About Stage2Startups
Be An Entrepreneur At Any Age!
Because it’s Time to Follow Your dream of running Your Own Business
At Stage2Startups, our mission is to empower individuals to transform their work and life experiences into successful businesses. Launched in 2017, we focus particularly on supporting founders from underrepresented populations, including women, people of color, and immigrants to the U.S.Stage2Startups gives you the tools, resources, and support you need to transform your entrepreneurial vision into reality. By becoming part of our community, you'll connect with like-minded individuals and mentors who understand your journey and can offer valuable insights.
Our workshops and training sessions are designed to equip you with practical skills and knowledge, while our networking opportunities can open doors to collaboration and growth. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your venture to the next level, Stage2Startups provides a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity and fosters innovation.
Don't just dream about your future—take the next step with us! Let us inspire and empower you to turn your vision into reality.
Meet The Stage2Startups Co-Founders
Betty Wong
Betty is a dynamic entrepreneur with a remarkable track record in launching successful companies across various sectors. Her innovative spirit has driven her to create products and platforms that have made a significant impact in their markets.
In her corporate career, Betty was instrumental in the development of notable products, including Crystal Light Drink Mix for General Foods, Confetteria Raffaello, a coconut-based candy for Ferrero SpA, and Veridex, a breast cancer detection test for Johnson & Johnson.
Transitioning into entrepreneurship, Betty founded several startup companies that highlight her commitment to innovation and community. She established WES.org, an international education evaluation reporting platform, and Geni-connects.org, an early professional networking site that connected individuals across industries. Additionally, she launched Servicefinders.com, a precursor to Angie’s List, and created Introamerica.com, an online information platform catering to diverse audiences.
Today, Betty continues to empower aspiring entrepreneurs through Stage2Startups, where she shares her wealth of knowledge and experience to help individuals transform their ideas into successful businesses and nonprofits. With her passion for innovation and dedication to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs, Betty is making a lasting impact in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Felipe Marinho
Felipe is an ambitious entrepreneur and immigrant from Brazil who has successfully navigated the challenges of starting anew in the United States. With a diverse background in launching innovative startups, he brings a wealth of experience to the entrepreneurial landscape.
Felipe honed his marketing and sales skills at Shell Oil and 7-Eleven, where he developed valuable insights into consumer behavior and market dynamics. This corporate experience laid the foundation for his future ventures.
Transitioning into entrepreneurship, Felipe launched Soulphia, an English learning platform that offers online classes in various formats, making language learning accessible to a broad audience. Additionally, Felipe has launched a digital business that spans multiple eCommerce platforms, including Amazon and eBay.
As a co-founder of Stage2Startups, he has helped create a rich array of resources for our members, including eBooks, audiobooks, and video courses designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to supporting others on their entrepreneurial journeys, Felipe continues to make a meaningful impact in the business community. His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a deep belief in the potential of every aspiring entrepreneur.
Emelie Smith Calbick
Emelie is a seasoned global marketing expert with an impressive track record in senior-level marketing and strategy roles at some of the premier financial services companies, including American Express, Citigroup, and JP Morgan Chase. Throughout her corporate career, she honed her skills in developing impactful marketing strategies and driving business growth in competitive markets.
After achieving success in the corporate world, Emelie made the bold leap to entrepreneurship as a co-founder of Placecodes, Inc., a venture focused on innovative solutions in the tech space. Under her leadership, the company flourished and was eventually sold to Destini Global, marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.
Emelie is now a co-founder of Stage2Startups, where she leverages her extensive experience in developing business strategies, including branding and value proposition development to benefit aspiring entrepreneurs. Her expertise in understanding market dynamics allows her to guide members in crafting compelling brand narratives and identifying their target audiences.
With a passion for innovation and a belief in every individual’s potential, Emelie empowers members to confidently navigate their entrepreneurial journeys, inspiring them to transform their ideas into impactful ventures.
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