Our Mission
We seek to positively change Thriver’s trajectory in life by educating and empowering them to be the next generation of urban small business entrepreneurs.
"We want to provide youth and young adults the access to small business coaches and experts in key business areas. Most of our participants do not have family members who are entrepreneurs and by giving them mentors we give them a greater change to succeed."
— Thomas Payne, Thrive Co-Founder
Thrive is a small business incubator that provides education, tools, and mentorship to urban youth and young adult entrepreneurs. Before participants can officially become Thrivers, they must first complete a four week program designed to teach them business fundamentals as they prepare their business idea for the pitch competition. Once they pitch their business idea to the Thrive panel, winners are selected to receive cash grants and access to the Thrive incubator. They are then able to utilize the free tools and coaching sessions to help launch and grow their idea.
Michael Steadman
Mike founded Thrive to help improve the lives of youth and young adults in Newark. He actively seeks to make youth champions both in and outside of the ring.
Thomas Payne
Thomas helped found Thrive and has been an active supporter of IRONBOUND Boxing for years. He runs the incubator and ensures young Thrivers have everything they need to succeed.