SHOPPE BLACK

What Is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)?

4 mins read
cdfi

A Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) is a  private-sector financial organization in the United States that focuses mainly on personal lending and business development efforts in underprivileged local communities in need of revitalization.

By submitting an application to the US Department of the Treasury, CDFIs can receive federal funding. They can also obtain funds from individuals, corporate entities, and religious institutions in the private sector.

CDFIs are classified into four types:

Community Development Banks

By providing targeted loans and investments, community development banks help rebuild economically distressed communities. They are for-profit corporations whose boards have the representation of local communities.

Community Development Credit Unions

Community development credit unions encourage asset and savings ownership while also providing low-income people with affordable credit and retail financial services, often with a focus on minority communities. They are non-profit financial cooperatives that are owned and operated by their members.

Community Development Loan Funds

Community development loan funds (CDLFs) offer financing and development services to low-income businesses, organizations, and individuals. Loan funds are classified into four categories: microenterprise, small business, housing, and community service organizations.

Each loan fund is defined by the type of client it serves, although many institutions serve more than one type of client. CDLFs are typically non-profit organizations governed by boards of directors with community representation.

Community Development Venture Capital Funds

Community development venture capital funds offer equity and debt-with-equity features to small and medium-sized businesses in underserved communities. They can be for-profit or non-profit, and they must include community representation.

How Do Community Development Financial Institutions Work?

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) serve low-income and underserved urban and rural communities, as many of these citizens are underprivileged or have lacked access to responsible lending. Through community redevelopment, the goal is to assist this group of people in becoming more financially self-sufficient and contributing more to overall economic growth.

In the United States, there are currently over 1,100 chartered CDFIs, each with a focus on using innovative (and often less stringent) lending practices, educational efforts, and small business lending. The CDFI envisions an America where all people and communities have access to the investment capital and financial services they require to thrive.

CDFIs are typically controlled locally, with no interference from the central government.

The CDFI Fund for Community Development

The CDFI Fund is a federal program that promotes access to funds and local economic growth through its Community Development Financial Institutions Program, which provides underserved individuals and communities with loans, investments, financial services, and technical assistance.

The fund also provides tax credits to Community Development Entities, allowing them to attract private-sector investment and reinvest in low-income communities.

 

Lendistry is the only nationwide fintech CDFI, and they provide economic opportunities and progressive growth for small business owners and their underserved communities as a source of financing and financial education. If you have any questions or are interested in small business financing, please contact their team.

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6 Steps to Ensure You’re Building a Legitimate Business

4 mins read
Legitimate Business

When starting a legitimate business, the last thing you want to do is give an unprofessional impression. In order to ensure your business is legitimate, you need to demonstrate your trustworthiness to potential customers. Concentrate on these legal, regulatory, and insurance matters, and you will be able to do so.

Pick a Name for Your Business

Make sure your business name is legally available before deciding on it. Perform an internet search to see if the name is already being used as a domain or a social media account, and then consider conducting a trademark search to avoid any legal issues later on. If your company’s name is too similar to another, you may be unable to register it when you form a legal entity.

Establish Your Business Entity

Although it may be tempting to try your hand at being a sole proprietor, you could be taking an unnecessary risk. If your company gets into legal trouble, your personal assets could be at risk. Furthermore, the right entity—for instance, LLC or S or C Corporation—may provide tax benefits.

Creating a separate legal entity also makes it much easier to establish business credit and obtain small business financing.

Get Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)

EINs, also known as Federal Tax Identification Numbers, are used to identify a legal business entity. According to the IRS, generally, businesses need one, and you can request one online for free.

Obtain Business Permits and Licenses

Clients will notice approval stamps in the form of business permits and licenses. Check with the federal, state, county, and local governments to see if your company needs this authorization. If a federal agency regulates your kind of business activity, then you will require a federal license or permit. In general, states license more broadly, ranging from restaurants and retail to construction.

Set Up a Business Bank Account

Do not merge your personal and business bank accounts. It’s a good idea to keep your personal and business finances separate to make it easier to track company expenses and income.

Checking, savings, credit card, and merchant services accounts are available, allowing you to accept credit and debit card transactions. Additionally, business accounts help your company establish a credit history and provide limited liability protection for you and your customers.

Insurance for Your Business

Protect yourself and your personal finances with insurance. In the worst case scenario — property damage, liability, or an injured employee — insurance has you covered. It should be noted that workers’ compensation laws and regulations vary by state.

Small businesses should also consider purchasing a business owner’s policy, which combines property, liability, and income insurance. This will compensate for lost income if your company is unable to operate during a loss.

If you have these structures in place, your business will be more solidified, and you will be able to assure customers that you are legitimate.

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SBA 7(a) and 504 Loans: Which Is Right For You?

4 mins read
SBA 504 Loan

As a small business owner, you wear many hats—including managing employees, operations and more. But what happens when you’re ready to grow and you need capital to get there?

This is what a small business loan is for.

The United States government has a few options available for small-to-medium business owners, and two of the most accessible options are the Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) and the SBA 504.

While the two have similarities, they have a few key differences, and depending on your goals, they can help you in different ways.

Continue reading about these loans so you can choose the best option for your business.

What is the 7(a) Loan Program?

If investing in real estate is part of your growth strategy, the 7(a) Loan program is likely your best bet. It can also be used for:

  • Long-term and Short-term working capital
  • Refinancing current commercial debt
  • Investing in furniture, fixtures, and supplies

The SBA is not a lender. A third party partly guarantees SBA business loans, such as a financial institution or private SBA lending institution. This lowers a lender’s risk of providing financing to entrepreneurs and incentivizes lenders to approve candidates who would otherwise be denied. A bank or another type of direct lender will underwrite and approve your SBA 7(a) loan. They will also require a 10% to 20% down payment.

SBA 7(a) loans have a peak maturity period of 25 years for real estate and ten years for equipment and working capital loans, with loan terms ranging from $5,000 to $5 million depending on needs. The turnaround time for the application process is quite speedy.

Various sub-programs, such as Community Advantage Loans for women, minorities, and others, may be available for your business.

What is the SBA 504 Loan?

Under the Certified Development Companies (CDC)/504 program, loans provide long-term, fixed-rate financing of up to $5 million for business assets that promote job creation and growth.

CDCs are accredited and regulated by the SBA. As community-based partners, they regulate nonprofits and are involved in economic development.

Your business must meet the following requirements to qualify for a 504 loan:

  • Operate a for-profit business in the United States or its possessions
  • Have an actual net worth of less than $15 million
  • After federal income taxes for the two years preceding your application, have an average net income of less than $5 million
  • Additionally, an applicant must fall within SBA size guidelines, possess qualified management experience, have a workable business plan, and be able to repay the loan.

Speculative, passive, or nonprofit businesses are ineligible for loans. If you need more information on eligibility criteria or application requirements, don’t hesitate to contact a Certified Development Company in your area.

If you are considering a small business loan, several options are available to you. A 7(a) loan is an excellent option for businesses seeking working capital and fits various needs. The SBA 504 loan is designed more for real estate investments and other fixed assets. For small business owners searching for affordable financing, both 504 and 7(a) loans are excellent options.

 

Lendistry is a Black owned fintech firm that offers SBA 504 loans and has a customizable online portal that enables small and medium business owners to obtain capital more efficiently and quickly. Lendistry also offers SBA 7(a) loans through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lendistry SBLC. To learn more, reach out to them anytime.

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How to Pick The Right Interior Designer

4 mins read
interior designer

Trying to find the right interior designer to execute your creative vision for your home can be hard but rewarding work.

Not only do you need to work with an expert who has sufficient experience in the field, but you need a designer who understands your needs, personality, and priorities.

If you’re on the market looking for an interior designer and don’t know where to start, keep reading! This article covers the considerations you need to bear in mind when looking for the right interior designer. Here are some of them.

1. Find Your Style

Before you begin searching for interior designers, you need to know what your preferences are. If you’re uncertain about what you want, your designer will have to work without a sense of direction.

So try to find visual representations of your ideas to show to a potential designer and be as descriptive as possible when talking about specifications. You can even compile all your ideas onto a pinterest board or create a collage to present to your designer.

It’s important that you determine the style you want to lean towards before approaching a designer. Every designer has a signature style that they’re well-known for. Understanding your style can help you narrow down your pool of potential designers. Find one whose signature style best aligns with yours and approach them with your ideas.

2. Browse through Portfolios

After you find potential designers whose style matches yours, you need to take a look at their past work. A designer’s portfolio can show you the various ways in which their creativity manifests itself. You can learn more about their ability to innovate and complete a project within budget and time constraints.

You could also discover new aspects of interior design that appeal to your tastes, and which you’d like to be incorporated into your original creative plan. When you browse through a designer’s portfolio, try to imagine yourself existing in the spaces they’ve created. This way, you can find the ideal interior designer for your project.

3. Set Your Budget

Don’t finalize an interior designer without discussing your budgetary expectations with them. While you cannot know the actual cost of how much your interior designing project might cost, you can undertake some research to come up with a working budget.

Once you find potential designers whose style aligns with your plans, discuss your budget with them. Be honest about what you can or cannot swing for and let them provide creative solutions to execute your ideas within budget. It would also be wise to set aside at least 10% of your total budget for any unforeseen or miscellaneous expenditure that can occur over the course of the project.

4. Ask Questions

Ask potential designers all the doubts and questions you’d like answered. If you have specific concerns about a designer’s working hours or project management style, or if you’d like to know who you should be in touch with during the project, bring it to their attention.

To summarize, it is wise to choose a designer you feel comfortable working with and who you believe can get the job done well.

Related: Black Interior Designers You Should Know

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Black Estate Attorney Shares Best Practices for Wealth Building and Wealth Preservation

6 mins read

Maximillienne “Max” Elliott is the founder and Managing Attorney at The Law Offices of Max Elliott, Ltd. 

With offices in New York, New York, and Chicago, the 10 year old firm represents families and individuals in estate planning, estate administration (including litigation and uncontested cases), and business planning.

Serving estates with a combined size of more than $425 million, the firm’s focus is on helping families maintain and build legacies.

We caught up with Max to learn more about the importance of estate planning in the wealth accumulation and preservation process.

Black Estate Attorney
Maximillienne “Max” Elliott

What inspired you to pursue a career in law?

Being of service is very important. Initially, I wanted to be an international human rights advocate. However, when I was a law student, I already had a family member going to “hot spots,” such as Afghanistan, for NATO. So, I decided one family member in hot spots was enough, whereby a domestic-based role would be more prudent and manageable for my family’s collective psyche.

Describe your average client.

No client is “average.” They each have their unique set of circumstances and personalities. Common threads for many of our estate planning clients are the desire to create a legacy, prevent loved ones from going through the arduous estate administration and probate process, and protect loved ones from unfriendly family members.

Our clientele is also very diverse across most milieux – ethnicity, age, occupation.

What would you say is the biggest misconception about estate planning?

A few misconceptions about estate planning are:

(1) Estate planning is only needed if you are wealthy. FALSE. Even if you have a modest estate, where you don’t own real property, you have your personhood, and estate planning instruments such as Medical Advanced Directives, which protect you during your lifetime, and a Last Will and Testament that allows single parents to nominate guardians are critical.

Also, let us think – the wealthy can generally afford to spend tens of thousands on probate and estate administration; those with less wealth cannot.

(2)  Estate planning is costly. EXPENSE IS RELATIVE. Estate administration or probate, which is required when no planning is done, is usually double or triple the fees for estate planning and also requires a freezing of assets and potentially unintended beneficiaries, such as half-siblings.

(3) Estate planning is only needed if you have more than one beneficiary. FALSE. If you have a single beneficiary and your assets are not titled properly, financial institutions do not care. They will require your beneficiary to go through probate, regardless of what state law says.

When should individuals or families start putting a wealth preservation plan in place?

Individuals and families should begin crafting a wealth preservation plan as soon as they realize that they are in (or leaving) committed partnerships or have interests but no “real beneficiaries.”

It is sufficiently challenging to lose a loved one, let alone lose a loved one, and be told that for the next year and probably more, you will also have to work with attorneys to receive your inheritance.

For individuals without parents, siblings, and children, the issue is even more salient because, without a plan, complete strangers, e.g., your fifth cousin will inherit your estate.

What are your thoughts on the importance of accumulating and keeping wealth in the Black community?

We must first understand that wealth is accumulated by making wise decisions about money, people, and opportunities and it founds communities when that wisdom is passed up to generations. Wealthy communities tend to be more stable, safer for the vulnerable (children and seniors), and thus, better protected from uncontrollable external forces.

About 1/3 of my time is spent in court and another 1/3 is spent preparing estate plans to keep beneficiaries from fighting and from going to court where a lot of money is spent to send wisdom and wealth outside of our community, eroding the stability and protections our community could use.

In court, a large swath of beneficiaries are Black but a larger swath of attorneys are not. This means that inheritances, which represent wealth that could remain in the Black community, are leaving our community as attorneys’ fees to those who may not even be our allies.

Studies indicate that it will take more than 200 years to close America’s wealth gap, and that’s if nothing is done and things don’t get worse. We are now confronting inflation. I am not an economist, but it seems that the least we can do is create a plan for our families that fosters financial prudence, education in all its forms, protection of our vulnerable, and a pride and love of community in itself that passes up to generations so we, as individuals, families, and a community, become stronger as each decade passes.

CONTACT

Chicago

605 North Michigan Avenue,
Suite 400
Chicago, Illinois 60611

New York

902 Broadway,

Floors 6 & 7,

New York, NY 10010

Phone

(877)535-1600

Email

info@maxelliottlaw.com

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Buying a Business VS Starting a Business: Which is Right for You?

5 mins read
buying a business

Buying an existing business might be a good fit for you if you are concerned about starting your own business from scratch and the costs associated with a new business. When you buy an existing business, it involves taking over an operation that is already profitable and generating cash flow.

These businesses typically have a strong customer base and reputation, as well as employees who are familiar with all aspects of the business. Moreover, there is no need to set up new procedures, systems, and policies, since a proven formula for running the business already exists.

Though it can be more expensive to purchase an existing business than to start from scratch, it’s actually easier to procure financing for an existing business than for a new one. It is generally easier for banks and investors to deal with a business that has already proven its track record. You can also obtain valuable legal rights such as patents or copyrights if you purchase a business.

Buying a Franchise

Many feel that buying a business is less risky than starting your own, especially if you can find a well-managed, profitable one—and negotiate a good price. An existing business provides immediate cash flow, and the difficult start-up work has already been done.

You’ll have a customer base and suppliers. The business’s financial history shows what to expect—and often makes it easier to get loans or attract investors.

However, you will need to invest a large amount upfront, especially if the business hasn’t been profitable lately.

Franchising allows a business owner to open their own branch or branches of an existing brand. A franchise license entitles the holder to market particular products or services under a brand or trademark according to prearranged terms or conditions. In exchange for fees and royalties paid to the parent company, the franchisee can use the business format and systems of the franchisor.

The main advantages are a proven market for the product or service, and tested and specific operations management policies. The main disadvantages stem from the power that the franchisor has over the franchisees.

Purchasing an existing business makes it much easier to plan and raise capital, because of the historical records.

Franchising is becoming an increasingly popular method of establishing and operating a small business. Many entrepreneurs find the opportunity to operate their own business with slightly less risk an attractive option, but operating a franchise is more restrictive than the other two forms of ownership.

Starting Your Own Business

There are plenty of advantages to starting your own business. You are the boss! You can set your own schedule, conduct your business your own way, and do things in your own time. If you buy a franchise, you still have a “parent company” overlooking you and your business. Starting your own business means it’s all about you!

This also means you can bring something new and unique to the market. You don’t have to sell what others want you to sell, it’s all up to you! Plus, depending on your business, you will be paying much less than buying a franchise.

However, when starting a new business, it may take a while for you to become profitable. This may take months or even years before you start seeing a positive change in numbers. You’ll have to keep your head on straight if you start your own business.

Lendistry is a Black owned fintech firm that provides economic opportunities and progressive growth for small business owners and their underserved communities as a source of financing and financial education. Contact them today if you would like to learn more!

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Your Business Credit Score: Everything You Need to Know

8 mins read
business credit score

A business credit score tells credit agencies, loan providers, and vendors or distributors how trustworthy you are when it comes to borrowing funds.

A higher business credit score, like a higher personal credit score, indicates to potential creditors that you are more creditworthy. If you own a business and want to build strong business credit, continue reading to learn more.

What Is a Business Credit Score?

A business credit score is a number that shows whether a business is a good candidate for a loan or to become a business customer. Business credit scores, also known as commercial credit scores, are calculated by credit scoring firms, based on:

  • Company’s Credit Obligations
  • Repayment Histories with Lenders and Suppliers
  • Any Legal Filings Such as Tax Liens, Judgments, or Bankruptcies
  • How Long the Company Has Been in Business
  • Business Size and Type
  • Repayment Performance Relative to That of Similar Companies.

Why Is It Important to Establish a Good Business Credit Score?

  • Banks put a high priority on business credit scores and FICO scores when establishing credit lines.
  • Suppliers frequently examine your company’s credit score before providing terms, and having good credit makes it a lot easier to negotiate favorable terms with them.
  • In the absence of a business credit score, a very good personal credit history is required to qualify for a small business loan based solely on your personal credit.

The Advantages of a Business Credit Score

Small business owners can benefit from building a good business credit score in several different ways such as:

It Is Easier to Access Financing

A strong business credit score can help you get lower interest rates on business loans. If you take out a business loan, you will not be required to sign a personal guarantee, which makes you personally liable.

Possibly Lower Insurance Rates

Insurance rates can be extremely expensive, particularly for a growing company. A solid business credit score, however, may assist your company in obtaining low rates.

Separate Your Personal and Business Finances

Having a business credit score can assist you in obtaining credit for your company without relying on your personal credit. It can also be extremely useful when it comes time to file your taxes each year.

Because the United States tax system requires you to keep your personal and business finances separate if you plan to deduct expenses, this separation can also help ensure that your personal assets aren’t used against you if your company runs into financial difficulties.

What Are the Factors Affecting a Business’ Credit Score?

Assets – What assets does the company own? If you have some assets, such as commercial real estate, this will most likely improve your credit score.

Outstanding debts – What current loans and credit cards do you have? If you use credit wisely and pay it off on time, it will improve your credit score and make it more likely that you will be approved for a loan if you apply for one.

Longevity – How long have you been in operation? If you’ve been in business for several months or years, that will help you raise your score.

Revenues – How much money do you make each year? If your company is making money, it may have a positive effect on your credit score.

Industry Risk – Some industries, such as pubs and restaurants, have a longer track record of risk than others, and lenders view them differently based on historical data.

Public Records – UCC filings and other reports, such as liens and judgments filed against you

Credit history for both your personal and business loans – How long have you had personal and commercial credit? What loans have you had in the past, how much were they worth, and how quickly did you pay them off?

If you have some history that shows your proclivity to repay loans in the future, this can affect your credit score while also making you more appealing to lenders.

How Are Business Credit Scores Calculated?

The most essential factor that contributes to your business credit score, just like your personal credit score, is your payment history—whether you make adequate on-time payments on your debts. Business credit scores take into account the age of your company, and the longer you’ve been in business, the greater your score.

Debt and debt usage are also factors in determining a business credit score, as is the industry you’re in and the size of your company.

How to Raise Your Business Credit Score

Enhancing your business credit score entails many of the same steps as improving your personal credit score. If you want to have the ideal business credit score possible, make the following changes immediately:

Use Credit Responsibly and Regularly

Utilize your business credit as much as possible, and keep in mind that as you borrow money and pay it back on time and good terms, you will gradually build business credit.

Create Business Credit Types That Report Trades

Remember that not all commercial creditors report trade lines and lines of credit. Applying for a business credit card is a good starting point if you need to begin building business credit.

Pay Your Business Expenses on Time

Your payment history will most likely have the greatest impact on your business credit score. As a result, you should pay all of your business expenses and bills on time or ahead of time.

Keep Track of Your Business Credit Score

Similar to how you should keep an eye on your personal credit score over time, you must also keep track of your business credit score for changes or updates.

Avoid Maxing Out Your Business Credit

For the best results, Experian suggests keeping your credit utilization on business credit cards and other lines of credit below 30%.

When it comes to building a strong business, establishing good business credit is crucial. Lendistry combines the speed and convenience of technology, the knowledge and guidance of responsible lending, and the investment capital of social impactors and national banks. Contact them today for more information.

Black Owned Record Stores You Should Know

1 min read
Black Owned Record Stores

In the ’60s and ’70s, there were as many as a thousand Black owned record stores. Today, only a fraction of the US’s 2,500 record stores are Black owned.

Black Owned Record Stores

That’s why today, on Record Store Day 2022, we want to celebrate the culture of the independently owned records store by highlighting some stores located around the world.

Black Owned Record Stores

Brittany’s Record Shop (Cleveland, OH)

Freshtopia (Norfolk, VA)

Halsey & Lewis (Brooklyn, NY)

HR Records (Washington, D.C.)

Black Owned Record Stores

Jampac Records (Monroe, NC)

JB’s Record Lounge (Atlanta, GA)

Moodies Records (Bronx, NY)

Maestro Records (Peckham, London)

OffBeat (Jackson, MS)

Black Owned Record Stores

Re-Runz Records (Orlando, FL)

Serious Sounds (Houston, TX)

Stokely’s Records (Valdosta, GA)

Supertone Records (Brixton, London)

The Jazzhole (Lagos, Nigeria)

 

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First Black Owned Bank in Minneapolis Launching Next Week

4 mins read
black owned bank

When the new Minneapolis branch of First Independence Bank holds its grand opening on Tuesday, it will be the culmination of an effort that is more than a year in the making.

The Detroit-based bank is also now the first Black-owned bank in the Twin Cities.

black owned bank
Kenneth Kelly, Chairman and CEO of First Independence

Kenneth Kelly, Chairman and CEO of First Independence, says his company’s expansion is happening with the help of five major financial institutions — Bank of America, Bremer Bank, Huntington Bank, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.

“This is unprecedented what we have seen,” Kelly said. “We’ve got five major banks basically saying, ‘we want to invite a competitor into the market.’”

Kelly says it started with a conversation with other bank executives in the fall of 2020, just months after the police killing of George Floyd.

Since then, First Independence received FDIC approval to expand into the Twin Cities and open a branch at a former Wells Fargo location on University Avenue in Minneapolis.

The bank has hired local employees including Minneapolis native, Damon Jenkins, Senior VP and Market Region President.

“We’re not coming in trying to reinvent the wheel, we’re not coming in with a silver bullet approach. It’s really saying ‘how do we connect with the community?’” Jenkins said.

Calls for a Black-owned bank in the Twin Cities have grown louder following several high profile incidents of alleged discrimination.

“Those things are reality in America, so we’re not going to shy away from that, but what I will tell you… one of the things that we will try to bring to the table is the value of trust.” Kelly said. “When you’re trusting of someone, you don’t have to immediately go to suspicion.”

Jenkins, a former employee of Wells Fargo and U.S. Bank, says recent incidents of alleged racial profiling motivate him to keep working to improve access to banking for everyone.

“It just reminds me that this equity journey is just that — it’s a journey and not a destination,” Jenkins said. “We’ve got a long way to go. It just reminds us we still have a lot of work to do.”

Jenkins and Kelly say First Independence Bank will focus on closing significant racial disparities in home ownership in Minnesota.

The bank is also partnering with local businesses and nonprofits to offer free financial literacy training and credit restoration services.

“That’s what makes this such a historic thing because it’s not the flavor the day” Jenkins said. “If it’s an opportunity to think different, let’s look at that. If it’s an opportunity to bank different, let’s look at that because that’s the true way we’re going to give people access and power their potential so they can tap into this journey of generational wealth as well.”

Grand opening ceremonies at First Independence Bank on University Avenue in Minneapolis will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

A second branch at Lake Street and Hiawatha Avenue in Minneapolis is expected to open in June.

 

Source: ABC 5

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Florida Teen Accepted into 27 Colleges, Receives $4 Million in Scholarships

3 mins read

Jonathan Walker, a high school senior from Florida, has been accepted into almost 30 of the most prestigious colleges in the country and has more than $4 million in scholarships offers.

Walker has applied to 27 colleges, and all 27 have accepted him.

“It’s so crazy to think about, that I applied to all these colleges and I got in because that’s such a rare thing to occur. But the fact that it did happen, I’m so excited about it,” Walker said.

Stanford, Harvard, Yale, and Duke were among the 27 schools he was admitted into.

Walker is still trying to whittle down the choices and take a few more college visits, with under a month to make a decision.

“The whirlwind of like decisions coming back, that’s over now. So I’ve just really been trying to soak it in just how much of a blessing that this is that I got into these colleges. So just like sitting back, smelling the roses,” Walker said.

Walker hopes to pursue a career creating medical devices to serve underprivileged communities and he’s already working on multiple patents.

Walker invented a braille system, created an air filter to turn gas emissions into oxygen, and created a pill dispenser to keep track of drugs— on a TI-84 calculator.

florida
Jonathan Walker with his invention

“Right now, I’m very interested in engineering and entrepreneurship. I’ve always loved creating devices to help people so I definitely want to further that,” Walker said. “I’m looking at majoring in electrical engineering and possibly biomedical engineering to hopefully develop medical technology in order to help disadvantaged communities that have health problems.”

He said he’s working with colleges to create his own major.

Walker plans to study engineering, computer science, business and psychology, in hopes of one day creating his own company.

“Jonathan has not been a typical student. He has continued to persevere despite all the challenges that we faced you know with the hurricane,” Rutherford High School IB and AP Coordinator Cathy Rutland said.

Walker has also played on the Rams football team for the past four years while maintaining a 4.85 GPA.

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