"Although Black women are the largest demographic of women starting businesses, many are bootstrapping and struggling for profit. Only 3% of black women-owned companies mature and survive longer than five years." -- Forbes
In the ever-evolving landscape of global finance, Blaze Group stands out as a beacon of empowerment and education for Black women entrepreneurs. Founded by Casey Ariel Thobias, a former banker with a wealth of experience structuring multi-billion dollar deals for technology companies, Blaze Group is dedicated to bridging the financial education gap for Black women in business.
Blaze Group: A Pioneer in Financial Education
Blaze Group, founded in December 2020, is an edtech company that leverages AI to support Black women entrepreneurs. Casey Ariel Thobias, driven by her decade-long experience in corporate and investment banking, established Blaze Group to address the lack of representation and support for Black women in the financial sector. During her decade-long corporate career, she never worked alongside another Black woman on a deal team nor had the opportunity to deploy capital to a Black-owned corporation.
Blaze Group's mission is to decolonize pathways to economic freedom by providing personalized and relevant financial education. We do this by leveraging "third space technology". In sociology, the third space is the place between home and work where people choose to hang out because it edifies the spirit. These are the stoops, cafes, gyms, and bookstores that feel like home. Our offerings prioritize culture, whereas most programs are only prioritizing content.
Black women are the most educated demographic of entrepreneurs in the United States, with more than three-fourths having at least a college degree, according to Harvard Business Review. According to research commissioned by American Express, we are creating 42% of all net new businesses launched by women each day in the United States - which is three times our share of the population (14%). Despite strong education and demonstrated creativity, only 3% of Black women-owned companies mature and survive longer than five years.
Blaze Group exists to change this, offering Black women entrepreneurs who matriculate through our programs a competitive advantage. We exist to increase the sustainability, investability, and scalability of Black women-owned businesses.
Course Offering: Financial Foundations for Black Women Entrepreneurs
Blaze Group offers the "Financial Foundations for Black Women Entrepreneurs" course, specifically designed to equip Black women with essential financial skills. This 6-week course covers core financial concepts such as financial statements, cash flow management, and basic financial analysis. Participants gain practical skills they can immediately apply to their businesses, enhancing their confidence in making informed financial decisions and effectively communicating with stakeholders.
Impact and Global Reach
Blaze Group has made a significant impact on the global finance landscape. With an engaged audience of over 100,000 Black women entrepreneurs and supporters worldwide, the organization has directly educated more than 10,000 entrepreneurs. The Blaze Group app is available in 176 countries and we have been recognized by the Webby Awards for three consecutive years, celebrating our excellence in business, AI, and technology.
Founder’s Expertise and Influence
Casey Ariel Thobias brings a wealth of expertise to Blaze Group. Her background includes serving as Vice President Credit Officer at Bank of America, where she managed substantial credit portfolios and structured complex financial deals. Her achievements in this role include leading multi-billion dollar mergers and acquisitions, and innovating credit underwriting processes.
Casey Ariel’s influence extends beyond Blaze Group. She serves on the advisory boards of Kiva US and the Village Micro Fund, organizations committed to providing financial support and resources to marginalized communities. Her role as Fractional Chief Credit Officer at Hello Tractor, Inc. led to the creation of an innovative tractor asset financing solution, unlocking over $10 million in mechanization for underbanked populations in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda.
Meeting the Needs of Black Women Entrepreneurs
Blaze Group’s initiatives are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by Black women entrepreneurs. By providing comprehensive financial education, Blaze Group empowers these women to build sustainable businesses and achieve generational wealth. The "Financial Foundations for Black Women Entrepreneurs" course is particularly relevant for small business owners seeking to enhance their financial literacy and management skills.
Conclusion
Blaze Group is more than an edtech company; it is a movement towards economic empowerment and financial literacy for Black women entrepreneurs. Under the leadership of Casey Ariel Thobias, Blaze Group continues to make a significant impact in the finance field, providing valuable resources and education to help Black women thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors. By offering tailored courses like "Financial Foundations for Black Women Entrepreneurs," Blaze Group is committed to fostering a new generation of financially savvy, successful Black women in business.
For more information and to enroll in our courses, visit Blaze Group.
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