At Drum Roll Wine in Renton, Washington, the Denkyem Co-op hosted a Third Thursday gathering last year for local Black leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Led by CEO Dion Cook, these monthly gatherings are strategically designed to be more than just networking—they serve as vital spaces for healing, collaboration, and collective strategy for Black entrepreneurs and community leaders. 

Cook emphasized that the mission is community development first. “Third Thursday is all about bringing people together to be in communion and dream about what a thriving Black business community looks like,” he said, explaining that Denkyem is fundamentally a movement, not just a loan fund.

What sets Denkyem Co-op apart is its commitment to collective economics and its innovative financial model. The organization offers revenue-based loans using cash flow underwriting, a system where loan payments are flexible, adjusting based on a business’s actual income. This approach frees entrepreneurs to concentrate on business growth and strategy rather than being stunted by rigid repayment pressure. 

Learn more about upcoming Third Thursdays here.