Navigating Turbulence: Congratulations to the New Leadership for a Resilient Tomorrow

The StartUP Fund, previously, StartUP Siler, LLC, and I, Kristen Picot, the managing partner of the StartUP Fund and President of CJF America, Inc. want to send congratulations from the bottom of my heart to Mayor-Elect Donald Matthews and Town Council Member-Elect, Travis Patterson for their victory. I understand that this is a momentous and historical moment for those in Siler City.

In late 2021, StartUP Siler signed the lease at 235 E Raleigh St. Suite A, Siler City, North Carolina. We were excited to open up an office and to start involving the community and to build relationships. However, each step of the way was met with those who wished we were not there.

The opposition was partly due to my familial ties to two candidates running in the 2022 Siler City Municipal Election. This was enough to destroy relationships, cause damage to myself and more.

For nearly two years, I, and those at the Foundation, have experienced daily harassment in the form of text messages, people following me home, lies spread on my character and the Foundation’s, work ethic and more. This served to hurt my position and StartUP Siler’s work in Siler City. We lost out on opportunities for the community, such as North Carolina State University bringing their Data Explorers Program to Jordan Matthews High School, and more.

I find it difficult to relay how incredibly challenging and dehumanizing this has been, and I have only encountered it for a few years. I know these types of situations have been occurring for decades, and I truly do not know how people cope with the abuse.

I can speak of my feelings in regards to this matter, and how it has affected me. It has resulted me in being fearful to walk outside, I am scared to post on my social media, or tag any friends as they receive messages from it. Again, I am grateful for the support of my company, my friends, mentor and my oldest brother.

Below are a few of the thousands of texts, from multiple numbers that I have received. I want to reiterate, this is only from what I have received, my esteemed colleagues and those that have partnered with the Foundation, have received them as well. These messages and vandalism of my office at the Foundation, contain threats of rape.

Please be forewarned of the insidious nature of the content, and proceed with caution.

With each attack, we would adapt. However, each step we would take forward, would be met with accusations and allegations and then silence.

During this time, everyone at the StartUP Siler office was receiving harassment in the form of texts and social media. This was long after the Election ended. Finally, it accumulated into violence and vandalism.

In 2023, our office was broken into and vandalized not one, but three times. Graffiti was throughout the office and a used condom was left in the hallway. Threats written on the walls correlate with text messages threatening to rape me for being there.

Pictured is the door to Kristen Picot’s office at StartUP Siler.

Picture is the wall in the Reception Area at StartUP Siler.

Pictured is from another act of vandalism, a used condom was left on the floor in the common area for the building, that is behind a locked door. 

During our time in Siler City, the lies began to wear on relationships. Those relationships that we had built in the community were torn apart by those falsehoods. Anything that I would do to bring opportunities to the community, an opposing view would be propped up as the narrative that suggested that I was anything other than what I was doing to help the community. Those chances slowly dwindled, because of these accusations and allegations made by the select few, who only sought to prosper themselves rather than to prosper as a whole town. As a professional and as a human, it has been frustrating and disheartening, to continue to defend against such lies and attacks.

My resilience comes from the people that I am able to encounter and those who still hold their trust in me. From a foster mother who I became an advocate for in the school system, to hearing the countless stories that those in the community have to tell, that is what fueled me to stay until we had to leave for safety. I have seen what can be done in other cities and that is why my fortitude is only established by the overwhelming need of the same resources that metropolitan cities, like Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, Chapel Hill, receive, and other cities that are governed and run by people who are there to serve the people rather than themselves.

This is a historic win, and for that reason, I would like to, on behalf of Startup Siler, LLC and CJF America, Inc., congratulate Donald Matthews and Travis Patterson for their victory. Because those two will bring to the table the progression that the city needs to move forward and I cannot wait to work with them.

Justin Hare | Jason Hare | Chandler Picot | Kristen Picot | Startup siler| CJF América | Courtney Jordan Foundation| Courtney Jordan entrepreneur

Capturing Success: Justin and Jason Hare Shine Bright with StartUP Siler’s Accelerated Brilliance

In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, innovation and dedication can lead to remarkable success stories. We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of Justin and Jason, two outstanding members of StarUP Siler, LLC – the incubator, accelerator, and investment arm of CJF America. Their recent recognition with a “Brighter Future Grant” is a testament to their hard work and the support they’ve received through the StartUP Siler startup ecosystem.

Justin and Jason Hare’s journey is a testament to the power of unwavering work ethic and unyielding determination. From the early days of their startup venture, they embraced challenges with a tenacity that set them apart. Their commitment to excellence, paired with a relentless pursuit of improvement, has not only catapulted their photography and videography business to new heights but has also made them the exclusive visual storytellers for the EXP Realty conference and awards in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their outstanding performance is more than just a snapshot of success; it’s a cinematic portrayal of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. As their trajectory continues to soar, it’s clear that Justin and Jason’s future will be nothing short of brilliant. Their story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, reminding us all that with perseverance, passion, and an unshakeable work ethic, the sky is not the limit— it’s just the beginning of a brighter, limitless future.

Chandler Picot, a resident and advocate of Siler City, NC,  as the newest addition to the dynamic team of Justin and Jason Hare is not just a personnel update; it’s a testament to the collaborative and community-driven spirit fostered by the startup ecosystem at StartUP Siler, LLC. Chandler, who initially joined the ranks as a volunteer for CJF America, has seamlessly transitioned into a key team member for the Hare Brothers’ photography and videography business. Stepping into the role of marketing liaison, Chandler brings not only a wealth of expertise but also a deep understanding of the mission-driven values instilled by CJF America.

As a volunteer turned team member, Chandler’s journey is a shining example of the collaborative and inclusive culture championed by StartUP Siler, LLC. His commitment to the mission of uplifting underserved communities through STEM and entrepreneurship aligns seamlessly with the overarching goals of CJF America. Now, as a vital part of the Hare Brothers’ team, Chandler’s marketing prowess is set to amplify the impact of their visual storytelling.

The seamless integration of Chandler Picot into the Hare Brothers’ team not only underscores the strength of the StartUP Siler startup ecosystem in fostering talent but also exemplifies how individuals with a shared passion for community empowerment can come together to create something extraordinary. As the Hare Brothers’ venture continues to grow and evolve, Chandler’s strategic contributions are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of success for this dedicated team. Together, they are not just building a business; they are creating a collaborative success story that reflects the ethos of Siler, LLC and CJF America.

The StartUP Siler Ecosystem: StartUP Siler, LLC operates as a comprehensive startup ecosystem, encompassing an incubator, accelerator, and investment arm, all under the umbrella of CJF America, a non-profit organization committed to uplifting underserved communities through STEM and entrepreneurial investments. This unique setup provides entrepreneurs with not only financial support but also mentorship, resources, and a network that is crucial for the growth of startups.

Understanding the Incubator and Accelerator: In the realm of startups, the terms “incubator” and “accelerator” are often used interchangeably, but they serve distinct purposes in the journey of a fledgling business.

1. Incubator: Nurturing Ideas and Businesses An incubator is like a greenhouse for startups. It’s designed to nurture the early stages of a business, providing a supportive environment for the development of ideas into viable products or services. Incubators offer resources such as office space, mentorship, and access to shared services. Startups in the incubation phase have the opportunity to refine their business models, conduct market research, and build a solid foundation before fully entering the market.

2. Accelerator: Fast-Tracking Growth and Success On the other hand, an accelerator focuses on rapidly accelerating the growth of startups that have already passed the initial stage. It’s an intensive program that typically lasts for a fixed period, during which startups receive mentorship, training, and exposure to potential investors. Accelerators often culminate in a demo day, where startups pitch their businesses to a room full of investors. This fast-paced environment is designed to propel startups to the next level, helping them scale quickly and efficiently.

Justin and Jason’s Success Story: The recent success of Justin and Jason, propelled by their involvement with the StartUP Siler accelerator, exemplifies the power of a well-rounded startup ecosystem. The “Brighter Future Grant” they received has not only validated their hard work but also provided a significant boost to their photography and videography business. Their exclusive partnership with EXP Realty for a major conference and awards event in Charlotte, North Carolina, speaks volumes about the caliber of startups nurtured by the StartUP Siler ecosystem.

Justin Hare and Jason Hare’s journey is a shining example of what can be achieved with a combination of passion, dedication, and the right support system. The StartUP Siler startup ecosystem, with its incubator and accelerator components, has played a crucial role in shaping their success. As we congratulate them on their achievements, we also extend an invitation to aspiring entrepreneurs. If you’re ready to turn your dreams into reality, consider reaching out to StartUP Siler, LLC for a chance to receive a micro grant or join their incubator. The path to success in the entrepreneurial world is challenging, but with the right support, it becomes an exciting and rewarding journey.

StartUP Siler is Now The StartUP Fund

StartUP Siler, a major initiative of CJF America, Inc., the United States giving arm of the Courtney Jordan Foundation, became StartUP Siler, LLC. StartUP Siler is a $20 million investment fund aimed at revitalizing economically disadvantaged rural communities. 

This transition came after the continued attacks fueled by racism and sexism in Chatham County, North Carolina.

The StartUP Siler office suffered three break-ins, that resulted in vandalism and destruction and theft of property. We were targeted due to the support we gave to all within the community, which is a majority minority. This vandalism is in correlation with the threatening and harassing text messages that we have received for over a year. 

Pictures of some of the damage have been included, please be advised that the photos show slurs directed towards our staff in retaliation for standing up for those within the community. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our, Senior Vice President, who leads the North American Division of the Courtney Jordan Foundation, and the Managing Partner of StartUP Siler, LLC., Kristen Picot, had her door vandalized (as shown) and her safety threatened, “I have never in my life experienced such hatred like that which has been directed towards myself and those at StartUP Siler. This transition is for the safety of those at the office and those who we help. We will continue to foster entrepreneurship and an environment that is inclusive for all.”

We at StartUP Siler felt unsafe to continue at that location, and the owner of the building did not wish to keep renting to us due to the vandalism that occured. Our employees and those who visited the office were routinely harassed and stalked. To this day, we still receive threats and messages via text messaging. Due to the continuous harassment and threats, we have moved offices. 

With the new StartUP Fund we are able to continue to foster entrepreneurship and do so, beyond Siler City. We appreciate all of the love and support we have been given during this time period and transition. We will not stop and continue to be the change we want to see.