The Brand and Business Academy
The Brand and Business Academy is a 6-week virtual education accelerator for busy professional women who want to start businesses that make income and impact while working full-time.
Starting a business and growing a brand can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you have clarity of purpose and a vision for the future. But, when you don't know the steps to take, things can quickly get confusing and overwhelming. Analysis paralysis can take over and make you feel stuck.
The Brand and Business Academy gives you a formula for entrepreneurship that takes the guesswork out of each step in the process. You will get clarity on which business idea to pursue, develop an action plan, and learn how to leverage your intellectual property to set thriving prices that work for you and your ideal customers.
Customized Curriculum
Module 1
Pick the Right Business Idea
Complete the WHY-WHAT-WHO exercise and get focused on a business idea.
Module 2
Create an Action Plan
Create a message, plan, and thriving price point using the Get Paid Calculator.
Module 3
Structure Your Business
Build your business with a strong legal and financial foundation.
Module 4
Find Your Ideal Customer
Find people who will buy from you, be repeat customers, and refer others to you.
Module 5
Market Your Business Online
Develop a strategy that allows you to use social media without relying on it.
Module 6
ID Your Intellectual Property
Learn how to assess whether you have patents, trademarks or copyrights to protect.
How it Works
1. WATCH VIDEOS ON DEMAND
Learn the entrepreneurship formula at your own pace
2. RECEIVE GROUP COACHING
Get feedback and accountability from Shontavia and our community
3. START YOUR BUSINESS
Execute the formula for your customized plan
Support & Accountability
- Bi-monthly live, group coaching and feedback from Shontavia and other entrepreneurs
- Digital journals and workbooks
- 24-hour support within a culturally competent community on a private platform
- Milestones that hold you accountable for taking action.
- Resources, referrals and tools you'll need as you become an entrepreneur
You are a good fit for the Brand and Business Academy if:
- You have knowledge and expertise from your career
- You are willing to learn the new skills you need to pursue something in a different field
- You want to build a business and brand based on your knowledge and expertise
- You are willing to invest in yourself, your business, and your brand
Your Next Steps
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Fill out the application form on this site
SCHEDULE A CALL
Speak with Shontavia about whether BBA is right for you
ENROLL IN BBA
Work through the program and start your business the right way
Business Strategies That Work for You
The Brand and Business Academy is different because:
- Shontavia has a background in law and intellectual property and freely shares her knowledge.
- Business isn't very diverse, but the Brand and Business Academy is. Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name!
- We personally vet everything we recommend.
- The program was created specifically for women of color who are working full-time while starting their businesses.
- Our live sessions are lit!
- We've made all of the mistakes and are not ashamed to share them to save somebody else.
- From the Down with O.P.P. Rule to the requirement that you stay So I.C.C.Y., you've never heard business taught quite like this.
- We don't overload you with information. You get exactly what you need to make transformational progress, even with your existing busy schedule.
Testimonials
- Leticia Jones, Educator + Founder of inspirED (Atlanta, GA)
- Tiffany Fletcher, Consultant + Founder of One Point 5ive, (Indianapolis, IN)
- Dr. Sparkle Dorsey, Dentist + Founder of Triple P Academy (Aiken, SC)
Success Interviews
The Brand and Business Academy helped me hone in on who my real customers are, so I'm actually doing less work and am less exhausted in my business. It was also really valuable to learn the intellectual property part of the equation. I feel a lot more secure knowing that the things I've created are protected and can't be stolen from under me. In addition, the Brand and Business Academy community of [mostly] women starting their businesses is incredible. I learned so much from their experiences that I could apply to my own business.
- Anne T. Griffin, Tech Professional + Founder of Pivot Grow Hustle
Everybody needs a Shontavia. Once you tell her your dream, your dream becomes her dream. With her help, I've increased my rates and revenues by 200%, created a new business arm, and collaborated with brands with millions of followers within months.
- Jil Littlejohn Bostick, Fortune 500 Executive, Former Elected Official + Founder of Leadership and Love
Testimonials
- Crystal Everett, Educator + Founder of Everett Consulting (Kansas City, MO)
- Tamika Prince, Marketing Manager + Children's Book Author (Greenville, SC)
- Jan Osei-Tutu, Professor + Founder of JOT Kulture (Miami, FL)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Program Right For Me?
The Brand and Business Academy is best suited for professional women of color who want to start their business and brand themselves while working full-time. The academy is especially impactful if you want to start a business based on your skills, knowledge and expertise.
You do not have to be a person of color, a woman, or Black. But, you do need to be comfortable--and supportive--in spaces where we exist.
Do I Need to Attend All Sessions Live?
No. All modules are on-demand, and every Live session is recorded and shared within 48 hours.
Is There A Refund Policy?
Because of the nature of the academy as a digital, theoretically downloadable product, there are no refunds. Find the full terms and conditions here.
How Long Do I Have To Complete the Brand and Business Academy?
You can take as much time as you need to complete the academy. There’s absolutely no time limit or deadline for completion, though the Live Q+As/group coaching sessions only take place for 6 weeks after BBA goes Live for students .
We do, however, suggest you establish a consistent weekly schedule of 1 hour, 3x per week for watching the module videos and completing the action items.
You have access to BBA for as long as we are in business.
What If I Have Questions Or Need Support?
Once enrolled you’ll receive information from us on how best to contact us via email for questions about the coursework, or our technical support team for any system (online access or performance) issues. You will also be able to submit and ask questions during the Q+A sessions, and through our exclusive, private community.