When CenterState CEO’s Start It! entrepreneurship program shifted into community spaces, something powerful happened.

At the North Side Learning Center in Syracuse, where many participants are New Americans, Start It! became more than just a class—it became a conversation. One led by Dr. Emad Rahim, a former refugee himself and now the Syracuse Surge Entrepreneurship Manager.

By teaching in a space where students already feel at home, Dr. Rahim helped unlock honest dialogue around business, identity, faith, and the real-world barriers these aspiring entrepreneurs face. And by showing up with shared understanding—of language, culture, and lived experience—he created room for ideas to flourish.

“It’s not just about business plans,” says Dr. Rahim. “It’s about helping people see that their dream is possible—even if they’re not ready to launch just yet.”

This cohort brought together future founders from diverse backgrounds—sharing struggles, swapping ideas, and even teaching one another. It’s a reminder that access, comfort, and connection matter just as much as curriculum when building an inclusive innovation ecosystem.

Whether or not every participant starts a business tomorrow, they now see a future where they could.

👉 Read the full conversation and hear how Dr. Rahim is building something deeper than entrepreneurship.
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