Denkyem Co-op’s Third Thursdays Are More Than a Meetup—They’re a Movement
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 community leaders.
“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. “We’re not just a loan fund—we’re community development first.”
Denkyem offers revenue-based loans and uses cash flow underwriting—meaning loan payments adjust based on a business’s income. This model frees up entrepreneurs to focus on strategy instead of stressing over rigid repayment deadlines. As Dion explained, “Our loan is based on the health of your business. We want to support your growth, not stunt it with pressure.”
But what truly sets Denkyem apart is its emphasis on collective economics. “If we have 10 fish fry businesses, all of them should be buying from the same source at a lower cost,” Dion said. “We’re promoting resource sharing, so our community wins together.”
That message resonated deeply with Hattie Williams, a returning attendee and founder of ALC Bridging the Gap. “Denkyem put on a fun, but very eye-opening event,” she said. “It gave me the courage to speak up about my business and connect with others in ways I hadn’t before.”
She described the event as a safe space to confront fears and break generational cycles. “They’ll pull you off the wall if you think you’re just gonna sit quiet. You won’t regret showing up—it’s healing, and it’s real.”
Denkyem doesn’t just invest in businesses—they invest in people. They prioritize entrepreneurs who give back, amplify others, and contribute to the ecosystem. As Dion said, “We’re looking for businesses committed to community, not just their own pockets. That’s how we build something lasting.”
In short, Denkyem’s Third Thursdays are more than mixers. They’re a blueprint for what collective empowerment looks like—where entrepreneurs uplift each other, ideas are shared freely, and new economic pathways are forged together.
