This all started in Johnathon’s driveway.

An informal men’s group, led by Johnathon’s dad, gathered together once a week to discuss mental health issues in a comfortable, familiar way. But when COVID hit, those conversations came to a sudden halt. Johnathon knew he needed to create a new way for him and his dad to connect with their community.   

His original idea was to start a podcast – it’s what encouraged him to seek out The Academy at first. But throughout the 10 weeks, Johnathon learned more about business foundations and realized something.

“Corner to Corner gave me a sense of confidence, and I knew I wanted to make this bigger than just two guys and a mic.”

So, he founded Black Men Vent Too LLC, a nonprofit organization that focuses on Black men and mental health issues. Now, his podcast helps promote their mission!  

“God wove all the ideas together, and it’s been a blessing.”  

Corner to Corner provides neighbors with a variety of paths to move forward – like Johnathon says, you can be in class next to someone who has been in business 5 years, with a website domain and an Instagram, and on your other side is someone who doesn’t even have a business name, only an idea.

“No matter where you’re at, [Corner to Corner meets] you there. They are very inclusive, and I have only good things to say about their program.”  

With a network of 1,600+ and growing graduates from our program, the support of our Academy Alumni is something that sets Corner to Corner apart. Because we know that business growth doesn’t stop after just 10 weeks – and Johnathon knows that, too.

“The Academy Alumni program is like a cheat code! Any opportunity that could further your business, Corner to Corner provides it or shares an opportunity to help you keep growing.” 

With these resources and Johnathon’s incredible work ethic, the Black Men Vent Too podcast has grown in subscribers and features an inspiring lineup of neighbors who get to share their stories.   

“Corner to Corner gives you that opportunity to try; Wherever you are, they meet you there.”  

We believe that every single one of our neighbors deserves to thrive on their own terms, to pursue that business dream they’ve kept tucked away in the back of their minds, to provide an innovative economic engine for their families.

With the support of our donors, we are able to provide this program and the support of our alumni program to passionate neighbors like Johnathon!

If you want to get involved in supporting your local businesses growth, donate to Corner to Corner today.

P.S. to watch the full interview with Johnathon, check out this Instagram post.