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Janaid Kareem: A Beacon of Entrepreneurship in Dover

For an impressive 34 years, Janaid Kareem has solidified his position as a cornerstone of Dover’s business community. His journey began as a young entrepreneur when he opened his first barbershop at the tender age of 18. What started as a modest two-chair establishment has flourished into a thriving enterprise, all thanks to Kareem’s unwavering dedication and strategic foresight. Today, as a prominent figure in Dover’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, he applies his extensive experience to guide budding business owners, ensuring that they have the tools they need to thrive.

Transforming Business Dreams into Reality

Janaid Kareem’s commitment to entrepreneurship extends beyond his barbershop. He actively participates in programs such as Launcher and Delaware State University’s CURE initiative, both of which empower new entrepreneurs to navigate their journeys to success. Through these initiatives, he offers invaluable insights, mentorship, and support to those eager to embark on their own business ventures.

In a recent interview, Kareem reflected on his remarkable journey, sharing how his humble beginnings as a young entrepreneur ignited a passion within him for helping others. His experiences have sparked a desire to support fellow business owners, leading him to take on the role of mentor.

A Leap of Faith into Entrepreneurship

Question: You opened your first barbershop at 18 years old. What inspired you to take that leap?

Answer: A close friend, Benjamin Sturgis, was instrumental in my journey. He believed in me more than I believed in myself. It all began when he called me one day, asking me to cut his hair. He then dropped me off at Bobby Wilson’s barbershop. Nearby, a park attracted many local residents, creating an ideal environment for my first taste of entrepreneurship.

Bobby Wilson approached individuals in the park, offering free haircuts, and to my surprise, a handful of guys agreed. I cut their hair, and Bobby thought I had enough skill to work in his shop. That moment ignited my passion for cutting hair, and I’ve been dedicated to it ever since.

Contributing to the Launcher Program

Question: Tell us about your role with the Launcher Program in Dover. How did that come about?

It all began at a Q&A session hosted by Governor Carney for local entrepreneurs. One pressing question concerned the viability of Loockerman Street for new businesses. Witnessing countless individuals pour their savings—often between $30,000 to $50,000—into starting new ventures only to see them close shortly after was disheartening.

I approached Governor Carney, proposing that we establish a program to prevent such heartache. He connected me with the Launcher Program, originally founded in Wilmington by Paul Calistro, and we successfully brought it to Dover through NeighborGood Partners. Now, I’ve had the privilege of training almost 200 graduates and witnessing the launch of more than 80 businesses in Kent County.

The CURE Program: A Nurturing Environment

Question: You’re also involved with Delaware State University’s CURE program. What is that?

The CURE program at Delaware State University serves as an incubator for small enterprises. It not only provides office space and work areas but also connects entrepreneurs with DSU experts. With expertise spanning various disciplines from marketing to agriculture, the CURE program supports entrepreneurs by facilitating access to invaluable resources suited to their specific needs.

Question: What’s your specific role with CURE?

In my capacity with CURE, I focus on recruitment, bringing new participants into the program. Many of my graduates from the Launcher Program have successfully transitioned to CURE. For instance, in our recent cohort, two graduates specializing in agriculture—herb and tree farming—came to me for assistance. While I helped them with foundational business plans, they required specialized guidance post-graduation. Through my connections, we linked them to Dean Casson, who provided additional resources through DSU’s agriculture initiatives for advanced support.

Passion for Supporting Fellow Entrepreneurs

Question: With a successful business of your own, what drives you to dedicate so much time to help other entrepreneurs?

I empathize with those aspiring to start their business because I’ve been in their shoes—feeling the pressure, confusion, and the burden of navigating the landscape alone. Fortunately, I’ve discovered more people genuinely wanting to help than those who don’t. My mission involves bridging the gap between those seeking assistance and those prepared to offer it.

Currently, I have over 4,000 contacts in my phone, and my network is a powerful tool for the entrepreneurs I support. I remember the days of feeling isolated and uncertain, especially regarding contractors, permitting, and licensing. My goal now is to ensure that others do not have to navigate these challenges alone.

Impactful Connections and Success Stories

Question: Can you share an example of how you’ve seen this support make a difference?

I vividly recall my first loan experience at Delaware Trust. The branch manager introduced me to a minority loan program; however, only five people had applied in two years, despite millions in funding being allocated for small businesses in the downtown area. The issue was not the lack of interest but rather a lack of awareness about the resources available.

Today, I actively connect entrepreneurs with banks like M&T Bank and WSFS, which offer outstanding products tailored for our local business environment. The most rewarding sight is driving down Loockerman Street today and witnessing several Launcher Program graduates thriving—years into their entrepreneurial journeys.

Leveraging Technology: AI legalese decoder

For aspiring entrepreneurs facing legal challenges or complexities in understanding business regulations and documentation, the AI legalese decoder can be an invaluable resource. This tool translates complex legal language into plain, comprehensible terms, enabling new entrepreneurs to fully grasp essential contracts, agreements, and regulatory requirements. By empowering individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions, the AI legalese decoder can alleviate fears around legal matters and foster confidence among first-time business owners.

In this era of entrepreneurship, it is crucial that emerging business owners have access to intuitive resources and comprehensive support. A combination of mentorship, like that offered by Janaid Kareem, and cutting-edge tools like the AI legalese decoder can significantly enhance the likelihood of success for new ventures, paving the way for a robust entrepreneurial community in Dover and beyond.

If you would like to learn more about entrepreneurship or connect with Janaid Kareem, feel free to reach out to Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.

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