Tech entrepreneurship isn’t the only space where innovation lives.

Have you noticed that the “Founders” discussion these days (particularly the online discussion) places the spotlight on tech startups, apps, and high-growth SaaS companies? And while I respect the hustle in Silicon Valley (and Silicon Alley)...
that’s not the full story.

Where is the conversation about the other founders?

…the ones who open the shops, run the cafes, stock the shelves with locally made products, produce the block festivals, and breathe life into your neighborhood (not your codebase.)

The founders of retail spaces, restaurants, fitness studios, barbershops, nonprofit ventures, and neighborhood brands… these entrepreneurs grind HARD, day in day out, 24/7, 365.

And they’re not just running businesses.
They’re holding down the culture and showing up for the community.
They’re creating the neighborhoods you choose to live in.

Every time you buy a coffee, attend an outdoor market, grab a locally made product off a store shelf, or get your hair done down the block, you’re engaging with the kind of Founder the conversation seems to be overlooking these days.

And trust me, I know the grind personally.
I’ve been one of those Founders.
I’m still one of those Founders.
Retail owner. Restaurant owner. Service-provider/Consultant. Nonprofit founder.
(Been there, Done all that. Still doing that…25 years and counting.)

So here’s my take:
It’s time to redirect the Founder conversation because tech isn’t the only space where innovation lives; and entrepreneurship doesn’t only count if it’s VC-backed and exit-ready.

Let’s make space for the Founders building brick by brick,
the ones powering our streets, our shelves, and our sense of place.

Here’s the twist:
These traditional founders are also integrating tech and AI to streamline systems, reach new customers, and scale like never before. They're evolving…
without losing their roots.

I’ve spent my career championing these types of entrepreneurs, helping them launch, grow, pivot, and rise. (And I have a lot more “in the works” to continue that effort. More on that soon.)

If this conversation speaks to you, let me know in The Nitty Gritty online chat group.
And spread the word by sharing the newsletter with others, because the “non-tech founder” conversation is about to get louder, stronger, and grittier than ever.
You can believe that.

Let’s get gritty & grow together.

Nikoa Evans

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