Denkyem Coop

08/19/2026

“Third Thursday is all about bringing people together to be in communion and dream about what a thriving Black business community looks like,” said Dion Cook. “We’re not just a loan fund—we’re community development first.”

Join us for the August Third Thursday. Aug 20 4-6PM | Drum Roll Wine. There is still space to register:

At Drum Roll Wine in Renton, Washington, something powerful happens every Third Thursday . Organized by Denkyem Co-op and led by CEO Dion Cook, these monthly gatherings are more than just networking events—they’re a space of healing, collaboration, and strategy for Black entrepreneurs and commun...

08/18/2026

Throwback to our first Third Thursday of the year! You can still catch the last 2 gatherings - a special two-part series with Jeneva Marie, where we will explore being rooted as leaders and as a community.

This space is designed for Black leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to foster authentic connections and drive meaningful outcomes to build a thriving business community.

Register today via our website or Luma https://luma.com/z2fjdep6.

August 20th | 4-6PM
Drum Roll Wine
911 S 3rd St. Renton, WA

08/17/2026

We’re so excited to partner for the last two Third Thursdays of the year with guest facilitator, Jeneva Marie. Jeneva will be leading us through a 2-part series called Root to Root. This immersive experience focuses on exploring wholeness within ourselves and with each other. We invite change makers, builders, and community creators to join us, as healing community starts from our roots.

August 20 | Part I: Rooted Internally | https://luma.com/z2fjdep6
4:00-6:00PM Drum Roll Wine
911 S 3rd St Renton, WA

08/13/2026

It has been such a wonderful opportunity to get to know Monika C. Mathews, Founder and CEO of Queen Care, over the last several years. We’ve had the privilege of watching her journey as she built Queen Care and seeing all that has blossomed since. From the youth she has mentored to the opportunities she has created, and the countless people she has touched with her message that we all deserve to be well and prioritize self-care, Monika continues to be a beacon in our community. Thank you, Monika, for all that you do and for sharing a piece of your story with us.

07/31/2026

Thursdays are library days!

Did you know that the Seattle Public Library has business and nonprofit support? Access market research, sample business plans, LinkedIn Learning, and customer data all from your local branch or online with your library card. It is truly an amazing resource. That is why we've partnered with the Beacon Hill Branch to host office hours every Thursday.

Come learn from the librarians, Denkyem staff, and fellow entrepreneurs. There is always a lot to share and learn, and we have fun while doing it!

Register for an upcoming session on our website. https://denkyemcoop.com/denkyem-drop-in-and-colab

07/24/2026

Throughout this year's Impact Report, you'll hear directly from entrepreneurs who trusted Denkyem during pivotal moments in their business journeys. Each story reflects the power of accessible capital paired with community support.

From business owners who found financing when traditional options fell short to founders who discovered an entire network of encouragement and resources, these stories remind us that meaningful investment begins with relationships.

Learn more https://canva.link/denkyemimpact25

07/23/2026

Have you been to one of our drop-in programs at the Beacon Hill Branch of the Seattle Public Library?

This is the place where peer learning meets market research.

Come ready to learn from fellow entrepreneurs. Bring the questions that you've been pondering, the new projects you are building, and the curiosity to learn something new about your industry, customers, or location. We'll be there with the tools and people to brainstorm and test your ideas.

Every Thursday from 12:30-2:30PM
Let us know you're coming https://denkyemcoop.com/denkyem-drop-in-and-colab

07/10/2026

From markets and festivals to community events and neighborhood activations, Black-owned businesses help shape the culture, creativity, and energy that make our city special.

As a small token of appreciation, we're inviting you to join us for an evening of connection, collaboration, and community.

✨ Network with fellow Black entrepreneurs
✨ Drinks & light bites on us
✨ Receive a complimentary Vendor Care Kit
✨ Get an exclusive first look at our Mobile Retail Van concept
✨ Help shape a new vendor platform designed to create more opportunities for Black-owned businesses

Thursday, July 16 | 4-6PM | Drum Roll Wine
RSVP: https://luma.com/scl791g9

07/10/2026

At Denkyem, community capital has always meant more than funding. It’s about building trust, creating meaningful relationships, opening doors to opportunity, and believing in the power of entrepreneurs to strengthen entire communities.

We’re excited to share our 2025 Impact Report, a look back at the people, partnerships, and progress that shaped the past year. Inside, you’ll find inspiring stories from entrepreneurs, highlights from across our growing portfolio, and examples of how community-centered lending continues to fuel lasting economic impact.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We’re grateful for your support and partnership, and we hope you’ll take a few moments to explore the report and celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together.

https://canva.link/denkyemimpact25

06/17/2026

This Thursday, we will be joined by Debrena Jackson Gandy to talk about Secrets to Successful Collabs and Partnerships: What You Don’t know CAN Hurt You


In her 25 years as Founder and President of Masterminds Unlimited, and Founder of the ELEVATE Community Empowerment Movement, Debrena Jackson Gandy, award-winning business owner and community leader, has been involved in a whole host of collabs and partnerships.

Join us Thursday, June 18 and find out the reason that 95% of her collabs and partnerships have been successful – She’ll share the 5 specific areas of alignment that she looks for to determine if it’s a FIT before saying yes or before extending the invitation to join forces.


Find out the “insider secrets” from someone highly seasoned in creating successful and PROFITABLE collabs and partnerships. We’ll cover the distinctions between each (they are NOT the same), how to structure the money aspects of the arrangement, what to include in the Agreement, conversations to have in advance, and more.

June 18th
4:00-6:00PM
Drum Roll Wine
https://luma.com/jqcgf7bh