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.

READI CONSULTING
PROBLEM
Jobs are available; yet companies struggle
to fill open positions, because the skills
required for the positions do not match
those of the underemployed
SOLUTION
Virtual Reality is the future of workforce
training and development. VR Technology
delivers an immersive learning experience
simulates real work environments and
scenarios, and delivers the skilled
employees that companies need
BUSINESS MODEL
Subscription based Revenue Model
Monthly subscription includes rental of VR Headsets,
plus access to learning content, employers may
choose from basic literacy trainings,
technical/certificate trainings, or workforce readiness
TARGET MARKET
Government and B2B
KEY COMPETITORS
Technical Colleges, Adult Education Non-Profits
and the Department of Labor
USE OF FUNDS
45% VR Headsets, 45% VR Content Creation
and 10% Administration
Why did you launch your company?
Although cliche, I started READI because I want to be the change. After years of working in adult education and non-profit sector, I saw a need to be more intentional and efficient in providing work readiness training for the underemployed. READI’s workforce training helps companies fill open positions by upskilling and reskilling entry-level workers.
What innovative technologies are being leveraged in your business?
READI is leveraging virtual reality technology to reskill and upskill entry-level workers. VR headsets combined with a VR learning platform allows adults to advance their employment skills and earn certifications for better employment opportunities.
What is the most challenging aspect of entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship can be lonely. You need a mentor and a community of like-minded people. Although friends and family support your startup, they don’t understand why you don’t give up when it isn’t succeeding. It is hard to put your passion and commitment into words such that others understand your drive.
What is your long-term goal for your company?
My goal is to design and activate the virtual reality training platform by 2022. READI intends to scale by seeking training opportunities with the Dept. of Labor and introducing this learning tool into underserved communities, such as juvenile justice programs, pre-release /post-release prison programs, and as a supplemental learning platform for adult education non-profits.
What advice can you offer to entrepreneurs?
Entrepreneurship is the Olympics of career-building; you need a coach; you need a team; and you need timing and opportunity to get to the gold.
FOUNDER INTERVIEW
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.