In the world of tech entrepreneurship, few names stand out like James Parker. As a serial entrepreneur, startup coach, and the visionary behind 1921 Coworking, Inc. and 1921 Incubator, NFP, Parker is not only launching businesses—he’s building legacies.
1921 Coworking, Inc. and 1921 Incubator pay homage to the historic Black Wall Street of Tulsa, OK, serving as the first tech and manufacturing incubator on the far Southside of Chicago. Parker’s mission goes beyond innovation; he is dedicated to fostering economic empowerment in historically underserved communities. Through his work, he has not only created opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs but has also provided a blueprint for sustainable business success.
Parker’s expertise is widely recognized—he’s been a guest on numerous radio and TV interviews, has spoken at leading entrepreneurship events, and has won multiple pitch competitions. His ability to coach entrepreneurs on pitching to investors has resulted in countless success stories.
During his feature on the Black Businesses Matter Podcast, Parker shared three key principles that every entrepreneur should embrace. He emphasizes the importance of identifying your natural talents and building a business around them, as your strengths are your competitive advantage. Market research is essential—understanding your industry, competitors, and target audience can make the difference between a thriving startup and a failed idea. Above all, knowing your “why” is crucial. Purpose fuels persistence, and part of your mission should be to create jobs and uplift your community.
Want to hear more from James Parker and other like-minded esteemed entrepreneurs? Tune in to this week’s episode of the Black Businesses Matter Podcast and download the latest edition of the BBM Mag to gain deeper insights from one of today’s most impactful entrepreneurial leaders.