Lawrence F. Jackson

Founder & Executive Director – Emerging Enterprise Group, LLC
Founder – Center for Financial Excellence

Entrepreneurial Impact

Lawrence F. Jackson is a Detroit-based entrepreneur, educator, and strategist who has built his career on empowering business owners with the financial intelligence and clarity they need to thrive. As the Founder and Executive Director of Emerging Enterprise Group, LLC (EEG), Jackson has guided hundreds of for-profit and nonprofit businesses in navigating cash flow, building projections, structuring deals, and developing strategies that position them for long-term growth.

His mission is clear: “Change the economy from the bottom up” by training entrepreneurs to master their money, strengthen their mindset, and scale their enterprises with confidence.

Credentials & Education

B.S. in Finance – Wayne State University

MBA – Davenport University

Harvard Business School – Certificate in Accounting

Certified Business Consultant

FastTrac Facilitator

Color Accounting™ Certificate of Completion – Level 1 & 2

Background in U.S. Federal Tax Preparation and Research

Awards & Recognition

ProsperUS Detroit Entrepreneur Choice Award – 2016 & 2017

Monica Echeverri Casarez Neighborhood Hero Award – 2022

Respected trainer and coach for TechTown Detroit, Michigan Women’s Business Center, and Start-Up Week

Publications & Thought Leadership

Co-Author & Publisher of What Up DOE! – A Love Letter to Entrepreneurs and TA Providers, written in collaboration with six Detroit-based technical assistance (TA) professionals. The book serves as a cultural and strategic playbook for entrepreneurs navigating the capital process.

Creator of the What Up DOE™ Framework and the Biz Mind Diet™ Methodology, innovative systems for transforming financial literacy into execution and strategic power.

New Ventures

Founder, Center for Financial Excellence – A groundbreaking initiative dedicated to training young men ages 14 to 24 for careers in the financial industry, equipping them with both technical knowledge and entrepreneurial mindset.

Community & Legacy

Grandfather, mentor, and community leader, dedicated to shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals.

Accomplished musician, with the release of the CD Baba Kwesi’s Pound Cake, blending creative artistry with entrepreneurial discipline.

Known for responsive leadership, Jackson has contributed to Detroit’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through recovery programs, workshops, and mentorship, ensuring entrepreneurs have both tools and mindset to succeed.

Why He Stands Out

Holistic Entrepreneur: Balances business acumen with cultural leadership and community investment.

Recognized & Credentialed: With Harvard certification, tax expertise, and multiple awards, he brings both credibility and proven results.

Builder of Systems: From What Up DOE! to the Center for Financial Excellence, he creates platforms that extend impact far beyond himself.

Cultural Connector: Embodies Detroit’s entrepreneurial spirit—resilient, resourceful, and rooted in community.

Snapshot Table

Category

Achievement

Education

B.S. Finance (Wayne State), MBA (Davenport), Harvard Certificate in Accounting

Certifications

Business Consultant, FastTrac Facilitator, Color Accounting (Lvl 1 & 2)

Expertise

U.S. Federal Tax Prep & Research, Business Finance, Cash Flow, Deal Structuring

Awards

ProsperUS Entrepreneur Choice (2016, 2017), Monica Casarez Neighborhood Hero (2022)

Publications

What Up DOE! (Co-Author with 6 Detroit TA Providers), Biz Mind Diet™

New Venture

Founder – Center for Financial Excellence (training young men 14–24 for finance careers)

Community Impact

TA provider, trainer, ecosystem leader, recovery program facilitator

Creative Work

CD: Baba Kwesi’s Pound Cake

Personal Legacy

Grandfather, mentor, advocate for urban entrepreneurs