Our Vision

At the B.E.I.,

our vision is clear:

to be a catalyst for positive change and long-term success within minority communities.

We believe in the power of entrepreneurship to drive economic growth, inspire innovation, and build stronger, more resilient communities.

we believe that true empowerment comes not only from economic independence but also from mental resilience.

Our programs are designed to nurture both the business acumen and the mental strength required to thrive in today's competitive environment.

By teaching mental resilience, we aim to equip our entrepreneurs with the ability to overcome challenges, adapt to change, and sustain long-term success.

Our mission

The Byrd's Entrepreneurial Institute’s mission is to inspire, educate, and support future and current business leaders by offering comprehensive programs and opportunities that cultivate innovation, mental health, leadership, economic empowerment, and the building and maintaining of business legacies.

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

  • Empowerment: Providing the knowledge and skills to start and sustain successful businesses.

  • Economic Development: Contributing to the economic growth and sustainability of minority communities.

  • Innovation: Fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.

  • Leadership: Developing future leaders who can inspire and lead their communities.

  • Inclusivity: Creating an inclusive environment that supports diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

  • Legacy Building: Helping entrepreneurs build and maintain businesses that can be passed down through generations.

  • Sustainability: Ensuring businesses are equipped with the tools and knowledge to thrive long-term.

  • Mental Resilience: By teaching mental resilience, we prepare our entrepreneurs to face challenges head-on, adapt to changes, and thrive under pressure.

Our Programs

We offer a range of educational programs, workshops, and support services designed to meet the needs of aspiring, established, and scaling entrepreneurs.

Our curriculum includes:

  • Empower: Foundational courses that equip entrepreneurs with the essential skills and knowledge to start and revamp their journey.

  • Emerge: Intermediate programs focused on growth strategies, market analysis, and financial management.

  • Elevate: Advanced workshops and seminars that help entrepreneurs scale their businesses, innovate, and expand into new markets.

about the byrd’s entrepreneurial institute

At The Byrds Entrepreneurial Institute, we are more than just a non-profit school—we are a dynamic school for entrepreneurial talent, a launchpad for innovative ideas, and a catalyst for career success in the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship.

AN Institute guided by a shared passion for entrepreneurship

As a premier non-profit Community-based institution of higher learning, we specialize in equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to thrive in the fast-paced realm of entrepreneurship.

Our comprehensive curriculum spans a wide range of disciplines, from marketing and finance to leadership and innovation, ensuring that our graduates are well-rounded and prepared to tackle the challenges of today's business landscape.

Through our rigorous programs and personalized mentorship, our students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop real-world skills that are highly sought after as ENTREPRENEURS and by employers in the entrepreneurial sector.

our students graduate with a level of employability and expertise that is second to none.

But it's not just about the credentials—it's about the mindset.

At The Byrd’s Entrepreneurial Institute, we instill in our students a mindset of resilience, adaptability, and forward-thinking innovation.

We encourage them to dream big, think outside the box, and embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.

Because in the world of entrepreneurship, it's not just about what you know—it's about how you think and how you approach challenges.

So if you're ready to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey, we invite you to join us at The Byrd’s Entrepreneurial Institute.

Together, let's turn your passion into purpose, your ideas into action, and your dreams into reality.

Welcome to the future of entrepreneurship.

Welcome to The Byrd’s Entrepreneurial Institute.

education founded on nine pillars of success

Meet the team

As The Byrds Entrepreneurial Institute evolves into a physical space within the next year, our team is poised for expansion to ensure that we continue to deliver the highest standards of excellence in education and entrepreneurship.

Currently, led by Johnny and Mercedeez, our dedicated team embodies a shared vision of fostering innovation, nurturing talent, and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. With their expertise and passion at the helm, we have laid a solid foundation for success.

As we embark on this exciting new chapter, our commitment to assembling the best team remains unwavering. We are actively seeking out individuals who bring fresh perspectives, diverse skills, and a relentless drive to push boundaries and challenge the status quo.

With our expanded team, we will further amplify our efforts to demonstrate how to elevate student engagement, enhance academic rigor, and create a culture of excellence within our institute.

Together, we will continue to share our methods with others, inspiring them to join us on our journey towards educational and entrepreneurial greatness.

Welcome to The Byrds Entrepreneurial Institute, where growth paves the way for greatness, and the best team leads the charge towards a brighter future.

Meet the Team

  • JOHNNY BYRD, II, M.A., HUMAN SERVICES COUNSELING, CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST

    CO-FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE B.E.I. TEACHER

    JOHNNY BYRD'S BACKGROUND IN PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELING HAS UNIQUELY EQUIPPED HIM TO UNDERSTAND THE HUMAN ASPECTS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP. HE HAS SUCCESSFULLY CREATED THREE BUSINESSES AND NOW CHANNELS HIS PASSION FOR BUSINESS INTO TEACHING OTHERS. JOHNNY LEVERAGES HIS EXPERTISE TO PROVIDE ACTIONABLE INSIGHTS AND SUPPORT TO OUR CLIENTS, HELPING THEM OVERCOME PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGES ON THEIR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY.

  • DR. MERCEDEEZ BYRD, DBA : MARKETING

    CO-FOUNDER PROGRAM DIRECTOR, THE B.E.I. TEACHER

    DR. MERCEDEEZ BYRD IS A SEASONED BUSINESS CONSULTANT WITH A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE IN MARKETING AND SALES. HER PASSION FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP STEMMED FROM HER INTERACTIONS WITH BUSINESS OWNERS WHO WANTED TO ADVERTISE BUT DID NOT KNOW THEIR BASIC BUSINESS INFORMATION. HER ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS, COMBINED WITH HER PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE, ENABLE HER TO OFFER VALUABLE GUIDANCE AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TAILORED TO EACH CLIENT’S NEEDS.

The Byrd’s Entrepreneurial Institute

board

Norma Hood

educational consultant

dr. mercedeez byrd

co-Founder, Entrepreneur, Author

johnny byrd ii

co-Founder, Entrepreneur, mental health Advocate, Author

jennifer heid hendrix

Entrepreneur

Jerry Speakman

Social Media Executive, Marketing Director

quincy wade

truist Branch Leader / Small Business Consultant