Black Ambition's Playbook: Building Fundable Futures in South Florida

MIAMI, FL – July 01, 2026 – In the bustling, competitive landscape of South Florida's startup scene, a critical question persists: how do you move beyond a good idea to build a genuinely fundable company? Black Ambition, the nonprofit founded by Pharrell Williams, is answering with a proven model. Today, the organization announced the return of its Fundable Founders Learning Lab, a virtual accelerator designed to arm underrepresented entrepreneurs with the strategy, tools, and connections necessary to scale.

Now in its second year, the program, backed by a continued partnership with JPMorgan Chase, is doubling down on its mission to cultivate a more resilient and inclusive business ecosystem. With applications opening today for its 2026 cohort, the initiative is less a handout and more a rigorous training ground, built on the premise that capital follows readiness. The program’s impressive first-year results suggest it has developed a powerful blueprint for turning entrepreneurial grit into sustainable growth.

From Learning to Launching: A Track Record of Tangible Results

The true measure of any accelerator lies not in its curriculum, but in the achievements of its participants. On this front, the 2025 Fundable Founders Learning Lab delivered a compelling proof of concept. The inaugural cohort of over 380 entrepreneurs didn’t just attend sessions; they executed. In just ten weeks, participants logged over 500 measurable business wins, collectively generated more than $274,000 in new capital, and created approximately 51 local jobs. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 82% of founders rating the program a perfect 5-out-of-5.

These statistics translate into real-world success stories. While some founders, like Kourtney Moore of The Missing Piece App, secured six-figure grant funding, others achieved critical operational milestones. Stephanie Sylvestre, founder of Avatar Buddy, saw her company surpass a $1 million annual run rate and expand its team during the program. The lab’s focus on cutting-edge technology helped Shamiyon Jett of OViiE AI gain acceptance into the prestigious NVIDIA Inception Program, unlocking global AI resources. For JoePatrick Mputu of JP & J Investments, the program provided the framework to close his first formal investor deal.

The curriculum's emphasis on immediate application was a key differentiator. Each week, founders were equipped with tangible tools—clearer pricing strategies, sharper messaging, automated workflows, and AI-powered systems—that they could implement the next day. This hands-on approach converted theory into momentum.

Christopher Green, founder of GameDrive and a 2025 participant, articulated the program's impact clearly. "Before joining Fundable Founders Lab, I was navigating the startup journey mostly on instinct and grit," he stated. "The structured guidance, supportive community, and actionable content gave me clarity and confidence... This program helped turn momentum into measurable progress."

Architecting a More Inclusive Ecosystem

The Fundable Founders Learning Lab operates against a backdrop of stark reality. Florida is home to over 1.38 million minority-owned businesses, yet access to capital remains one of the most significant barriers to scale. Black Ambition’s initiative, in partnership with JPMorgan Chase, is a direct and strategic intervention designed to address this systemic gap.

JPMorgan Chase, which provided a $1 million philanthropic contribution to launch the lab in 2025, continues its support for the second year. This is not an isolated act of charity but a component of the firm's broader, multi-billion dollar commitment to advancing racial equity. The partnership aligns with its $30 billion, five-year pledge to close the racial wealth gap, which includes dedicated efforts to expand credit and provide coaching for small businesses in underserved communities. The firm’s support for other Florida-based initiatives, such as the Tampa Bay Chamber's Minority Business Accelerator, demonstrates a sustained, state-wide strategy to foster economic inclusion.

"JPMorgan Chase is thrilled to work alongside Black Ambition for the second year in a row to support, catalyze, and amplify South Florida's small businesses," said Maria Escorcia, Southeast Region Executive and Executive Director of Global Philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase. "Together, we are expanding access to training, mentorship, and strategic resources, and helping founders build stronger, more resilient businesses."

This sentiment is echoed by Black Ambition's leadership, which frames the program's goal as something more profound than simply connecting founders to funders. "We are excited to enter our second year of the Fundable Founders Learning Labs, allowing us to expand the amount of support we can deliver to businesses across Miami," said Felecia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition. "This isn't about chasing funding; it's about helping to build a business ecosystem that is ready to receive it and make real impact."

The Blueprint for a Modern Accelerator

Building on its successful first year, the 2026 Fundable Founders Learning Lab has refined its blueprint for what a modern, accessible accelerator can be. The free, 10-week virtual program, running from August 18 to October 20, is meticulously designed to prepare founders for the demands of the current economy.

Expert-led sessions will cover critical pillars of business growth, including capital readiness, marketing, partnerships, and customer development. A significant focus will be placed on AI-enabled growth, reflecting the technological shift transforming every industry. Participants will not only learn but also gain pathways to capital through curated exposure and strategic connections, along with direct access to JPMorgan Chase's Startup Business banking units for practical financial guidance.

Furthermore, the program is evolving. This year will culminate in the Fundable Founders Forum in November, a curated, community-driven conference in Miami. This event represents a significant expansion, moving beyond a private showcase to a forum where top founders can connect directly with investors, corporate partners, and key decision-makers from the broader ecosystem.

This focus on practical, ecosystem-building support aligns with Black Ambition's larger strategic evolution. The organization is concentrating on a "Deeper Bet" for 2026, focusing on providing sustained, follow-on support for founders already within its network. The Learning Lab serves as a vital entry point to this powerful ecosystem, offering a structured pathway for a new wave of Florida-based entrepreneurs to build businesses that are not just ambitious, but fundamentally fundable.