Wiping The Slate Clean: How Jeffery Thrasher Built a Business of Second Chances
October 15, 2025From security guard to entrepreneur, Jeffery Thrasher’s story is one of grit, vision, and second chances. As a member of the Entrenuity Accelerator Cohort (EAC), Jeffery has found mentorship and a community that fuels his purpose and help guide his business journey; reminding him that challenges are part of every entrepreneur’s path.
With an associate’s degree in business management and over a decade of experience working in Chicago Public Schools, Jeffery knew early on that he was destined for more than a 9-to-5. “I didn’t want to work for anybody,” he says. “At CPS, I realized that the position I was in was capped. I wanted more."
After trying a a couple entrepreneurial ventures, including party promoting and opening up a clothing store, Jeffery founded FTU Cleaning, alongside his father, in 2017. The commercial cleaning company quickly grew from his first contracts to generating $30,000 in revenue within its first year. His original milestone was $10,000 a month, which he surpassed in just six months. Today, Jeffery is focused on scaling FTU Cleaning to $100,000 a month and developing new systems to support sustainable growth.
Building a Business That Blossoms
September 25, 2025Meet Shavon Francis MBA—finance leader, creative entrepreneur, and proud member of the Entrenuity Accelerator Cohort (EAC).
Read Story
Now Accepting Applications For the Next Round OF Entrenuity Accelerator Cohort
September 25, 2025Application Deadline: November 30
Read Story
Entrenuity Accelerator Cohort 2025
March 11, 2025The Entrenuity Accelerator Cohort (EAC) is transforming the entrepreneurial landscape in Chicago by equipping Black, Brown, and women entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders with the tools, resources, and coaching needed to elevate their ventures. The EAC supports early-stage, post-ideation leaders from diverse industries with high-growth potential.
Read Story