Ontario, CA – December 17, 2025 — AmPac Business Capital and The Entrepreneur Ecosystem marked a significant milestone in California’s small business landscape with the second annual Leap 2 Launch Entrepreneur Development Program graduation and pitch competition. Eleven dedicated entrepreneurs from across Southern and Northern California completed the intensive 12-month program, competing for $50,000 in equity capital awards at AmPac’s Ontario headquarters.
Transforming California’s Small Business Landscape
The Leap 2 Launch program represents AmPac Business Capital’s commitment to strengthening California’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through structured mentorship, financial literacy education, and sustainable business growth strategies. Over twelve months, participants engaged in three progressive stages: the foundational LEAP Program, collaborative Peer Advisory sessions, and the intensive Launch Track—all designed to prepare small business owners for SBA and conventional financing opportunities.
“This program embodies our mission to invest in California’s entrepreneurs and create lasting economic impact throughout the state,” said Brian Kennedy Jr., Ecosystem Director at AmPac Business Capital. “Watching these business owners transform their operations and gain the clarity needed for sustainable growth has been extraordinary.”
Celebrating Our 2025 Graduating Class
The program’s second cohort brought together entrepreneurs from diverse industries across California, each bringing unique value to their communities and demonstrating exceptional growth throughout the year-long journey.
Bill Cortus – Certified Financial Planner & Distinguished Toastmaster
Bill Cortus is an accomplished communicator, influential community leader, and trusted financial advisor who has served clients since 2003 with Thrivent Financial, Citizens Trust, and US Bancorp Investments. He guides individuals, families, non-profit organizations, and small business owners by developing personalized financial plans. Bill excelled in both leadership and communications programs of Toastmasters International, leading the Inland Empire District to its first President’s Distinguished status and receiving a Toastmasters Presidential Citation. A regular participant in AmPac Business Capital’s Connecting Faith and Business Conference since its inception, Bill graduated from both the AmPac-sponsored 2025 City of Ontario Entrepreneurship Incubator and Leap 2 Launch programs, demonstrating his commitment to continuous growth and community impact.
Carlos Iglesias – Greens in House
Carlos Iglesias is revolutionizing food and energy systems through Greens in House, an innovative company building resilient, autonomous aquaponics solutions. With extensive practical experience in construction, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, and refrigeration, Carlos combines hands-on technical skills with entrepreneurial vision. He completed the Zero-to-Entrepreneur program at UC Riverside, receiving training in Modern Agriculture and Business, and won a pitch competition securing grant funding for early development. As a Spanish-speaking immigrant, Carlos’s journey embodies perseverance and discipline, driven by his mission to create systems that empower communities, reduce dependence on fragile supply chains, and make fresh, healthy food accessible even in challenging conditions. His work proves that sustainability, resilience, and economic viability can coexist.
Carol Earley – Human Potential Advocate & Life Coach
Carol Earley is a human potential advocate whose distinguished career spans the corporate world and a calling rooted in service, connection, and human development. With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and Business Administration, Carol is also a certified Life Coach, Doula, and Business Continuity Consultant. She is deeply committed to connecting with people—listening with intention, offering encouragement, and guiding individuals toward mastering one of life’s most powerful skills: the ability to love fully and authentically. Carol’s passion lies in maximizing human potential and helping people unlock the extraordinary quality of life, happiness, and fulfillment that become possible when they live with purpose and self-awareness.
CJ – CJ’s Klassy Closet
Meet CJ, a tween entrepreneur and founder of CJ’s Klassy Closet who proves that age is no barrier to business success. Already an author of three books available on Amazon, CJ is a creator with a passion for faith, creativity, and helping others. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence demonstrate the next generation of California business leaders taking shape today.
Eric LaNier – Higher Impact Financial
Eric LaNier is the founder of Higher Impact Financial, an independent wealth advisory firm based in Riverside, CA. Beginning his financial services career in 2019 with Edward Jones, Eric caught a vision for doing financial advisory work differently and more personally, leading him to take the entrepreneurial leap in July 2022. Higher Impact Financial provides private investment advisory services with special emphasis on tax and estate planning, ensuring clients have a clear, total picture of their financial lives. When not serving clients, Eric enjoys time with his wife Janelle and three children, and serves as a leader coach and elder board member at Stone Arbor Church in Riverside.
Leatrice “LJ” Johnson – FWL Live Scan & Fingerprinting / Freedom With Lynn
Leatrice “LJ” Johnson is a Commercial Real Estate expert, strategist, and co-owner of FWL Live Scan & Fingerprinting, serving the Victor Valley and Inland Empire. She leads Freedom With Lynn, a platform integrating notary, Live Scan, and real estate support services helping individuals and businesses stay compliant, funded, and transaction-ready. As SoCal Commercial Real Estate Director for PDF Group of Companies (a 30+ year development team for national brands like Dutch Bros, Auntie Anne’s, and Cinnabon), LJ specializes in tertiary and emerging markets, closing deals across industrial, retail, office, and special-use assets. She serves her community as a board member of the High Desert Sports Foundation and Belive Arts, and as Vice-Chair of the eXp California Agent Advisory Council representing over 100,000 agents statewide. LJ and Ashlynn champion accessible, low-cost fingerprinting and compliance services for caregivers, educators, nonprofit staff, youth-sports volunteers, and justice-impacted job seekers—building a financially independent future and repeatable template for generational wealth.
Ashlynn Drayton-Johnson – FWL Live Scan & Fingerprinting / CRA Mortgage Banker
Ashlynn Drayton-Johnson is a CRA Mortgage Banker with BMO and co-owner/operator of FWL Live Scan & Fingerprinting, where she bridges banking, compliance, and community impact. With 20+ years of banking and lending experience at Capital One, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Desert Community Bank, and ML Mortgage, Ashlynn brings deep expertise in consumer lending, mortgage origination, and community-focused credit solutions. In her CRA mortgage role, she helps low- to moderate-income borrowers and first-time buyers access responsible mortgage products, down-payment assistance, and sustainable homeownership pathways. As both a CRA loan officer and Live Scan operator, she understands the full journey from background checks and licensing to employment and homeownership, leveraging this through Freedom With Lynn to support financial literacy, grant education, and on-site fingerprinting for nonprofits, training programs, and employers. She serves on the board of the High Desert Sports Foundation, developing financial education workshops for athletes and the community.
Jackie Senkandwa – Africana Star & Minority Wealth Gap
Jackie Senkandwa is co-founder of Minority Wealth Gap and the driving force behind Africana Star, a community-driven business created to uplift and empower. Africana Star supports African-owned businesses by promoting clothing, culture, and creativity, while creating opportunities for people reentering society after incarceration. The mission blends cultural pride with workforce development, helping individuals build skills, dignity, and sustainable careers through both local partnerships and online commerce. As co-founder of Minority Wealth Gap, Jackie is deeply passionate about empowering women entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for economic independence, focusing on mentorship, education, and building networks that help women thrive in their ventures. Her work combines dedication to social impact with commitment to fostering equity and sustainable growth for women in business.
LaCresha Grayson – The Good Part Consulting LLC
LaCresha Grayson serves as Chief Visionary Officer of The Good Part Consulting LLC and founder of The Good Part Perspective nonprofit organization. With over 20 years of experience in youth empowerment, she enriches the lives of adolescents and young adults through transformative programming and mentorship. LaCresha develops and implements innovative programs focusing on relational, emotional, and life-enhancing outcomes through her “whole person transformation” approach addressing mental clarity, emotional intelligence, and personal growth. She specializes in creating safe environments where youth can explore challenges, develop coping strategies, and recognize their capacity for positive change. Author of “The Lie That Needs to be Untold,” LaCresha’s book directly addresses breaking free from limiting self-beliefs and empowers youth to see themselves as brilliant, powerful, and wonderful beings. Through speaking engagements, workshops, live theatre, and program development, she continues expanding her impact with one core mission: empowering youth to recognize their worth and build resilient futures.
Malia Wrighting – Malia Candles
Malia Wrighting is CEO and Founder of Malia Candles, a company born from her desire for high-quality, ethically made candles. Combining a cherished memory of her mother’s inviting candlelit home with her passion for natural ingredients and sustainable practices, Malia built a brand on quality, craftsmanship, and community. Malia Candles enhances spaces with divine scents while promoting sustainability and ethical sourcing—deeply committed to using natural ingredients, supporting local suppliers, and minimizing environmental impact. She actively supports organizations that empower women and promote economic development within the Black community. With two Bachelor of Science degrees in Sociology and Recreation (with minors in Psychology and Social Work) from Cal State East Bay, plus a Master of Science in Quality Assurance (with a minor in Health Administration) from Cal State Dominguez Hills, Malia’s diverse educational background combined with her passion for craftsmanship has been instrumental in building and scaling Malia Candles.
Nanette Hunter – D-Unique Tools Inc.
Nanette Hunter, Oakland native and President/CEO of D-Unique Tools Inc., has been instrumental in targeting and developing accounts with hardware stores and ecommerce platforms throughout the Bay Area. A graduate of Cal State Hayward with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, Nanette also completed executive education programs at Dartmouth College’s Tuck School and UCLA Anderson School of Management. Her diverse work experience spans banking, special event coordination, and youth program development. Selected as the British Airways Face of Opportunity Winner, Nanette traveled to China, France, and the United Kingdom for face-to-face business meetings, demonstrating her commitment to building international business relationships. She’s a participant in the Entrepreneur Mentoring Program (an Inc. Magazine and William J. Clinton Foundation Partnership) and author of “You Can Do It! Be Determined and Persevere,” available on Amazon.
YaVonne Palmer – HR Consulting & Performance Management
YaVonne Palmer brings over two decades of experience in performance management, organizational development, and people operations. With exceptional background spanning corporate learning and development, quality assurance leadership, and HR consulting, YaVonne’s work reflects strong commitment to building sustainable systems that help organizations stay compliant, attract and retain talent, and grow with precision. Known for her signature Go Green Performance System—a practical Red/Yellow/Green accountability framework—YaVonne partners with leaders to strengthen execution, improve team alignment, and drive measurable results. Guided by faith and grounded in integrity and respect, her approach is both strategic and people-centered, helping small and mid-sized businesses transform HR from transactional to transformational.
The Pitch Competition: Where Preparation Meets Opportunity
Following twelve months of intensive preparation, participants delivered compelling three-minute pitches to a distinguished panel of judges including Alice Fang from ABB, Monique Carter representing the City of Fontana, Eric Alalay from Colombia Bank, and Stephanie Garcia of CalOSBA. Each entrepreneur presented their business structure, key performance indicators, and growth trajectory—demonstrating the tangible impact of the program on their operations.
The competition evaluated three critical areas worth 30 total points: presentation quality (10 points), business structure and KPI tracking (10 points), and year-over-year growth demonstrating program impact (10 points). The stakes were substantial, with equity capital awards totaling $50,000:
- 1st Place: $25,000
- 2nd Place: $15,000
- 3rd Place: $10,000
The energy in the room was electric as each entrepreneur took the stage, sharing their journey and vision with confidence gained from a year of intensive development and peer support.
Building California’s Economic Future
The Leap 2 Launch program fills a critical gap in small business support across California. While many entrepreneurs possess industry expertise and operational know-how, they often lack access to structured business development resources and capital readiness preparation. This program provides exactly that foundation—combining strategic planning, financial literacy, accountability, and peer support into a comprehensive growth framework.
“These entrepreneurs represent the future of California’s economy,” noted Hilda Kennedy during her special remarks to the graduates. “Their success creates jobs, strengthens communities, and demonstrates what’s possible when we invest in local business owners with vision and determination.”
Creating the program in partnership with Marshall Krupp, founder of Peer Executive Boards and Professional EOS® Implementer, the program combines executive coaching methodologies with practical business fundamentals. Monthly sessions over the year created accountability, peer support, and expert guidance—essential ingredients for sustainable business growth.
Looking Ahead: Growing Impact Across California
With two successful cohorts now graduated, AmPac Business Capital continues expanding The Entrepreneur Ecosystem’s impact throughout California. Applications for the 2026 Leap 2 Launch Entrepreneur Development Program will open in early 2026.
Program Highlights:
- 12-month structured curriculum combining LEAP, Peer Advisory, and Launch Track phases
- Monthly mandatory sessions (fourth Wednesday, 4-6 PM)
- Executive coaching with Professional EOS® Tools and growth guidance
- Comprehensive business assessment and strategic planning
- Financial readiness preparation for SBA and conventional lending
- Peer cohort support and collaborative learning
- Graduation pitch competition with equity capital awards
Program Graduation & Pitch Competition Recap Video
About AmPac Business Capital
AmPac Business Capital specializes in SBA lending and small business financing throughout California and beyond. Through The Entrepreneur Ecosystem, AmPac provides comprehensive support programs including the Leap 2 Launch Entrepreneur Development Program, designed to strengthen small businesses and create economic opportunity in communities across the state.
For information about future cohorts or AmPac’s financing solutions, visit AmPac.com or contact the Ecosystem team at (909) 915-1706.