We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dee Jones . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dee below.
Alright, Dee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
I had an idea of doing a Esports competition for the city of GR I knew that id need funding to do the competition. I attended a local community event and spoke to a local nonprofit AmplifyGR they had a grant program and you could get $1000 and they have $30,000 in grant funding for the community i continued to look to for funding because I knew it would cost $5000 to do a good competition especially because i was doing a $1000 cash prize as I’ve said a lot i’d like to do 6,7, or 8 figure Esports competition here at the Van Andel Arena/ boost our local economy and create economic growth bring businesses, education institutions, government, and healthcare and nonprofit organization in one place to create synergy and bring positive attention and love to our undeserved low-income communities, city, county and state.
I continued to look for grants and sponsorship’s I ended up getting a $1000 grant from the West Michigan Sports Commission, $2500 from the Community Foundation Black Legacy fund, $250 from Kent County Sheriffs Department, PFCU gave $250, McDonald’s gave us $500, Proactiv gave us $350 thankful for all the sponsors truly.
A 90 day grind from idea to execution I got grants, sponsorship’s, gifts, driving to different cities cross Kent County to help put a free Esports competition for the city of GR at the Four Star Theatre an historic building that is looking for funding to bring life, beauty, equity and opportunity to the south side of GR.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Jump Ahead L3C’s collabs with Blackpoint BR and Ultimate Endgamers League (UEL) showcases their commitment to fostering growth in the gaming industry and economic development in city of GR. Here’s how these partnerships and initiatives can contribute to the city’s growth:
Collab with Blackpoint BR: By working with Blackpoint BR, Jump Ahead L3C aims to develop the gaming industry in GR. This partnership can provide opportunities for game developers and designers to showcase their talents and expand globally. The focus on finding new game developers and designers indicates a commitment to nurturing local talent and creating a supportive ecosystem for game development in GR.
Partnership with Ultimate Endgamers League (UEL): Jump Ahead L3C’s collab with UEL is an exciting opportunity for GR. Bringing UEL’s world championship to GR and getting their games on TV can significantly elevate the visibility and status of the city within the Esports and gaming community. Hosting a prestigious Esports event like the UEL world championship with a $100,000 prize can attract attention, talent, and investment to GR’s gaming industry.
Economic Development in GR: GR being the second worst place for economic development for African Americans Jump Ahead L3C’s efforts &, Blackpoint BR, and UEL collabs are powerful. By focusing on growing the gaming industry and creating opportunities for local talent, these partnerships can contribute to economic growth in GR. The influx of gaming events, investments, and talent can develop job creation, attract businesses, and improve the overall economic ecosystem.
Community Engagement: Jump Ahead L3C’s involvement in community engagement initiatives, such as organizing the free Jump Ahead Esports Competition, shows a commitment to connecting with the local community. By providing access to esports and connecting parents to Esports coaches, we aren’t just showing the benefits of Esports but also growing community support for the local Esports infrastructure and industry.
Jump Ahead L3C’s unique approach to growing the gaming industry, their partnerships with Blackpoint BR and UEL, and their efforts in community engagement can contribute to the growth and development of GR’s gaming ecosystem. By leveraging these partnerships and initiatives, they aim to overcome the economic challenges and position GR as a thriving hub for the gaming industry.
Jump Ahead L3C is truly unique in its approach to fostering the growth of the gaming industry in Grand Rapids (GR) and making a positive impact in the community. Here’s how their initiatives and partnerships set them apart:
Free Entry Esports Competition: Jump Ahead L3C organized a free entry Esports competition that provided an inclusive and accessible platform for gamers in the community. By offering a $1,000 cash prize and $20 free play games, they created an exciting opportunity for players of all backgrounds to showcase their passion for gaming.
Strong Partnerships: The partnerships Jump Ahead L3C has established had shown their commitment to collaboration and using resources from various organizations. The support from NBA/NBA2KL, Steelcase, Ferris State University, Red Bull, GRTV, and GR Gold NBA G-League showcases their ability to bring together industry leaders, local businesses, and educational institutions to create a unique and impactful gaming experience.
Community Engagement: Jump Ahead L3C’s focus on community engagement is commendable. By connecting parents to Esports coaches, they not only showcase the benefits of Esports but also bridge the gap between generations and foster understanding. Additionally, their efforts to connect low-income and underserved communities to United Healthcare and American Cancer Society shows their commitment to improving the health of community members beyond the gaming realm.
Economic Development: GR being the second worst place for economic development highlights the significance of Jump Ahead L3C’s efforts. By driving grants, sponsorships, and gifts, and by organizing events like the Esports competition, they actively contribute to the economic growth and revitalization of the city. Also, their partnerships with Blackpoint BR and Ultimate Endgamers League shows a forward-thinking approach to expanding the gaming industry in GR and attracting investment and opportunities to the region.
Diversity and Inclusion: Jump Ahead L3C’s collabs with Blackpoint BR and Ultimate Endgamers League emphasizes their commitment to building true diversity, equity, and inclusion within the gaming industry. By working with Blackpoint BR, a black-owned veteran gaming company, and supporting an all-black esports league like Ultimate Endgamers League, they strive to create equal opportunities for underrepresented groups in the industry.
What sets Jump Ahead L3C apart is their holistic approach to gaming, community engagement, and economic development. They not only provide a platform for gamers to compete but also connect individuals to resources, advocate for esports infrastructure, and develop partnerships that expand the gaming industry in GR. Their dedication to making a positive impact for the community and driving change sets them apart as a unique and influential organization in the gaming and esports ecosystem.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
The Jump Ahead Esports Competition was funded by grants and sponsors and gifts in 90 days I got $7250 all funded by community organizations and foundations and local governments.
I drove city to city across Kent County different events and places networking speaking to every business, banks, everyone i could to put a free Esports competition for the community. I didn’t give up.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
As I had to develop the Esports competition I had two times that I had to look for a organization or university help me put the host the Jump Ahead Esports Competition I know that things happen I didn’t have the equipment to do the Esports competition, and the two leads couldn’t provide the equipment or units. To host the competition i didn’t know how it was going to happen after, but i didn’t give up I called around and thankfully the Head Coach at Grand Valley State University called Ferris State University to see if they could bring us the gaming laptop to do the competition because all of the other people couldn’t help.
So thankful fro GVSU & Ferris State for truly caring for our low-income community.
Contact Info:
- Website: WWW.TheJumpedAhead.com
- Instagram: @JumpAheadL3C
- Facebook: Jump Ahead L3C
- Linkedin: Jump Ahead L3C
- Twitter: JumpAhead3
- Other: Twitch: Jump Ahead L3C