Behind every number is a person seeking a pathway forward — and a community committed to walking with them.
Tené Dolphin
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dear Partners, Supporters, and Community Members,
2025 was a year defined by economic recalibration, community resilience, and renewed urgency around equitable access to opportunity. Rising costs, evolving labor markets, and constrained capital environments continued to challenge entrepreneurs, jobseekers, and families particularly within communities historically excluded from wealth-building pathways.
In response, the Economic Empowerment and Innovation Center (EEIC) leaned into its role as both convener and catalyst. Throughout the year, we focused on equipping individuals not only with information, but with confidence, clarity, and community. From entrepreneurship training and business technical assistance to career navigation and financial education, EEIC served as a trusted partner at critical decision points in people’s economic lives.
Rooted in our faith, we believe that economic empowerment is both a practical necessity and a spiritual calling. As stewards of resources, relationships, and opportunities, this conviction shaped every program we delivered in 2025.
This year marked significant milestones for our organization. We launched our inaugural conference, The New Economic Reality, bringing together nearly 400 entrepreneurs, professionals, and national community leaders for a transformative day of learning, connection, and action.
We graduated our first Blueprint Incubator cohort, directly investing over $20,000 in entrepreneurial ventures through scholarships, program support, and pitch competition prizes. We expanded our programming to include targeted career workshops for federal workers navigating unprecedented workforce transitions, and we deepened our financial education offerings through real estate and estate planning seminars.
We also strengthened our digital presence in 2025, significantly increasing our social media engagement and updating our website to better serve our community. These enhancements have allowed us to reach more people, share resources more effectively, and build stronger connections with entrepreneurs and families across the region.
We are grateful to Kingdom Global leadership, Rev. Matthew Watley, Board Chair and Rev. Kendra Smith, Executive Director for their visionary leadership, and to our 30+ volunteers, facilitators, speakers, mentors, and especially Faith & Finance Ministry partners at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church.
Your belief in EEIC’s mission strengthens our ability to build toward a more resilient economic future.
The numbers tell one story: 392 conference attendees, 16 Blueprint graduates, $20,000+ invested, 1,000+ lives touched. But behind every number is a person who walked through our doors seeking a pathway forward. Each life touched, each business launched, each family empowered reminds us why this work matters. We are honored to serve this community and grateful for the opportunity to be instruments of transformation and hope.
With gratitude and determination,
Tené Dolphin Director, Economic Empowerment and Innovation Center
With over 25 years of leadership experience, Tené Dolphin has served in senior roles at Wells Fargo, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the City of Birmingham, and the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she was appointed to the Senior Executive Service. She is a proud graduate of Howard University and has devoted her career to advancing opportunities for small businesses and communities.
ABOUT EEIC & OUR MISSION
OUR MISSION
“Empowering individuals and businesses through financial literacy, entrepreneurship training, and access to resources.”
OUR VISION
“To foster a thriving economy that supports sustainable growth and economic mobility for all.”
WHO WE ARE
The Kingdom Cares Economic Empowerment and Innovation Center (EEIC) is a regional initiative designed to help close the racial wealth gap across the Washington Metropolitan Region. Made possible by a $500,000 grant from the T.D. Jakes Foundation, EEIC launched in 2025 as the newest program of Kingdom Cares to empower individuals and families through entrepreneurship, small business development, career support, and financial education.
EEIC provides a pathway from idea to enterprise, offering business incubation, mentorship, and the technical assistance entrepreneurs need to launch and scale thriving businesses. With a focus on communities facing systemic barriers to wealth creation, EEIC is equipping individuals to transform their financial futures.
EEIC operates within the broader Kingdom Global Community Development Corporation (Kingdom Cares), a regional resource hub that brings multiple services together in one location to reduce barriers, connect residents to opportunities, and support long-term stability. Under the leadership of Rev. Kendra Smith, Director of Kingdom Global CDC, EEIC benefits from strategic alignment with the broader CDC mission and access to integrated services that support holistic community development.
EEIC serves residents across:
COMMUNITIES WE SERVE OUR APPROACH
• Montgomery County
• Prince George’s County
• Howard County
Together, this region includes over 346,000 residents in culturally diverse communities disproportionately affected by poverty and financial exclusion. EEIC’s services are available for the entire Washington Metropolitan Area.
EEIC’s engagement model combines structured instruction with peer learning, real-world application, and expert facilitation. Programming is designed to be practical— participants leave with tools they can immediately apply while also building trust, accountability, and supportive networks.
2025 YEAR OF FIRSTS
2025 MARKED A TRANSFORMATIONAL YEAR FOR EEIC.
This was a year of launching, learning, and laying the foundation for scalable, sustainable impact. We moved from planning to action—convening hundreds of people, graduating our first entrepreneurship cohort, and establishing EEIC as a trusted regional resource for economic empowerment.
APPOINTED FOUNDING DIRECTOR
In 2025, EEIC welcomed Tené Dolphin as its founding Director, bringing over 25 years of leadership experience from roles at Wells Fargo, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the City of Birmingham, and the U.S. Department of Commerce. This appointment marked a critical milestone in establishing dedicated leadership to guide the center’s strategic growth and deepen its regional impact.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
• Three Dynamic Plenary Speakers: Rev. Denny Davis (Pastor, St. John Church Unleashed; Chairman of the Board, Golden Gate Funeral Home), Dr. Charles DeShazer (Physician, Executive & Health Tech Strategist), and Kelley Cornish (President & CEO, TD Jakes Foundation)
THE NEW ECONOMIC REALITY
September 13, 2025 | Kingdom Fellowship AME Church
The New Economic Reality: Empowering Communities To Thrive and Change was the signature event of 2025. This groundbreaking one-day experience brought together 392 entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders for a transformative gathering that equipped attendees with practical tools for building wealth, launching businesses, and preparing for economic shifts.
The conference demonstrated EEIC’s capacity to convene at scale and position economic empowerment as an urgent, faith-driven priority for the region. With federal workforce reductions, rising costs, and shifting economic opportunities impacting the DMV, the conference addressed the moment directly offering not just inspiration but actionable strategies for navigating uncertainty and building resilience.
• Six Breakout Sessions: Morning and afternoon tracks covering topics from AI tools for financial literacy and business growth to funding strategies, career planning, and financial resilience
• Activation Expo: Closing event featuring 15 financial empowerment vendors and direct engagement with speakers, several of whom offered services exclusive to conference attendees
• Complimentary Professional Headshots: 113 attendees mainly displaced federal workers and those in career transition received professional photography services from Kingdom Fellowship AME volunteer photographers
• Blueprint Incubator Launch: The conference served as the launch event for EEIC’s first entrepreneurship cohort, providing a clear “next step” for entrepreneurs ready to build their businesses
BY THE NUMBERS
attendees (600 registered)
103 25 21 15
post-event survey submissions volunteers breakout speakers and moderators
Activation Expo vendors
complimentary professional headshots provided
IMPACT: WHAT PARTICIPANTS GAINED
SURVEY DATA FROM 103 RESPONDENTS REVEALED:
65%
gained awareness of new career pathways
(37% Agree, 28% Strongly Agree)
69.5%
gained awareness of business or funding opportunities
(45% Agree, 24% Strongly Agree)
76%
felt more confident in their financial abilities
(53% Agree, 23% Strongly Agree)
77.5%
became more aware of available financial education services
(50% Agree, 27.5% Strongly Agree)
DIGITAL REACH & ENGAGEMENT
The conference extended beyond the physical event through strong digital engagement. Instagram content generated 2,485 total views and 188 interactions, with the conference recap video posted September 14 reaching 1,946 views, 99 likes, and 46 shares. YouTube content about the conference generated 949 views, demonstrating sustained interest in EEIC’s message and mission.
The conference proved that EEIC can convene at scale, deliver high-quality programming across multiple tracks, and create meaningful connections that lead to concrete next steps. It established EEIC as a serious player in the regional economic empowerment ecosystem.
OUR FIRST ENTREPRENEURSHIP COHORT & PITCH COMPETITION
October 11 – December 20, 2025 | Kingdom Care Center
10+ structured sessions over 10 weeks
16 graduates
2 Administrative Supports PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The Blueprint Incubator represents more than a training program—it’s a proven pathway to transform ideas into thriving businesses. Using the nationally recognized CO.STARTERS Core curriculum and facilitated by expert practitioners, this 10-week program provided 16 entrepreneurs with tools, guidance, and support to build strong business foundations.
1 Lead Facilitator
Multiple guest presenters who shared expertise throughout the program
97% program satisfaction 99% facilitator satisfaction
COHORT PROFILE
The program culminated in a pitch competition where participants presented their refined business concepts to a panel of judges. Three winners received cash prizes to invest in their ventures:
Top Winner - $10,000: Muttropolitan Pets
Most Innovative - $5,000: PersonaStream
Best Presentation - $5,000: Lakay Goods
Total investment in the 16 Blueprint Incubator participants exceeded $20,000 through prize money, scholarships, and program costs.
Primarily female and predominantly Black participants
Age range: Most participants aged 25–64
Education: Majority held master’s degree or higher
Income: Most reported household incomes of $100,000+
Industries: Education, food/beverage, health and wellness, and other sectors
Venture Stage: Primarily startup stage businesses
Average Gross Annual Sales: $1,512,907 | Gross Capital Investment: $2,632,600+
LAUNCHED EXPANDED PROGRAMMING PORTFOLIO
Beyond the conference and incubator, 2025 saw EEIC deliver a comprehensive portfolio of programming:
No Filter Just Facts Webinar for Entrepreneurs:
Career Strategies for the DMV Workforce (Parts 1 & 2):
Real Estate & Homebuying Seminar:
Estate Planning Seminar:
Build Out Your Business Workshop:
Digital webinar featuring successful founders sharing authentic stories and lessons learned, reaching over 2,000 views within the first week
Two-part series supporting 300+ federal employees, contractors, and professionals navigating workforce transitions
Partnership with Faith & Finance Ministry serving first-time homebuyers and real estate investors
Over 200 attendees seeking education on protecting assets, loved ones, and legacy
Practical business planning and capital readiness content reinforcing strong demand for funding education
Together, these major programs educated over 1,000 individuals across entrepreneurship, career development, and financial education.
2025 IMPACT AT A GLANCE
These metrics capture the breadth and depth of EEIC’s reach in its inaugural year of comprehensive programming:
Individuals Educated Conference Attendees
Blueprint Incubator Graduates Investment in Entrepreneurs Volunteers Engaged
IMPACT BY PILLAR
EEIC’s work is organized around three interconnected pillars that together create comprehensive pathways to economic mobility:
KEY
PROGRAMMING
Blueprint Incubator: 10-week CO.STARTERS Core cohort with 16 graduates, 97% program satisfaction, and over $20,000 invested through prizes and scholarships
Build Out Your Business Workshop: Partnership with Faith & Finance Ministry providing practical business planning and capital readiness content
No Filter Just Facts Webinar: Successful founders shared honest stories about navigating the gap between technical advice and real-world entrepreneurial decisions. This authentic approach resonated strongly, and generating over 2,000 views within the first week.
DEMAND SIGNALS
Survey data from the Build Out Your Business workshop (N=18) revealed strong demand for deeper content in funding and capital raising (83%), marketing and branding (67%), and business planning (72%) At the conference, 69.5% of attendees gained awareness of business or funding opportunities, demonstrating clear appetite for entrepreneurship programming across the region.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT & WORKFORCE SUPPORT
EEIC’s career development programming supports professionals navigating career transitions and new opportunity pathways. In 2025, with federal workforce reductions and regional economic shifts affecting the DMV, EEIC stepped in to provide timely, practical support for displaced workers and career transitioners.
KEY PROGRAMMING REGIONAL ECONOMIC CONTEXT
Career Strategies[DCJ3.1] for the DMV Workforce (Parts 1 & 2): Twopart series engaging 300+ participants. Part 1 focused on resetting mindset, reclaiming value, rebuilding networks, and relaunching career plans. Part 2 provided intensive bootcamp training on building personalized 90-day career pivot plans.
Conference Career Content: Breakout sessions on unconventional career planning and AI-powered job search tools, plus complimentary professional headshots for 113 attendees
The DC-Maryland-Virginia region underwent rapid economic change in 2025 driven by federal workforce reductions, private sector adjustments, and emerging opportunities in new industries. EEIC’s career programming addressed these shifts directly, helping participants understand declining and emerging sectors, identify transferable skills, and develop strategies for navigating uncertainty.
DEMAND SIGNALS
At the conference, 65% of attendees gained awareness of new career pathways. The overwhelming response to the Career Strategies series (300+ participants) and strong uptake of complimentary headshots (113 attendees) signal clear need for continued workforce transition support.
FINANCIAL EDUCATION & WEALTH PATHWAYS
EEIC’s financial education pillar provides learning experiences designed to build day-to-day financial capability and long-term wealth pathways. In 2025, EEIC delivered conference content and focused seminars—in partnership with Faith & Finance Ministry at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church—to support participants pursuing homeownership, investment, estate planning, and long-term family stability.
KEY PROGRAMMING
Real Estate & Homebuying Seminar: Served first-time homebuyers, current homeowners, and potential real estate investors. Results: 86% found information very helpful, 93% felt confident about next steps, 100% interested in future programming.
Estate Planning Seminar: Over 200 attendees learning to protect assets, loved ones, and legacy through comprehensive estate planning education. The seminar demystified estate planning tools (e.g. wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives), showing that legacy planning is accessible for people at all life stages and income levels
Conference Financial Content: Breakout sessions on financial resilience and AI-powered budgeting and credit tools.
DEMAND SIGNALS
Conference survey data showed 76% of attendees felt more confident in their financial abilities and 77.5% became more aware of available financial education services. The strong attendance at estate planning (200+) and consistent 100% interest in future programming from seminar participants demonstrate clear demand for wealth-building education.
MEASURING OUR IMPACT
Beyond participation numbers, EEIC tracks meaningful outcomes that signal readiness, confidence, and action. This section consolidates key findings from across our 2025 programming:
READINESS OUTCOMES
Blueprint Incubator participants demonstrated significant gains across all competency areas from pre- to post-program assessment: Program satisfaction reached 97% for
and 99% for facilitator effectiveness Engagement was exceptional, with 100% pre-survey participation and 88% post-survey completion.
CAREER TRANSITION OUTCOMES
Over 300 participants engaged across both Career Strategies sessions, leaving with personalized 90day career pivot plans, increased clarity on regional economic direction and growth sectors, and increased confidence in skill translation and job market positioning. At the conference, 65% of attendees gained awareness of new career pathways.
FINANCIAL CONFIDENCE OUTCOMES
Real Estate Seminar participants reported:
found information very helpful
Conference attendees reported:
expressed interest in future EEIC programming 86% 76%
felt more confident in their financial abilities
felt confident about next steps became more aware of available financial education services
PARTICIPANT VOICES
Quantitative metrics show progress, but participant voices capture what EEIC’s learning environments feel like in practice. Entrepreneurs described the cohort experience as supportive, accountable, and transformative:
“I am truly blessed to have been a part of this amazing program. I thank God for Kingdom Fellowship AME Church.”
“The facilitator was outstanding. The leadership was incredible. I am so grateful for the opportunity. I know this experience has transformed my business and I do believe it will prove life-changing. Thank you for this experience. I am incredibly grateful.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed the program and learned a lot on how to move forward with my business.”
“I feel that the people at the local site set us up for success. They did a great job of executing the curriculum, creating a collaborative environment, holding us accountable and setting high expectations, and being supportive. I could not have asked for a better experience. I did not realize how much I needed the program until after enrolling in it.”
LOOKING AHEAD: 2026 PRIORITIES
EXPAND ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMMING
EEIC’s 2026 priorities will build on 2025 momentum with a focus on scaling what worked and deepening measurable outcomes:
• Deliver multiple Blueprint Incubator cohorts and youth programming throughout the year
• Provide additional sessions focused on business planning, capital readiness, marketing/sales, and operations
• Increase total investment in entrepreneurs through scholarships and competition prizes
• Continue partnership with CO.STARTERS for proven curriculum
• Provide post-incubator support
• Develop a Master Class Series
SUPPORTS
• Translate career awareness into pipeline pathways and employer connections
• Develop sustained engagement models beyond one-time workshops
• Launch phase 1 of job placement partnership program
• Expand career transition programming in response to ongoing DMV economic shifts
• Translate career awareness into pipeline pathways and employer connections
• Develop sustained engagement models beyond one-time workshops
• Launch phase 1 of job placement partnership program
• Expand career transition programming in response to ongoing DMV economic shifts
PATHWAYS
• Begin building referral systems connecting participants to services, funding, and technical assistance after events conclude
• Deepen organizational partnerships with local and national organizations and government agencies
• Build new partnerships to expand service offerings
• Create robust volunteer structure to enhance programming offerings and administration
• Continue strengthening digital presence and social media engagement
• Enhance website functionality for resource sharing and community connection
• Deliver second annual EEIC Conference
• Incorporate lessons learned from 2025: childcare for registrants, sponsorship opportunities, business mini-coaching, printed schedules, centralized volunteer communication
• Expand Activation Expo vendor participation
GRATITUDE & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
EEIC extends sincere appreciation to the individuals and organizations who made 2025 possible:
PARTNERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGMENT
EEIC extends special gratitude to Rev. Matthew Watley, Senior Pastor of Kingdom Fellowship AME Church and Board Chair of Kingdom Global CDC, whose visionary leadership made EEIC’s launch and growth possible. EEIC is also grateful for the partnership and collaboration of Rev. Kendra Smith, Executive Director of Kingdom Global CDC, whose strategic guidance strengthens EEIC’s ability to deliver impactful programming.
Faith & Finance Ministry, Kingdom Fellowship AME Church
FUNDERS
TD Jakes Foundation
FACILITATORS, SPEAKERS, AND MENTORS
BLUEPRINT INCUBATOR
• Kena Bryant, Lead Facilitator
• Joseph Jones, Administrative Support
• Jacqualine Martin, Administrative Support
CONFERENCE PLENARY SPEAKERS
• Rev. Dr. Denny Davis, Pastor, St. John Church Unleashed; Chairman of the Board, Golden Gate Funeral Home – “Faith, Ownership, and Generational Impact”
• Dr. Charles DeShazer, Physician, Executive & Health Tech Strategist – “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Health and Finance”
• Kelley Cornish, President & CEO, TD Jakes Foundation – “Generational Wealth and Building Community Ecosystems”
NO FILTER JUST FACTS WEBINAR
• ColorLens, TMB Tax & Bankably Culture Creators, Professional Management Consulting Services, NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center
CONFERENCE BREAKOUT SESSIONS
• ART Financial Solutions, Public Performance Management, Life and Legacy Counselors, Dirty Dog’s Car Wash Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Camille Glover, Brown Capital Management, Wealth Over Now, Peake Financial Group, McNeil Creative Enterprises, The Core Value Company, Tia Butler, Crystal Hill McKenzie, Layla Nielsen & Co, Delisle Warden, Lonell Johnson, Nicole Scott
REAL ESTATE & ESTATE PLANNING
• Denise Johnson, HomeFree USA, Marcus Eligan, Asa Council, Karen Major Johnson, Jessica Townsend, Alfreda Williams, Patti Guerro, Yolanda Muckle, Life and Legacy Counselors, The Morgan Firm
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
• Nu Solutions Business Services and Dr. Zenobia Garrison
CONSULTANT VOLUNTEERS
CONNECT
WITH EEIC
Ebonee
Avery-Washington, Event Coordinator
Over 30 volunteers who gave their time, expertise, and heart to EEIC throughout 2025
PARTICIPANTS
To every entrepreneur, professional, and family member who trusted EEIC with their time and dreams—you inspire this work. Your courage to start businesses, navigate career transitions, and pursue wealth-building pathways drives our commitment to this mission. Thank you for allowing us to walk alongside you.
For partnership, funding, or collaboration opportunities, please contact:
Tené Dolphin, Director
Economic Empowerment and Innovation Center
Email: EEIC@kingdom.global Web: kgcdc.org/eeic-resource-hub
KINGDOM CARE CENTER CALVERTON, MARYLAND
Serving the Washington Metropolitan Area with a focus on Eastern Montgomery County, Northern Prince George’s County, and Southern Howard County
APPENDIX A: 2025 METRICS SUMMARY
April – December 2025
Overall Reach
Volunteer & Partner Engagement Investment & Resources Digital Reach
1,000+ Individuals educated across all programs
392 Conference attendees
200+ Estate Planning Seminar attendees
300+ Career workshop participants
2,000+ No Filter Just Facts webinar views (first week)
16 Blueprint Incubator graduates
18 Build Out Your Business workshop participants
14 Real Estate Seminar participants
$20,000+ Invested in Blueprint Incubator participants (prizes, scholarships, program costs)
113 Complimentary professional headshots provided
267 Real estate and career resource booklets distributed
Instagram: 2,485 total views, 188 interactions
Facebook: 2,757 total views, 70 interactions
Instagram top post: 1,946 views, 99 likes, 46 shares
YouTube: 949 views across EEIC content
Website updated and social media engagement increased
Program Satisfaction
30+ Volunteers engaged
25 Conference volunteers
21 Conference breakout speakers/ moderators
15 Activation Expo vendors
13 Subject matter experts for November programming
Blueprint Incubator: 97% program satisfaction, 99% facilitator satisfaction
Build Out Your Business: 83% completely met expectations
Real Estate Seminar: 71% rated experience Excellent, 86% found information Very helpful, 100% interested in future programming
Conference: 65% gained career pathway awareness, 76% increased financial confidence