The marketplace: A Launchpad for Black-Owned Businesses

Afri-Soul’s Marketplace is a dynamic Black business incubator designed to provide small businesses and start-ups with the tools, resources, and infrastructure necessary to launch, grow, and scale their ventures. Serving as a collaborative hub for Black entrepreneurs in the greater Phoenix region, The Marketplace offers workspace solutions, mentorship, networking opportunities, and direct access to customers—all within a supportive business ecosystem.

As Afri-Soul’s founding program established in 2019, The Marketplace has successfully helped entrepreneurs transition from early-stage ventures into independent, sustainable businesses. By housing Black-led businesses and organizations under a cooperative model, The Marketplace fosters collaboration, reduces overhead costs, and provides a structured pathway for entrepreneurs to strengthen their operations before securing their own commercial spaces.

With retail opportunities, business workshops, and direct customer engagement, The Marketplace equips entrepreneurs with practical experience, visibility, and key business insights. Whether launching a brand, refining strategies, or expanding market reach, Afri-Soul’s Marketplace provides the necessary foundation for Black-owned businesses to thrive.

BOSS: BOSS Youth Entrepreneurship Program: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders

Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS) program is designed to inspire and equip African American youth with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to create their own economic opportunities. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, BOSS fosters entrepreneurial thinking and builds critical 21st-century skills that prepare young individuals to lead, innovate, and succeed in a competitive world.

Over the course of 12 weeks, youth ages 13–17 meet twice a week to engage in dynamic workshops led by successful African American business owners. Participants learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, including market research, business planning, problem-solving, and financial literacy. They explore areas of personal interest, identify community needs, and begin to develop their own business ideas, products, or services with expert guidance and peer collaboration.

Beyond business development, BOSS encourages creativity, leadership, and critical thinking—essential traits for navigating future career paths. Youth who join BOSS gain real-world experience, valuable mentorship, and the confidence to pursue their aspirations. Whether they dream of owning a business or simply want to build strong professional skills, this program offers the foundation they need to succeed.

Join BOSS today and take the first step toward creating your own future!

Afri-Soul Youth Internship Program: Building Skills for the Future

Afri-Soul’s Youth Internship Program offers young individuals ages 13–17 the opportunity to gain real-world experience in retail and business operations. Designed to provide hands-on learning in a professional setting, this program equips youth with essential skills in customer service, inventory management, sales strategies, and teamwork—helping them build confidence and prepare for future career paths.

Interns work directly within Afri-Soul’s Marketplace, assisting with day-to-day store operations, gaining industry insights, and developing leadership abilities. Each participant is paired with a supervisor or mentor who provides guidance, tracks their progress, and offers valuable feedback to ensure they make the most of their experience.

Whether exploring entrepreneurship, retail management, or business fundamentals, this internship serves as a steppingstone toward self-sufficiency and success. By engaging in this program, youth gain practical skills, develop strong work ethics, and become part of a thriving community of emerging professionals.

Join Afri-Soul’s Youth Internship Program today and take a step toward future opportunities!

Full STEAM Ahead: Igniting Innovation and Creativity

Afri-Soul’s Full STEAM Ahead program is designed to inspire and equip youth with the skills and confidence to explore **Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) in a hands-on, engaging environment. Through interactive workshops, mentorship, and real-world applications, participants develop problem-solving abilities, creativity, and technical skills that prepare them for future academic and career success.

This program provides youth with access to cutting-edge tools, expert guidance, and collaborative learning experiences** that encourage innovation and critical thinking. Whether experimenting with engineering concepts, exploring digital design, or engaging in artistic expression, Full STEAM Ahead fosters curiosity and empowers young minds to dream big.

By participating in Full STEAM Ahead, youth gain valuable exposure to STEAM fields, build confidence in their abilities, and develop the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. Join us and take the next step toward a future of limitless possibilities!

L.I.G.H.T. Parent Workshops: Empowering Parents as Their Child’s First Teacher

Afri-Soul’s Leading with Insight, Guidance, and Harmonious Teaching (L.I.G.H.T.) workshops recognize that parents are their children’s first and most influential teachers. This six-week series is designed to support parents in developing the skills needed to create nurturing, structured, and empowering home environments that foster success in school and life.

Each one-hour session focuses on key parenting strategies such as understanding parenting styles, embracing active parenting, and fulfilling essential parental roles. Parents gain practical tools to help children build confidence, develop positive self-esteem, and cultivate strong learning habits. The workshops provide opportunities to model and practice techniques, ensuring parents leave each session with actionable methods to support their child’s growth.

Additionally, L.I.G.H.T. workshops equip parents with the knowledge and strategies to effectively collaborate with schools and teachers. By fostering strong communication with educators, parents learn how to advocate for their child’s learning needs, navigate the educational system, and create a seamless support network between home and school. This partnership helps children succeed academically, develop resilience, and thrive in classroom settings.

By joining the L.I.G.H.T. workshops, parents gain expert guidance, peer support, and real-world strategies to strengthen their role as educators in their child’s life. Whether helping with academics, fostering emotional well-being, or building communication skills, these workshops equip parents with the tools needed to raise resilient, confident, and successful children—both at home and in school.

Speak Ease: A Vibrant Gathering Place for Seniors

Afri-Soul’s Speak Ease program is designed to offer seniors a safe, welcoming, and engaging space where they can connect, share experiences, and explore topics that matter to them. Inspired by the spirit of a traditional speakeasy, Speak Ease embraces its “hidden gem” quality—a special place where seniors gather for lively discussions, learning, laughter, and connection.

This modern-day speakeasy is all about ambiance, community, and enrichment rather than secrecy. Each gathering provides seniors with opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations, enjoy a catered lunch, play games, and participate in interactive activities designed to foster camaraderie and joy. Key features include:

- Guest speakers on important topics such as health, financial literacy, and legacy-building

- Games, contests, and storytelling to spark engagement and fun

- Dance, and movement to encourage wellness and creativity

- Intergenerational experiences connecting seniors with youth for shared learning and mentorship

- A warm, inclusive atmosphere that prioritizes social bonding and mental stimulation Speak Ease is more than just a gathering—it’s a thriving hub where seniors support one another, build lasting friendships, and celebrate life’s moments in an enriching, joyful environment. Join us for a unique experience designed to uplift and empower senior voices!