Darrin M. Redus Sr., chief inclusion officer of JumpStart, Inc. was the guest speaker at the Christian Business League’s “Faith and Finance” Breakfast on Friday, December 3rd. Over 80 business people and entrepreneurs were in attendance.

Darrin M. Redus Sr., chief inclusion officer of JumpStart, Inc. was the guest speaker at the Christian Business League’s “Faith and Finance” Breakfast on Friday, December 3rd. Over 80 business people and entrepreneurs were in attendance.

His topic was “Raising Capital for Your Business.”

Kim Johnson, CEO of First Class Real Estate Services, introduced Redus.

JumpStart Inc. is a regional entrepreneurial development organization that assists start-up and early stage businesses that have the potential to become $30-$50 million companies in the next 5-7 years. Redus’ primary role is to ensure that minority and women entrepreneurs receive full and equitable access to all available resources in support of their high potential businesses.

Redus gave five core elements for making sure that business deals get done.

“First, put God first and let him guide you. Become and expert in your field and do your homework. Surround yourself with people that are smarter that you. Have a big vision for your business and finally be willing to share the wealth.”

Three business leaders presented profiles of their businesses: Andre Russell, Operations Director for Sports and Spine Physical Therapy, Inc.; Carlos Taylor, Recruitment Director for City Year Cleveland and Ronald Wiley, Director of the Minority Business Enterprise Division of the Ohio Department of Development.

Ernest Lane, President of Planned Environmental Design presented the CBL vision which is, “to serve as a faith based organization, using a collaborative approach to community-wide economic development and empowerment.”

Christian Business League activities for 2011 will include: quarterly “Faith and Finance Breakfasts,” presentation of the Business Trailblazer Tribute Award, the Jobs Partnership Ministry, faith based economic empowerment seminars and business networking and mentoring.

Corporate sponsors of the Breakfast included, JumpStart Inc., Jobs Partnership of Cleveland, Cleveland State University, American Family Insurance, Village TV, the Call & Post, The Greenmont Party Center and Thomas Arts. The breakfast was videotaped for rebroadcast on Village TV, Time Warner Channel 218.

The next “Faith and Finance” Breakfast will be held on Friday, March 18, 2011 at the Greenmont Party Center, with Terrell Dillard, president, Jan-Pro Systems of Greater Cleveland as the guest speaker.