu's products, a conference table, a laptop, a whiteboard, and various props representing different aspects of the business.
Participants stepped into the shoes of the leadership team, including Frank Rider (COO), Rhashad Thomas (CEO), Johnathon Newkirk (CIO), and Kayla Walker (Director of Business Development). They navigated challenges that mirrored the real-life obstacles AquiTu faced in its day-to-day operations. The goal was to simulate a successful day at the company, working together to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.
Objective: Enhanced team collaboration and communication by solving puzzles and challenges that reflected the real-life obstacles AquiTu faced in the water industry.
Room 2 Highest Escape Rate
Room 3
As participants stepped into the family-owned restaurant Let’s Eat Soulfood, they were not just guests – they became essential parts of the team, ready to tackle the challenges of a bustling day in the kitchen.
Room Theme: A cozy, home-style soul food restaurant with vintage decor, a dining area, a kitchen setup, and various props representing different aspects of the business.
Participants stepped into the roles of a family-owned soul food restaurant's team, navigating various challenges that mirrored the business's day-to-day operations. Their goal was to simulate a successful day at the restaurant by working together to solve puzzles, overcome operational obstacles, and delve into succession planning for future business success.
Objective: Provided an immersive, fun, and engaging experience that enhanced participants' understanding of the day-to-day operations and challenges faced by a family-owned soul food restaurant. Participants worked together to complete activities and ensure the smooth operation of the restaurant.
Room 4
Participants mastered the art of beauty and business to help Dainasia elevate Gleauxx Beauty Bar to new heights of success. The journey began with a world of glamour and intrigue awaiting their discovery.
Room Theme: A vibrant and bustling salon and spa with individual suites and booths for rent, featuring salon chairs, mirrors, and beauty equipment. Framed certificates, schedules, and promotional materials were scattered throughout the space, reflecting the different professionals and their offerings.
Participants took on the role of beauty professionals navigating the day-to-day challenges of running a salon and spa business managed by Dainasia Edwards, who recently acquired the business from her mentor. Dainasia rented booths and suites to other beauty professionals, offering them a space to run their own beauty services within her salon and spa Their goal was to solve puzzles and challenges to unlock the final door and escape the room.
Objective: Provided an immersive, fun, and engaging experience that enhanced participants' understanding of the day-to-day operations and challenges faced by Dainasia Edwards in managing Gleauxx Beauty Bar. Participants worked together to complete activities related to managing and maintaining the rented booths and suites, ensuring the success of the beauty professionals operating within the salon and spa.
Feedback & Data
Participant Satisfaction
Overall Satisfaction with the Event:
Average Rating: 4.78
Minimum Rating: 1
Maximum Rating: 5
Relevance and Helpfulness of the Event:
Average Rating: 4.56
Minimum Rating: 1
Maximum Rating: 5
Satisfaction with Logistics (Accommodation):
Average Rating: 4.13
Minimum Rating: 1
Maximum Rating: 5
Enjoyed Sessions
Participants were asked which sessions they enjoyed the most. The counts are as follows:
Least Liked Rooms
Participants were also asked which room they liked the least. The counts are as follows:
Feedback & Data
Participant Data
Demographics and Additional Details
Ethnicity:
The event primarily served African American participants. Participant demographics included a diverse range of ethnic groups, such as White Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Indigenous peoples.
Age Distribution of Attendees
Total Number of Attendees: 155
Age Range: 6 to 66 years
Accessibility Services:
No translation or interpretation services were needed. No disability services were required during the event
Youth Participation:
High youth participation rate from summer camps and field trips
Participants included those from learning labs and Echo
Educational Institution Participation:
Attendees included participants from Duke Innovation Center and Entrepreneurship Program
Geographical Reach:
Guests traveled from various locations including: RDU (Raleigh-Durham) area
Fayetteville
Virginia Georgia
These data reports provide a comprehensive overview of the event's attendee demographics, participation details, and geographical reach, offering valuable insights for future event planning and improvements.
Reflection & Highlights
The Wall Street Juniors Entrepreneurship Escape Room event successfully provided a meaningful and engaging platform for participants to explore and develop their entrepreneurial abilities. The overwhelmingly positive feedback and valuable insights will guide future programs, ensuring continued growth and innovation. We look forward to building on this success and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs through our dynamic and impactful initiatives.
Innovative Learning Experience:
Attendees engaged in hands-on, interactive activities that simulated real-life entrepreneurial challenges. The escape rooms focused on various business aspects, including graphic design, water sustainability, soul food restaurant operations, and beauty salon management.
Positive Feedback:
Participants reported increased confidence in their entrepreneurial skills.
Enhanced understanding of the complexities faced by Black-owned businesses.
Partnerships and Support:
Strong collaboration with local businesses, organizations, and educational institutions.
Generous support from sponsors and supporters, notably Black Wall Street Forward with a $10,000 contribution.
Future Plans:
Hosting more frequent escape room events with varying themes. Expanding partnerships with additional local businesses and organizations.
Introducing new activities and challenges to keep the experience fresh and engaging.
Behavioral Economics Approach:
Emphasized learning through play, making lessons memorable and applicable.
Reinforced entrepreneurial concepts and skills in an enjoyable way.
THANK YOU!
I am writing to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable contribution to the Wall Street Juniors Entrepreneurship Escape Room event. Your support and participation were instrumental in making this event a tremendous success.
We strongly believe entrepreneurship is a vehicle to build wealth. The event provided a unique platform for attendees to explore entrepreneurial challenges and develop essential skills through immersive and interactive activities. The positive feedback and insights we received will guide us in enhancing and expanding our future programs. Our partners' collaboration was key to creating an enriching experience. The enthusiasm and engagement of our attendees made the event truly memorable. Our dedicated staff ensured the smooth execution of the event through their hard work and commitment. The generous contributions of our sponsors and supporters empowered us to create impactful experiences for our community.
We plan to build on this success by hosting more frequent escape room events with varying themes, expanding partnerships with local businesses, and introducing new activities and challenges to keep the experience fresh and engaging. The Entrepreneurship Escape Room utilized the power of learning through play, allowing attendees to engage in hands-on activities that reinforced entrepreneurial concepts and skills. This approach made the lessons more memorable and applicable to their own entrepreneurial journeys.
Thank you once again for your support and contribution to this impactful event. Let's continue changing worlds together.
