Short Summary

• My name is Broderick Williams. I am a passionate educator, dedicated community advocate, and innovative entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the public school system. I have dedicated my life to shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning. I am now taking my commitment to the community, to the next level as I open the doors to Mix'd Up Ice Cream and Community Hub. I believe that communities thrive on creativity, connection, and collaboration. That is why I am excited to introduce the Mix'd Up Ice Cream and Community Hub. It will be a vibrant space, designed to bring people together. Imagine an independent bookstore filled with stories waiting to be discovered, a small event space for local gatherings, a co-working hub for budding entrepreneurs, a business incubator, and an accessible venue for community events. 
• This isn't just an ice cream shop; its a dream come true for a community that deserves a place to connect, learn, and grow. With your support, we can make the Mix'd Up Ice Cream and Community Hub a reality. Join us in creating a space where flavors mix, and ideas flourish, and help us build a stronger, more connected community for everyone. Let's scoop up some support together! 

• By contributing to the Mixed Up Ice Cream Community Hub, you’re not just funding a project; you’re helping to create a transformative space that will have a lasting impact on our community. Your support will enable us to:

  1. Cultivate Creativity: With an independent bookstore, we’ll ignite the imagination of readers of all ages, fostering a love for literature and lifelong learning.

  2. Empower Local Voices: Our small event space will serve as a platform for local artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to share their talents, ideas, and stories, creating a vibrant tapestry of diverse perspectives.

  3. Inspire Collaboration: The co-working hub will provide a dynamic environment for freelancers, startups, and creatives to connect, collaborate, and innovate, driving economic growth and community engagement.

  4. Strengthen Community Bonds: By hosting various community events, we’ll create opportunities for neighbors to come together, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships, creating a stronger, more united community.

  5. Create Lasting Change: Your contribution will help establish a hub that not only serves as a gathering place but also empowers individuals and families, uplifts local businesses, and fosters a sense of belonging.

  Together, we can create a powerful legacy—one scoop, one story, and one connection at a time. Join us in this exciting journey to elevate our community and make a difference that will be felt for generations to come!

What We Need & What You Get

• To successfully launch the Mix’d Up Community Hub, we aim to raise $15,000. 

  Here’s a high-level breakdown of how the funds will be allocated:

  - Renovation and Setup Costs (40% - $6,000):

    - Bookstore buildout and interior design: $3,500

    - Equipment and supplies for podcasting and event space: $2,500

  - Program Development (30% - $4,500):

    - Educational materials and resources: $1,500

    - Marketing and outreach: $1,500

    - Workshop facilitator fees: $1,500

  - Operational Costs (20% - $3,000):

    - Initial inventory for books and supplies: $1,500

    - Utilities and other recurring costs for the first few months: $1,500

  - Contingency Fund (10% - $1,500):

    - Reserve for unexpected expenses or opportunities that arise during the execution of the project.

Perks

To express our gratitude for your support, we are excited to offer several rewards for our backers:

- $25 Pledge: Receive exclusive updates on our progress and be the first to know about upcoming events and workshops.

- $50 Pledge: Get a personalized thank-you note and a Mix’d Up Community Hub promotional item to show your support.

- $100 Pledge: Enjoy a limited-edition Mix’d Up Ice Cream sweat shirt and all previous rewards.

- $250 Pledge: Receive a VIP invitation to all Mix'd Up Community Hub events, along with a special shout-out on our social media channels.

- $500 Pledge: Get a private tour of the community hub and a one-on-one lunch provided by me, plus all previous rewards.

These perks not only express our gratitude but also allow you to be a part of this exciting endeavor!

Risks & Challenges

•  Funding Challenges: Securing sufficient funds to launch and sustain the Mixed Up Ice Cream Community Hub may be difficult, especially in a competitive crowdfunding landscape.

 Solution: I plan to engage with our community through storytelling and outreach, emphasizing the unique value of the Mix’D Up Community hub. By showcasing testimonials from local supporters and leveraging social media to amplify our message, I’ll create a compelling case for contributions. Additionally, I’ll explore diverse funding sources, including grants and partnerships with local businesses.

• Community Engagement: Gaining the support and participation of the community can be challenging, especially if there’s a lack of awareness about the hub’s benefits.

  Solution: I will implement a robust community engagement plan that includes hosting informational sessions, pop-up events, and ice cream tastings to generate excitement. Collaborating with local schools, organizations, and influencers will help build a network of advocates who can spread the word.

• Operational Challenges: Running a community hub involves managing diverse activities and ensuring all aspects operate smoothly, from events to co-working spaces.

  Solution: I bring over 25 years of experience in education and community service, which has equipped me with strong organizational and leadership skills. I will develop a clear operational plan that includes hiring dedicated staff, creating volunteer opportunities, and establishing feedback loops to continually improve our offerings based on community input.

• Competition: Competing with other local businesses and community spaces for attention and patronage can be a hurdle.

  Solution: To differentiate the Mixed Up Ice Cream Community Hub, I will focus on our unique combination of services—ice cream, books, events, and co-working—creating a one-stop-shop for community engagement. Offering special events, workshops, and themed nights will also draw in diverse audiences and keep them returning.

My Qualifications to Overcome Hurdles

• Experienced Educator: My 25 years in the public school system have honed my ability to connect with individuals, understand community needs, and foster collaborative environments.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: As the founder of Mixed Up Ice Cream and co-founder of Gold Link Beard Company, I have firsthand experience in launching and managing successful businesses, equipping me with the skills to navigate challenges and adapt strategies as needed.
• Community Advocate: My deep commitment to community service and advocacy has given me a strong understanding of the local landscape and the ability to mobilize support effectively.
• Networking Skills: I have established relationships within the community and local organizations, which will be invaluable in garnering support, resources, and collaboration opportunities.

By leveraging my experience, community connections, and a clear action plan, I am confident in my ability to navigate these hurdles and bring the Mixed Up Ice Cream Community Hub to life!

Other Ways You Can Help

We believe in the power of community, and your support can help us amplify our reach. We encourage you to share our campaign with your friends, family, and networks. Whether through social media, email, or word of mouth, every share helps us connect with more potential backers who believe in our mission. Together, we can create a space that empowers individuals and fosters economic growth in Fort Worth. Thank you for considering supporting the Mix’d Up Community Hub!