Entrepreneurship is often painted as a heroic journey—the grind, the wins, the resilience. But what’s rarely discussed is the weight of that journey, the toll it takes on mental and emotional well-being. Yesterday, Goodie Nation hosted the 2025 Black History Month Edition of “All Founders Need Therapy”, a safe space for founders in our community to share their struggles, find solidarity, and leave knowing they are not alone.

This informal therapy session provided a confidential forum for entrepreneurs to express their frustrations, acknowledge their challenges, and reflect on the reality of navigating the startup world—particularly as Black founders. From funding cuts to burnout, investor tensions to boardroom anxieties, no topic was off-limits.

The Emotional Weight of Building Something Great In The Current Climate

The session kicked off with a reminder of why this space exists: to ensure founders feel heard, seen, and supported. Participants were encouraged to share openly, with no interruptions, no unsolicited advice—just listening and understanding.

🔹 Funding Cuts & Burnout – Founders like shared how financial setbacks are affecting their businesses, forcing them to make difficult decisions while navigating exhaustion.

🔹 The Burden of Leadership – Personally, I reflected on the challenge of holding space for others while struggling with my own pressures. Another founder voiced anxiety over an upcoming board meeting, a sentiment echoed by others.

🔹 The DEI Landscape & Investor Relations – A few entrepreneurs discussed the shifting corporate climate and how it’s impacting Black-led businesses including the reality of needing to pivot due to administrative and policy changes.

Despite the heavy topics, what stood out most was the power of community. Founders weren’t just sharing problems—they were offering solutions, support, and access. One founder even provided free access to their wellness platform for those in attendance, reinforcing that mental health isn’t just a conversation—it’s a commitment. “All Founders Need Therapy” is about creating systems of real, ongoing support for those who need it most.

Why This Work Matters—And How You Can Help

The session closed with reflections on the emotional cost of building something bigger than yourself. Frustration. Fatigue. Determination. The founders in our community are pushing forward despite the odds, but they can’t do it alone.

At Goodie Nation, we’re committed to ensuring that no entrepreneur has to suffer in silence. But to continue providing spaces like “All Founders Need Therapy”, we need your help.

🌟 Donate today to support our Founder Support Program. Your contribution helps fund mental health resources, peer support groups, and community-driven initiatives designed to keep founders going.

🔗 Make a donation here.

Because when we invest in the well-being of Black entrepreneurs, we invest in the future of innovation. Let’s keep showing up for each other.