ABOUT THE FUND
The Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund supports Georgia State student entrepreneurs, recent alumni and Georgia State community entrepreneurs with seed funding and mentorship to start and grow new ventures.
MISSION2MOTIVATE
Nigel Stewart, Founder & CEO
Alumni (’23), M.S. in Sports Administration, College of Education & Human Development
[email protected]
PROBLEM
Virtual learning has not been adequate enough or adopted by schools to help students the way that it can. Virtual learning practices need to be improved and innovation within the school system needs to be updated.
SOLUTION
Young, energetic, engaged, passionate and enthusiastic tutors that are committed to connecting with the students and serving their community.
BUSINESS MODEL
Revenue generated from providing tutors to schools and nonprofit organizations.
TARGET MARKET
Middle school students in low performing minority communities.
KEY COMPETITORS
Existing tutors. However, there are very few who currently focus solely on minority communities and there are even less who teach classes on the subjects that I provide.
USE OF FUNDS
60% Operating expenses
40% Marketing
Have you always been entrepreneurial?
Yes I have always been entrepreneurial. I knew at a young age that I wanted to own my own business and work for myself after watching my highly educated mother feel marginalized while working under someone else. It was incredible to watch her take control of her life and turn her world (and mine) around by starting her own successful dental practice from scratch.
What is the most challenging aspect of entrepreneurship?
Dealing with problems that you cannot control. There will always be outside factors that complicate business. It is important to focus on controlling what you can control like quality of work and work ethic.
What are some of the difficulties of being a one-person show?
I am very proud of being a one-person show. The hardest part is handling so many different aspects and wearing different hats. I handle all business operations, run social media, handle outreach, finance, negotiate, onboard and hire, and teach my virtual classes. Patience, focus and writing things down are my three biggest keys so that I can get everything done.
How has your company pivoted from its initial launch?
I began focusing on students who could not afford good virtual tutors but realized that most of my clients were wealthy parents who were taking advantage of the price. I then decided to work on a bigger scale and partner with nonprofits and school systems instead of working directly with individual parents.
Share a piece of advice you have for other entrepreneurs?
Never stop working on your goals. If you stop, destiny will never even have the chance to fulfill itself.
Share a fun fact about yourself?
I am Second Degree Black Belt in Tae-Kwon-Do.
FOUNDER INTERVIEW
COMING SOON
ABOUT THE FUND
The Marcus Foundation supports Georgia State student entrepreneurs, recent alumni and Georgia State community entrepreneurs with seed funding and mentorship to start and grow new ventures.