Project NILO

The mission of NILO Limited is to create new generations of talented business leaders by ensuring that each of its student athlete participants graduates with his/her own business.

There has been a historical problem of professional athletes, particularly those of color, going broke within a few years, even after successful careers. They have not been getting the education, information and mentoring in business management to succeed whether they are among the minute percent of college athletes that go pro or not.  The new promised NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation will only benefit a small percentage of the 520,000 college athletes and those few who do attract NIL money may not have the time for, access to or interest in being business majors during their hectic college years. NILO Limited will enhance financial literacy for any student (men, women, LBGTQIA+, students with disabilities, etc.) in any sport or any major. NILO Limited is different in that it also offers guidance for parents; it treats business know-how as a family affair.

Since the first part of the program is virtual (e.g., a series of online classes on branding, how to create an LLC or corporation, and how to assemble a support team), students can be from any college nationwide. NILO Limited will utilize knowledgeable, reputable, and objective business, community, and sports leaders (with real-life experience and who are excellent role models) to teach the courses (several of which would involve both the student and their parents). After the series of classes (which will culminate in the students writing and presenting their own business plans), NILO Limited will seek work study business opportunities for students. The 12-18 mo. curriculum is directed at first-year to junior-level students. Whether or not a student pursues a professional sports career, each student should leave the program with his/her own business. This business may or may not involve sports and will complement any NIL contracts the students may earn. 

This program will also benefit businesses and communities by providing skilled and eager interns, work study candidates, and a talented source of future employees and managers. NILO Limited will make the best use of new technological tools with its NILO Media division. NILO will have its own network (NILO TV) and relationships with other OTT networks to feature its techniques, students, sponsors, schools, and partners.

This funding is start-up funding, which would be used for materials (e.g., workbooks, promotional collateral, etc.); travel to and per diem to discuss the program with students, parents, and colleges; administration (equipment, software, utilities, office space); honorariums to speakers; and sponsorships for select students; legal and professional services expenses, and marketing.

NILO LIMITED is a domestic non-profit charity registered in Arizona.  It will be applying for tax-exempt status as well within IRS-determined guidelines.

NILO Limited has an outstanding Board of Directors and staff who have donated their knowledge, skills, and time to create the structure, curriculum, and methodology of the non-profit and program. It is time to solicit the financial and in-kind resources needed to launch the pilot program for students in 2023.