Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicole Davis, Co-Founder, and President of Fortitude Careers, located in Redwood City, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

The business is a training program for young adults, focusing on Life Mastery skills and training for a career in the trades. The participants are young adults who have had early life challenges or who have had trouble rebounding from the pandemic. It also represents a "next chapter" professional experience for the executives who have all come from former Corporate America careers.

Tell us about yourself

I came from a childhood where I was invisible...or at least that's how it felt. A series of early life challenges, including a parent with mental health issues, forged in my mind the need for someone, anyone, to see the suffering of a child without parental guidance. I was able to rise above my circumstances and find a successful career, but my heart never left the idea that there are young people emerging into adulthood who really have no plan, no path to success, and little to any help from the adults in their world. I have worked at this effort for two years without compensation, and still, every day, I rise with purpose and passion for making this company a reality and realize the dream of changing lives!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Managing to build a company with no resources - to forge relationships, bring on volunteers, design and develop a program and attract participants. There is SO much more to creating this company than I ever imagined.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

As the business owner - everything comes to me. Prioritizing time and resources has been a distinct challenge.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. RUN! (ok, maybe not)
  2. Be prepared - do your research and know your market, clients, and competitors.
  3. It'll take longer than you expect - there will be pitfalls you never expected, so set deadlines that account for shifts.
  4. Have fun - business ownership brings a remarkable sense of pride and accomplishment. Don't forget to drink in the fun aspects, so you're not overwhelmed.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I would, but I'm under deadlines and can't.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.fortitudecareers.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fortitudecareers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortitudebuild/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-davis-8050332/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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