Inspiring Conversations with Sonya Lane-Butler of CHANGE, Inc. (Communities Helping A New Generation of Entrepreneurs, Inc.)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonya Lane-Butler.

Hi Sonya , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am the Founder of CHANGE, Inc. and the Creator of the S. Lane Network for Entrepreneurs and Entertainers.

I started Communities Helping A New Generation of Entrepreneurs, Inc. (CHANGE, Inc.) in 2005. My goal was to help new entrepreneurs find the tools and resources needed to start a business.

My strategy was to go out into the communities and introduce people to the world of entrepreneurship.

I was met with mixed reactions some laughed at me and others embraced the conversation and took the information I gave them seriously and tried to become business owners. The biggest issue I faced was the limited resources that were available to new entrepreneurs. Workshops and events were being held about business development but all of the other resources needed to get started were limited.

For example, it was hard to find funding sources, affordable commercial real estate, and marketing agencies that worked with small business owners who had limited funds. In 2010 I started focusing on building a network of people who could help the entrepreneurs I was working with. I have had a lot of challenges in trying to find support for new business owners, but quitting was never an option for me.

As the years progressed during my journey I evolved with the times and kept CHANGE, Inc going through social media outlets and websites. I was so happy to see entrepreneurship becoming the norm in so many places across America.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The path of an entrepreneur has many challenges, which often makes it hard to keep up with the needs of the people who contact me for business start-up help. Its often hard to help them find funding, media coverage and affordable commercial properties.

I enhanced my networking efforts in order to connect with people who have access to the resources new entrepreneurs need.

We’ve been impressed with CHANGE Inc., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
CHANGE, Inc. offers three business start up trainings. Executive Grind, Boss Grind, and Master Grind; these sessions will give entrepreneurs the tools, resources, and information they need to build a successful business brand.

The Executive Grind is the first phase of the business start-up process. It will help you organize all of the steps you need to get your new business started. Each section of the business plan is included and has details to help you organize all of the information needed in each section of your plan.

Our Boss Grind Seminar is centered around becoming a leader and prepares you to organize the team you need to grow your company, define your business brand and enhance your networking abilities.

The Master Grind Seminar gives you the information you need to expand your brand into new markets

What sets me apart is that I have created an online community of creators, entrepreneurs and entertainers that is an extension of my organization that helps connect new business owners with other like minded people who can keep them encouraged and motivated on their journey towards being a successful business owner.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I am currently working on an AI Assistant that can answer any questions the people who visit my website may have, when I am unavailable. I think introducing AI is going to be very beneficial to the continuous growth of my online network.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theslanenetwork.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonyalane
• Other: https://changeinc.theslanenetwork.com