The Milky Way Tech Hub will launch a new mastermind group in May to build community and provide support for entrepreneurs around the country.
The Milky Way Tech Hub, a Milwaukee-based initiative that works to transform the city into a tech hub that uplifts the economy and addresses racial wealth and achievement gaps, is the group behind Wisconsin Tech Month and helped push the state into being named a regional tech hub in October 2023. Its latest offering in its mission will come this May as it launches the “Milky Way Mafia.”
Its founder, Nadiyah Johnson, has continuously moved towards the advancement of opportunities in tech past Wisconsin Tech Month. The Milky Way Tech Hub also runs a business accelerator program — where Johnson found the inspiration for Milk Way Mafia. The new effort fits neatly in its three pillars: STEM education, workforce and entrepreneurship, and community.
“Oftentimes, over the last seven years, I’ve ran into different founders who have expressed wanting more community, who have expressed regret being a solo founder. We’re looking to fill that gap by making sure that as we build as innovators we’re not doing it alone,” Johnson said.
Milky Way Mafia will connect entrepreneurs together to build that community long sought. In the group, bi-weekly check-ins will be held to help keep fellow entrepreneurs accountable to their goals, share ideas and discuss books.
Johnson notes the lack of groups like it for the area. Often, she said, groups similar to Milky Way Mafia are more abundant on the coasts — but Milwaukee and the Midwest generally lack the same opportunities in tech.
“There’s masterminds all throughout the nation,” Johnson said. “I wanted to create one that is specific to the demographic that we serve, so that we have the resources and create intentional programming to support people to get their businesses to the next level.”
The first run of Milky Way Mafia will span three months as a pilot version. Every meeting will center around an assigned book. Current planned books are “Your First Million” by Arlan Hamilton and “We Should All Be Millionaires” by Rachel Rodger. More books will be planned, with a new one planned for every meeting.
Milky Way Mafia currently has its application open to join the group through April 24 or when capacity is filled. Three tiers of membership are offered at $150 for general admission, $300 for VIP or $500 for Platinum.
The first cohort will start on May 15.
