Miami, FL – 2024 – BossUp/Rap Snacks Foundation, in partnership with NFL player and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell, the City of Miami, the Liberty Square Community, the Related Group, and beverage manufacturer GIB/Pride Road, concluded an innovative 8-week Entrepreneurship Bootcamp centered around bottled beverage development. This groundbreaking program empowered students from Liberty City to create farm-to-table, health-conscious beverages while gaining hands-on business experience.
As a proud native of Liberty City, Tutu Atwell collaborated with BossUp FDN to develop his own line of bottled beverages. Inspired by the nonprofit’s vision for youth empowerment, Atwell extended an invitation to students from his community to join him in this entrepreneurial journey. “I’ve always believed in giving back to Liberty City,” said Atwell. “This program gave our young people a chance to learn and build something from the ground up, and I’m so proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
The bootcamp provided students with an immersive experience in entrepreneurship. Guided by experts from GIB/Pride Road, a Georgia-based beverage manufacturer, participants learned about ingredient sourcing, flavor profile development, and the manufacturing process. Over the course of eight weeks, students developed and produced a minimum viable product (MVP) made entirely from farm-to-table ingredients without harmful additives, reflecting the program’s commitment to health and sustainability.
“This initiative embodies the power of collaboration and innovation,” said Wise Intelligent, President/CEO, Rap Snacks/BossUp FDN. “With the support of incredible partners like Tutu Atwell, the Related Group, and GIB/Pride Road, we’ve shown these students that entrepreneurship is not just about business—it’s about creating something meaningful that benefits their community.”
The Related Group, a developer committed to empowering communities through affordable housing and supportive initiatives, also played a key role in the program. “Entrepreneurship programs like this are critical to uplifting neighborhoods like Liberty City,” said Guillermo Mazon, Development Manager at The Related Group. “They provide opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and contribute to their community’s development.”
The bootcamp concluded with students presenting their bottled beverages to other students, community leaders and industry experts. Their creations showcased creativity, innovation, and a commitment to health-conscious living, embodying the spirit of Liberty City’s resilience and determination.
As BossUp FDN continues to foster programs that bridge the gap between youth empowerment and economic development, the success of this initiative highlights the transformative impact of investing in underserved communities.