top of page

Search Results

87 results found with an empty search

  • Vocational Training continues in Eastern Uganda

    For nearly 18 month, Ethan Ellsworth Vocational school in Eastern Uganda was forced to close its doors as a result of the global Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the hard work and dedication of the school's Founder, Erasmus Ichode and his team, the doors are back open. Ethan Ellsworth offers vocational training in the following areas: Baking, Hair Braiding, Sewing, Bricklaying, Mechanical Engineering, and Solar Panel Installation. Ethan Ellsworth Bricklaying (Construction Science) program is one of the more well-respected among small schools in Uganda. Many of the young men who complete Bricklayer training are able to immediately begin work on construction sites in Uganda's capital city, Kampala. The modest vocational school is the reason SHIFT Enterprise Academy expanded its reach into East Africa with a plan of empowering graduates to launch or expand their business using the 'SHIFT Approach.' The school, named after a friend of Ichode who was killed in a car crash opened it's doors in 2019 just before the onset of the pandemic. Now, as Ethan Ellsworth re-launches it is operating on a very lean budget, and leverages the generosity of its supporters to positively influence the local economy of the community it serves. You can invest in the future of a young person through SHIFT below. Or reach out to us to be connected with Ichode, to learn more about the business structure of Ethan Ellsworth. Erasmus, was the first Enterprisers to use the SHIFT Approach on the continent of Africa. He has since infused the ideals of SHIFT with his heart of a lion to help slay dragons in doing the mission driven work he loves in his native land, Uganda.

  • E-commerce is the future of local economic growth across many African nations

    With East African nations; Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya experiencing consistent growth and development, SHIFT Enterprise Academy is needed more and more each day. Young people in East Africa are responding by aligning themselves with the SHIFT Approach. Last week we were able to register an entire cohort of 15 Enterprisers in only four day! SHIFT Enterprise Academy is a social enterprise that identifies youth and young adults then helps them develop the mindset to solve problems in their community. Our East African program, "Launching into E-Commerce" is design to take the SHIFT mission to the next level by helping young people launch or expand e-commerce businesses. According to e-commerce giant, Shopify, global ecommerce sales are expected to reach $5 trillion in 2022, and $6 trillion by 2024. Moreover, businesses continue to follow consumer demand online, flocking to ecommerce in record numbers. Further, this digital growth is very predictable on the continent due in part to several countries leaping from strictly agrarian economy to the more globally integrated, digital economy. Read the entire Shopify report here: https://www.shopify.com/research/future-of-commerce/future-of-ecommerce The International Trade Administration concludes, the logic of growth on this area is pretty much based on technology jumps that do occur within Africa because of historically missing economic infrastructure, such as banks, telecom landlines, etc. Africa is forecast to surpass half a billion ecommerce users by 2025, which will have shown a steady 17% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of online consumers for the market. Read more from the Rise of E-Commerce in Africa here: https://www.trade.gov/rise-ecommerce-africa In a recent interview with Business Day Nigeria, Juliet Anammah, Jumia Nigeria Chairperson made it clear Jumia understands this is only the infancy of the digital economy on the continent. She told Business Day, "All said and done, we are the largest e-commerce platform on the continent, and you are on the continent where e-commerce is still 2-5% of total retail, which is a huge upside." Read more of Anammah's comments here: https://businessday.ng/news/article/africa-e-commerce-market-hugely-untapped-with-potential-for-growth-says-jumia-chairwoman/ This is why the work we are doing at SHIFT Enterprise Academy with our "Launching into E-Commerce" program is so vital. While we currently target university students living in urban spaces, many of our most promising Enterprisers live in more rural spaces. Some of these spaces still lack infrastructure to truly take advantage of today's opportunities. This reality fuels our efforts in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, and beyond. We know by planting these seeds today our Enterprisers, their families, and the entire SHIFT ecosystem will reap enormous communal benefits in the future. Learn more about SHIFT Enterprise Academy, our programs, our story, and our team at www.shiftenterpriseacademy.com Our next cohort of "Launching into E-Commerce" begins July 26. After such a promising response this week, we are opening five more spots for our summer cohort. Young adults living in Africa age 18-30 are encouraged to register. While young adults living in the US and elsewhere at 16-24 are also welcome to register. The SHIFT is here. REGISTER HERE ABOUT LAUNCHING INTO E-COMMERCE Created in 2021 as a pilot program to assist entrepreneurs in Eastern Uganda, "Launching into E-Commerce" is a six week online professional education course. The course introduces young leaders to the SHIFT Approach. The SHIFT Approach is rooted in using the framework of the SHIFT pillars to direct your ideas about success. The SHIFT Pillars are: Save your money: Basic understanding of budgeting as well as the economic principles of supply and demand Help your family: Taking a servant leadership approach to solving problems and attaining intergenerational mobility Imagine your goals: Designing your life over a 90 day and five year period based on your own clearly defined idea of success. Follow directions: Adhering to a plan by persevering despite any adversity your may face. Developing the mindset of a champion in the 21st century. Think accurately: Avoiding the distractions that often derail young people or cause them to conform rather than mine their own idea of success

  • Friends of SHIFT: Kizo prepares young adults for work in the Digital Era; opens registration

    We’d like to share with you an exciting program, hosted by Kizo Africa (https://kizoafrica.org/), that has relevance for most of Africa's youth interested in digital transformation and how that will affect the future of work and their personal lives. The program is called the Kizo Jumpstart for the Digital Era. This is a truly transformational program that is VIRTUAL, FREE, and FUN. It's designed to empower Africa's youth with the mindsets, resources, and roadmaps to thrive in the Digital Era. Ideal candidates for the program are Africa’s youth between the ages of 18-35, who want to level up with basic knowledge on breakthrough technology trends that are creating radically new work opportunities in the coming decade. Additional information on the program can be found here: https://kizoafrica.org/ Don't hesitate to contact info@kizoafrica.org incase of any queries

  • 1Q Performance Updates: Building momentum in EA

    SHIFT Enterprise Academy, Inc a Texas based 501c3 non profit organization identifies promising young adults and helps them to solve problems in their community by using the SHIFT Approach. In summer 2021, SHIFT expanded its services into Uganda, a small country in Eastern Africa with a new program called, "Launching into E-Commerce." Here is an overview of what's going on in the SHIFT world as of the end of Q1 2022; the good, the bad, and the future. A video presentation of these updates is also available here: 1Q Performance Updates Presentation The Good 2021 Finalist Closes out 90 days - Our first pitch competition winner - Joel, the founder of Zebraville is up and running. He is already supporting African projects, including special projects supporting women in Uganda through his online digital media business. Winter Cohort – 2021 – Our journey in East Africa continues to impact the lives of young people. At SHIFT, we are relentlessly focusing our efforts on creating an enabling environment for young people in East Africa to build, create and evolve in the Digital Age. In March - 2022, at the conclusion of the winter cohort, SHIFT held its winter pitch competition and registered four finalists, all senior business administration students at LivingStone International University. Marceline, the winner of the winter cohort is from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He currently lives in Uganda and he is building an online platform for African writers and literature. Additionally, leveraging on our partnerships, Armand – our first runner up in the winter cohort pitch competitions secured an internship at AtkCo – one of the friends of SHIFT with whom we are building an eco-system of human - centered approaches. Our 2021 Impact Report - If you haven't read it already, early this year, we published our 2021 Annual Report highlighting the milestones in East Africa. Grants and Donations - With your support, SHIFT was able to raise $725 from three generous donors through Donor Box, our current online fundraising platform. Our monthly fundraising goal remains 1,000 USD. Thank you for journeying with us to make our vision of “a coalition of people and organizations helping the African diaspora define their own idea of success with a plan to achieve it” a reality. The Bad COVID-19 - Is there a Road to Recovery? - As many supporting organizations continue to feel the unprecedented brunt of COVID-19, Ethan Ellsworth, a key project supported by SHIFT, faces a hit due to financial strains. Currently, the school is closed due to lack of funding. This puts at stake the livelihoods of 200 young girls and 300 vulnerable boys who cannot continue acquiring the much-needed access to quality education through the Business, Technical, Vocational Education and Training program. The Digital SHIFT - It’s no secret that the digital age comes with change, some of which may not be easily within the means of the most vulnerable poor. Due to this shift, 5 /18 of the registered Enterprisers (27.8%) could not complete the “Launching into E-Commerce” professional training this winter. This is primarily due to lack of internet and smartphones or laptops. Also, we currently need three (3) laptops for our support team to coordinate access to services for Enterprisers across East Africa. The video captures Delilah's thoughts on the SHIFT impact in Uganda. She leads the support team in the region. The Future As an evolving organization, we have so much in store for you. Here is your chance to be a part of the change you want to see. Journey with us and look out for opportunities to join our future events including Trivia Night and T-Shirt Fundraisers. Be the first to know, join our mailing list. Networks & Partnerships - As we create our ecosystem, SHIFT is building and nurturing partnerships with key education institutions in East Africa, including Jomo Kenyatta University in Kenya and LivingStone International University in Uganda. Both universities are large, with: over 10,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate courses, taught by approximately 2,500 academic staff. – The clues of success of such linkages have been traced in the USA, and we plan to replicate this in East Africa where there are fertile grounds to build, create and evolve with young Enterprisers. Ethan Brisby – Founder, SHIFT Enterprise Academy. Spring cohort coming soon - Registration for our spring cohort will be open soon. However, this is dependent on the realization of our fundraising goal of $1,200 USD which is to underwrite the training of 15 Enterprisers and support the launch of four (4) more online businesses in East Africa this quarter. SHIFT Launch pad coming soon 30 April.2022 - SHIFT Launch pad is the starting point for connecting like-minded individuals launching or growing online businesses. These monthly meet-ups will create opportunities for you to connect with our Enterprisers from East Africa and the USA. Make your pledge now: Donor Box: https://donorbox.org/shift-enterprise-academy-east-africa Cash App: $SHIFTEnterprises Pay Pal: PayPal.Me/shiftenterprises 1Q Performance Updates Presentation

  • Ugandan woman finds new ideas, renewed confidence

    M'Bale, Uganda- Mellanie Sontheimer is a 25 year old Ugandan native who spent the fourth quarter of 2021 working with SHIFT as a Program Coordinator for its East African pilot program. She also doubled as an Enterprisers attending all five online interactive lessons and pitching her idea "SHIFT Serenity Tours" at the organization's November idea's competition. This is her SHIFT Impact Story: In September this year I signed up for the SHIFT Enterprise Academy pilot program. I was not sure how exactly it would be like, especially since I was not an entrepreneur at the time. I thought to myself, surely I need to get some knowledge on how to become an entrepreneur. For the five weeks I continued to attend and complete my weekly assignments. As a result, I got better. Now, I feel more positive than ever, and "YES" I am willing to dive into business without shying away from making money. Ethan and his co-instructor, Dr. Johnson did so much and soon the fruits will be vivid in my life. Thanks for this program I greatly encourage anybody who reads this to take a chance with the next cohort. Registration is now open for the January cohort. If you are between the ages of 18-35 with a desire to launch or expand an online business you can apply to be part of our next exclusive cohort here: https://forms.gle/nLChPQ25Cv2fCc3v8 The cost to participate is in the five interactive online lessons is $110 (Sponsorship/Scholarship is limited, but available). For information on how you can sponsor an Enterpriser in East Africa to attend visit https://www.shiftenterpriseacademy.com/make-a-gift SHIFT Enterprise Academy, Inc is a U.S. based 501c3 non-profit organization.

  • SHIFT Enterprise Academy, Inc Kicks-Off its Inaugural Cohort in East Africa

    12/12/2021 Press Release East Africa, December 12, 2021 – SHIFT Enterprise Academy, Inc has taken the investment decision to launch its first virtual Academy in East Africa under the theme “Launching into E-Commerce.” The first cohort will feature 15 Enterprisers expected to start by 15th, January, 2022. This follows a pilot program that was successfully undertaken from October 1st to November 20th, 2021.The personal development program is in line with SHIFT Enterprise Academy’s growth strategy in East Africa - which is to teach 60 Enterprisers the pillars of SHIFT, by hosting four (4) academies, four (4) idea pitch competitions, and offering seed money including advisory services to the community of enterprisers we are building in 2022. “The decision to launch SHIFT Enterprise Academy marks the first milestone in the large-scale expansion of the SHIFT Approach. I was primarily inspired by Ambassador Arikana Chihombori - the former Permanent Representative of the African Union Mission to the USA (2010–2019) and Dr. Harnet – both of who were providing insights to African business and e-commerce.," said Ethan Brisby, Founder and Executive Director at SHIFT Enterprise Academy, Inc. SHIFT Enterprise Academy in East Africa SHIFT Enterprise Academy was conceived in 2010 with its primary impact in the United States of America. In 2021, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, SHIFT Enterprise Academy kick-started its programs in East Africa with a team of five (5). The organisation operates in multiple segments within the region including: Financial Literacy, Digital Literacy, Business Development and E-Commerce. SHIFT Enterprise Academy’s portfolio currently includes two continents – America and Africa. In 2021, the Academy’s pilot program in Uganda averaged 15 Enterprisers - ten (10) of who were Ugandan. The first cohort is expected to begin in January, 2022. Registration is open 👉- https://forms.gle/Dcpbv3N9PK4ewoKj9 ____ About SHIFT Enterprise Academy, Inc SHIFT Enterprise Academy was incorporated in 2011 by Morehouse & Texas A&M University alumnus Ethan Brisby primarily as a way to help first generation college students pay for college. Now, SHIFT Enterprise Academy, Inc is a 501c3 not for profit organization. The organization exists to help vulnerable Enterprisers get from where they are now to where they want to be by applying the SHIFT pillars. SHIFT Enterprise Academy Contacts Media Relations: +1 979 272 4145 l shiftenterpriseacademy@gmail.com Note This press release, from which no legal consequences may be drawn, is for information purposes only. The entities in which SHIFT Enterprise Academy, Inc directly or indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. SHIFT Enterprise Academy, Inc has no liability for their acts or omissions. The terms “organisation” or “SHIFT Enterprise Academy, Inc” refer collectively to the organisation SHIFT Enterprise Academy, Inc. Such terms are used solely for the sake of convenience for purposes of the present communication. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” may also be used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for us. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on social data. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to change. SHIFT Enterprise Academy, Inc does not assume any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact us Mail: shiftenterpriseacademy@gmail.com WhatsApp: +1 979 272 4145 Instagram: shiftenterpriseacademy Twitter: @TeamSHIFTInc Facebook: SHIFT Enterprise Academy

  • SHIFT Enterprise Academy is hiring in East Africa

    As part of our ongoing initiative to bring SHIFT Enterprise Academy to East Africa, we are adding to our team! SHIFT Enterprise Academy is looking for an ambitious and confident Program Coordinator to help with the launch of our online learning platform. We are also seeking to hire one creative and diligent Engagement Lead/Social Media Manager. For more a full description of these roles and to apply, click the link below. ABOUT SHIFT ENTERPRISE ACADEMY Founded in Texas, USA in 2011, SHIFT Enterprise Academy is a five part lecture series designed to help high performing young adults get from there they are to where they want to be. We use the SHIFT pillars to guide each of our work/learning sessions. The SHIFT pillars are: Save your money, Help your family, Imagine your goals, Following directions, Think accurately. Each session is dynamic and challenges our enterprisers to become leaders in their respective communities. Begin October 4, SHIFT Enterprise Academy will be hosting an online pilot program catering toward promising problem solving young adults in East Africa. Your work with SHIFT will go a long way in ensuring we are bringing the most good possible to the continent! For more information and to apply for the Program Coordinator position CLICK HERE For more information and to apply for the Engagement Lead/Social Media Manager position CLICK HERE

  • Uganda prepares for the arrival of SHIFT Enterprise Academy

    SHIFT Enterprise Academy Founder/Chairman, Ethan Brisby and Ugandan native Erasmus Ichode met at a Mother's Day cookout earlier this year. Erasmus, also known as "Ranks" was DJing the festive event and Ethan was out to make some new friends. "I didn't know anyone at the cookout really, so I made my way to the DJ. The DJ at a party is always vibrant," Brisby states. The two began small talk, but before long they realized there might be more to their meeting. Erasmus revealed to Ethan he was building a vocational school back home in Uganda. Brisby told him about his work in the states with SHIFT Enterprise Academy, and a friendship was born at that moment. "I wish I could have met Ethan sooner. No one has ever told me the things he tells me about life. I know the SHIFT approach will help many people in my country." Ranks proclaims. SHIFT Enterprise Academy exists to identify high performing and motivated youth and young adults for the purpose of developing a mindset and skill set needed to attain their desired level of success. Founded in 2011, the organization is a 501C3 public charity based in Bryan, Texas with a satellite campus in Galveston, Texas since 2017. Brisby is a product of Morehouse College in Atlanta and Texas A&M University. He is an author, noted public speaker, and servant leader with a verifiable track record for building communities. Moreover, working on the African continent has always been part of his vision as is noted on his graduate school mission statement for admissions in 2010. With this in mind, according to government statistics there are more than 7,000,000 youth in Uganda age 15-24. Many of them are not being prepared properly to compete on a global scale as entrepreneurs in the Digital Age. As detailed in recent report from Population Action a DC based organization that studies and assist Healthy Families across the globe, Uganda has the youngest age structure in the world, with 77 percent of its population under the age of 30. The population of Uganda is currently growing by about one million people per year, and given the force of demographic momentum, Uganda will see high rates of population growth for decades to come. Uganda’s demographic situation impacts all aspects of its development, from economic growth to quality of education to health care provisions. It is for this reason Brisby, Ichode, and the SHIFT Enterprise Academy team are making preparations to bring the SHIFT model to the beautiful nation of Uganda. Ichode is a product of the Bukedea District just outside of Mbale. The two are establishing the first school in Bukedea, and are already receiving invites to bring Brisby and his curriculum to other areas of the the East African jewel. It was a few ago, Ranks says a Facebook ad popped up featuring Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, a Ghanaian national, and Permanent Representative of the African Union Representational Mission to the United States of America. Quao is promoting diaspora homecomings just like the one we see with SHIFT coming to Uganda. "We are absolutely answering the call of Dr. Quao. We hope to meet her and engage with her about how we can scale our work and recruit others to join us in this great arising," Brisby stated emphatically. To support SHIFT Enterprise Academy, Inc and its mission in Uganda and beyond visit www.shiftenterpriseacademy.com and hit the DONATE button. You can also e-mail Brisby and Ichode at admin@shiftenterpriseacademy.com "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light." Luke 8:16

  • Galveston SHIFT Agents prepare for new school year

    Since 2017, SHIFT Enterprise Academy has maintained a presence in Galveston, Texas through its partnership with the youth of Jerusalem Baptist Church, the oldest African American church in the city. SHIFT is prepared to return to its Galveston cohort July 27. The theme of this session is embracing Africa. SHIFT Agents will learn about African culture and the economy of Ghana, Uganda, and Nigeria. SHIFT Agents will also be partnered with a Ugandan pen pal as SHIFT prepares to expand to the nation of Uganda this fall. This is the fifth time SHIFT has held a workshop in Galveston since 2017.

  • SHIFT Enterprise Academy to open vocational training school in Uganda

    As part of a partnership with a local NGO in the Bukedea District of Uganda, SHIFT Enterprise Academy is bringing the SHIFT approach to the African continent. The school will feature vocational training in Information Technology, Sowing, Carpentry, and more. Each student will go through the SHIFT curriculum as part of enrollment. The initial class is scheduled for this fall and will feature two sessions of 20 students. The goal of the partnership is to help local youth and young adults use their skill sets to become entrepreneurs within the nations growing economy. Sta tuned for more as SHIFT goes to Uganda.

  • Shift Enterprise Academy Visits Bryan City Council

    Follow Directions During the summer of 2017, SHIFT Enterprise Academy visited the Bryan City Council. During the visit Bryan Mayor, Andrew Nelson read a resolution recognizing SHIFT Enterprise Academy for its work in the local community. The students ranging from 6th-9th grade were all smiles as they witness a council meeting and met some of the city’s officials. “ The high seem low depending on where you want to go. Go get it whatever it takes because you take it or you take it.''

  • Week 1 of SHIFT Enterprise Academy breaks attendance record

    Think Accurately: Studies of students who attend high quality after school programs show improvement in academic performance and social competence. During the spring of 2017, SHIFT Enterprise Academy in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of the Brazos Valley hosted its 12th class of enterprisers. The dynamic after school enrichment program has a track record of increasing social competence. Students ranging from 6th-9th grade engaged in fruitful conversation about goal setting, money management, bullying, and more. With over 20 participants at Week 1 of SHIFT Enterprise Academy, this was the largest class to date. “We move at the speed of plan and not just intentions. Intentions are only but ideas. Plans however, activates the intended ideas to realize a tangible reality. Plan your intensions''

bottom of page