31:17 is a private membership club that gives women of faith a place to accomplish their business dreams, grow their community and build their strength.

We are first collaborative space designed for and motivated by women of faith and color. 

In 2018, more than 2 million women were business owners. The numbers are explosive, but African American women lag in revenue. Making less than half of their counterparts in profit. When Forbes surveyed Black women in business they observed that the group lacks resources and community. "Frequently, black women don’t know who to go to, where to go and what organizations are out there that can support them." Co-working is a solution to the revenue gap in the business community. The businesses of women of faith and color matter. 31:17 intends to provide a place for women to get the resources they lack.

While coworking in general can solve the revenue lag, the women that 31:17 caters to have needs that no other coworking space answers. Our amenities list considers the business needs of the water walkers that will be in our space everyday; we also have benefits for women who need community more than an office. It's all about the benefits, baby!

Another coworking space?!

Yes. But, we are not just another space. Did you see those amenities? Still not convinced? Here's our advantage over big national competitors: Attention to detail.

Luxe furnishings and beautiful spaces are par for the course for coworking spaces. We aren't talking design, we mean attention to the needs of our niche. Women of Faith need spaces that will give them access to support for the things that matter most to them. Our space will focus on providing resources that will solve the profitability gap amongst women of color. Our competitors can't provide laser focused design for women of faith the way we can. We believe our prayer room will be just as important as the coffee and WiFi. Our attention to details, location and accessibility makes us the better choice for our target market.

Speaking of accessibility... Our membership prices take a good idea and make it a reality for our target market . Access to 31:17 starts at $100 a month. We will be situated on the historic campus of Monument of Faith Evangelistic Church, giving members a central place to work without the hassle of downtown traffic or commute. The Southside is home to so many entrepreneurs and small business. We see the lack of coworking spaces in our neck of the woods as an opportunity. 

Why are we crowdfunding?

We don't want to start without you! What is the point of starting a community if you can't depend on it? We are crowdfunding for two key reasons: Idea Validation and Community Galvanization (that's just a big word for empowerment). This round of funding proves our belief that women of faith and color need a space! While we are seeking the generosity of friends and family, we are really expecting future members to snag their spot. Which brings us to community galvanization.

Small groups can do powerful things. We want to empower our members by giving them the chance to build 31:17 from the ground up. Founding members will participate in surveys that will determine details both big and small. As movers and shakers, we know how to make something out of nothing. We want to show potential investors in 31:17 that we started this thing with the boss bunch that makes us tick everyday. 

Did you get sticker shock? Our ask sets our business up for success. According to a June 2019 article in Investopedia, "Of the vast number of small businesses that fail each year, nearly half of the entrepreneurs state a lack of funding or working capital is to blame." Working capital is the amount of money that we need outside of day to day operations to solidify that our business can meet the needs of growth.

We have more than 50% of our fund going to securing our lease and working capital. This will ensure that 31:17 can operate but it also signals to our members that we have crossed our t's and dotted our i's. Check out the pie chart to see how we will be using the money that we raise. 

Who are we?

31:17 is a community of women of faith started by a community of women and faith. Our board is a group of multi-hyphenated mavens who are making moves in their separate industries. Our ambassadors are a diverse group of women who believe in the 31:17 mission and our telling our stories to like-minded women. Our founder is Markeyla. 

We are you! Women who have been working on their dreams and visions. Women who are figuring it out as we go. Women getting better with time. 

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

We are absolutely floored at the opportunity to do what we are doing. Your generosity is going to start something so beautiful. Thank you for choosing to partner with us in creating a space that will truly champion women.