Welcome to
The Social Responsibility Dept.
The only way to make sure the community continues to benefit from the business sector is to make community work a part of the business model. - JD Ellison
MISSION
To be a resource, a catalyst, and a gateway for Black professionals and entrepreneurs to engage with and thrive within the Asheville business sector.
1. Establish comprehensive support
2. Promote inclusivity and diversity
3. Foster a. culture of innovation and collaboration
VISION
Our vision is to transform Asheville into a hub of diversity, innovation, and opportunity, where Black professionals and entrepreneurs flourish. We aim to break down barriers, provide essential support, and build a vibrant, inclusive business community that propels every member toward success.
Our Programs
FUBU Wednesday
Every Wednesday, our office on "The Block," Asheville's historic hub for Black entrepreneurship, welcomes Black business owners for a unique gathering. Here, you'll find not only a chance to network and share insights in a professional yet relaxed atmosphere but also enjoy complimentary WiFi, food, drinks, and more. Engage with guest speakers and connect with peers in this vibrant community setting, all designed to foster growth and collaboration. Join us to experience the synergy of innovation and tradition.
Necessary Funds
We believe that seeing is believing and that luck comes when preparation meets opportunity. This is why we proudly sponsor tickets to conferences and corporate events pivotal to the growth of young Black entreprenuers. This initiative is designed to broaden their networks, ignite their creativity, and deepen their understanding of the industries they are passionate about. Our support aims to break down barriers to entry for "certain rooms" and foster a more inclusive, diverse, and innovative future.
The Creative Library
In collaboration with our partners at Different Wrld, we offer a dynamic resource designed to empower young creatives who are the driving force behind cultural innovation. Through our Creative Library, we offer a unique opportunity for creatives to "check out" an array of photography, video, and audio equipment. Whether it's for learning, crafting a project, or bringing an imaginative vision to life, our library is designed to support your creative journey—without the burden of long-term rental agreements or prohibitive costs
We stand firm in our commitment to the creative process and the incredible individuals who propel it forward. Join us in this venture to nurture creativity and push culture to new heights.
Our Efforts
Team Representation
JDE & Co is building a team that reflects the diversity of the consumer groups of our focus investment entities. Our aim is to cultivate an environment that embraces inclusivity, leveraging a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences within the firm. This approach is foundational to making informed investment choices we consider optimal.
Agencywide Focus
At JDE & Co, we are committed to embedding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into our core values and organizational culture. Our goal is to collaborate with companies that recognize and value the potential of the JDE team to drive meaningful change in these critical areas.
Broader Communities
We believe all of clients and our portfolio companies should seek to emulate and propel the DEI and ESG values of our Agency in the communities they operate in and with the stakeholders they touch.