Today we’d like to introduce you to Naila Jackson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I never planned to become an entrepreneur or ecosystem builder. My journey really started during the pandemic in 2020 when I created The Black Listing to help underserved businesses and communities connect to the community and opportunities. What started as a small effort quickly showed me how many entrepreneurs were struggling, not because they lacked talent, but because they lacked access.
With a background in workforce development, recruiting, and small business support, I realized my passion was helping connect the dots for entrepreneurs. That eventually led me to create Network Navigator, a platform designed to connect small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to resources, funding opportunities, technical assistance, workshops, and community support.
Today, I continue to build Network Navigator while working to make entrepreneurship feel more accessible, connected, and less overwhelming for the people who need support the most. My work is rooted in community, collaboration, and making sure people know they don’t have to navigate business ownership alone.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been building something people didn’t fully understand at first. Network Navigator sits at the intersection of entrepreneurship, ecosystem building, workforce development, and community engagement, so sometimes I’ve had to explain the vision over and over while still actively building it.
Funding and capacity have also been challenges. A lot of the work started from passion, relationships, and simply seeing a need in the community, so there were seasons where I was wearing every hat at once. I’ve also had to learn how to navigate growth, partnerships, leadership, and entrepreneurship all in real time.
Another challenge has been helping people understand that access matters just as much as resources. Many entrepreneurs don’t need more motivation, they need clearer pathways, relationships, and support systems.
Despite the challenges, every obstacle has helped shape the mission and strengthened my commitment to the work. The impact, the connections, and seeing entrepreneurs grow makes it all worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in entrepreneurship support, ecosystem building, and community connection. Through Network Navigator, my work focuses on helping entrepreneurs and small business owners better access resources, opportunities, technical assistance, and relationships that can help them grow.
What I’m probably most known for is being a connector. I genuinely enjoy bringing people, organizations, and opportunities together in ways that create real impact for the community. Whether it’s through events like Network Navigator Day, partnerships, or digital tools, my goal has always been to make entrepreneurship feel more accessible and less overwhelming.
What sets me apart is that I understand both the systems and the people trying to navigate them. I’ve worked in workforce development, recruiting, and small business support, so I know how difficult it can be for entrepreneurs to figure out where to start or who to trust. I try to lead with authenticity, community, and a real commitment to helping people move forward.
What I’m most proud of is seeing the impact of the work. Watching entrepreneurs make connections, gain confidence, secure opportunities, or simply feel seen and supported reminds me why I started this journey in the first place.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that relationships and access matter just as much as talent. There are so many incredible entrepreneurs with amazing ideas who simply need the right connection, support system, or opportunity to move forward.
I’ve also learned that you don’t have to have everything figured out to start. A lot of my journey has been building while learning, adapting, and trusting the process. Entrepreneurship will stretch you, but it will also teach you resilience, faith, and the importance of community.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that impact matters more than visibility. If the work is truly helping people, creating access, and making a difference, that will always matter most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://navigatebhm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navigatebhm?igsh=Y2c5N3dtOTNwcW96&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DiCBayZmf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/network-navigatorbhm/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@networknavigator-s9b?si=OUpVJYQkQYLzZqW7
