Creating a diverse and inclusive business community starts by providing educational support along with the proper resources, says Akeem Shannon, Flipstik Founder and CEO, in this video. “I think if we want to really see more equity happening in minority communities that typically don’t see investment, like their counterparts in white communities in the tech space, then it’s fundamental to actually invest dollars into these types of businesses.”

Shannon discusses UMSL’s DEI Accelerator program for entrepreneurs in the St. Louis community. Shannon shares:

• The benefits his company gained with the help of the DEI Accelerator program.
• Why it is important to help minority entrepreneurs navigate the business community.

For more information on the UMSL DEI Accelerator program, go to umsl.edu/accelerate/dei.html

This story originally appeared in the St. Louis Business Journal’s Rise Up for St. Louis content hub, sponsored by the University of Missouri–St. Louis.