2009 Charles B. Benenson Entrepreneur Award

George Williams, Ujamaa Communications

Innovation, perseverance and strategic thinking are essential to becoming a successful entrepreneur.   George Williams of Ujamaa Communication has these in spades and has leveraged them, and support from Project Enterprise, to start and grow his thriving business.  George had been working to help a large corporation set up their computer networks in the late 1990’s.  But when that one contract dried up in 2000, he was in trouble.  “I was out of work just like that,” says George. “I had to pick myself up.”

So George came to Project Enterprise in 2002 to see if he could turn his computer expertise into a stable business.  He started consulting with small businesses in Harlem while working other jobs.  Through Project Enterprise he developed his marketing strategy and began networking to build his client base.

George faithfully attended Center Meetings and workshops with PE to help develop his business.  He laid the groundwork to expand his business into a full service technology company.  Slowly he built his customer base until he was able to quit his job to operate Ujamaa full-time.  Once he was operating full-time, he was soon ready to move into a storefront and get all the computer parts out of his family’s apartment.  “It made my wife and daughters as excited as me to move into the store.”

He accessed his first loan, of $1,750 to renovate a storefront, in late 2006.  PE’s loan helped him put a counter and floor into his store which would soon become a hub for tech support and computer repair services in Harlem.  Ujamaa Communications opened its doors in January 2007.  Ujamaa also began securing contracts with the city and local organizations to manage their computer networks.  Since opening the store, sales have increased from roughly $900 per month to more than $8,500. 

Later in 2007, George accessed a $10,000 from PE to purchase computer parts, undertake a marketing campaign and purchase a customer relationship management system to keep up with his growing clientele.  Soon, Ujamaa began offering graphic design and other technical services to meet all the needs of its customers.  Most recently, George began further renovating the store to make space to provide internet access to his neighbors within the store, since there are no local internet cafes. 

To keep up with growing demand for his services, George has hired a tech to assist with repairs and had a receptionist to staff the store.  George has entered into several bartering arrangements with other PE members, because as George says “small business owners might not have a lot of cash flow, but we all have expertise and time.” In exchange for desk space, one member provides a receptionist for the store; in exchange for computer repairs, another PE member helped him haul rubble from store renovations. 

One of his peers describes George as “a true leader who always takes time out to explain and help.  He has taught me so much about being a true business professional.”

George has taken PE’s philosophy of Big Connections very seriously.  Not only is he a leader in his Center, but he is a business trainer for PE, training new entrepreneurs who are joining the program.  He also works with other small businesses on his block and has become politically involved to advocate for the needs of small business owners.

To keep your computers running smoothly, contact George at www.ujamaacom.net.