WAS Collective brings economic development, entrepreneurship and interactive workshops to the San Diego Convention Center.
SAN DIEGO — For Jakobi Lundy-Bass, building an ownership economy means helping communities move beyond economic participation toward lasting control of businesses, capital and resources. Through the WAS Collective, he is developing strategies that connect entrepreneurship, community partnerships and economic development to create opportunities for long-term growth.
That vision reached a new audience Oct. 9 during BizCon2026 at the San Diego Convention Center, where Lundy-Bass and the WAS Collective introduced a sneak peek of the Roots to Revenue Conference.
Following BizCon2026’s high school programming, the WAS Collective took center stage to introduce a preview of its Roots to Revenue Conference, bringing together entrepreneurs, business professionals and community leaders for an afternoon focused on business ownership, economic development, strategic partnerships and sustainable growth.
Building the Leaders and Infrastructure of the Next Generation
Lundy-Bass played an instrumental role representing the WAS Collective during Dolphin Tank, a high school-centered business pitch competition inspired by the television series “Shark Tank.”
The competition provided students an opportunity to present entrepreneurial ideas, practice public speaking and gain exposure to business development.
The experience reflected the WAS Collective’s commitment to helping communities build economic opportunities through education, collaboration and ownership.
For Lundy-Bass, introducing young people to entrepreneurship represents an important step toward developing future business owners, political and community leaders for the economy they will help build.
Roots to Revenue Takes the Main Stage
Following the departure of the high school students, the WAS Collective transitioned BizCon2026 into an afternoon of professional development and entrepreneurial engagement.
The Roots to Revenue preview featured panel speakers, business discussions and interactive workshops designed to encourage collaboration among entrepreneurs, professionals and community stakeholders.
An interactive session hosted by Toastmasters provided participants opportunities to strengthen their communication, storytelling and public speaking skills.
The programming emphasized the importance of communicating business ideas effectively, building professional relationships and developing the confidence needed to pursue economic opportunities.
The afternoon also introduced attendees to the broader vision behind Roots to Revenue: creating meaningful connections between business ownership, access to capital and sustainable economic growth.
The WAS Collective: Building Regional Economic Power Through Ownership and Collaboration
Under the leadership of founder Jakobi Lundy-Bass, The WAS Collective is advancing a vision of regional economic development rooted in collaboration, ownership and sustainable wealth creation. Its mission centers on developing educational and economic pipelines that connect professionals, entrepreneurs and organizational decision-makers across industries, particularly those ages 23 to 60, with opportunities to actively shape their local economies.
Through strategic partnerships among public institutions, private enterprises and community organizations, The WAS Collective seeks to establish a locally driven economic model where resources circulate within communities, residents retain ownership and economic opportunities generate lasting regional benefits.
Rather than focusing solely on business networking or individual entrepreneurial success, The WAS Collective emphasizes cross-industry collaboration, institutional partnerships and structural economic growth. Its approach empowers community stakeholders to build interconnected systems that sustain local jobs, strengthen regional industries and create generational wealth through shared economic participation and ownership.
Expanding the Vision Beyond BizCon2026
With roots in Detroit and an expanding presence in San Diego, the WAS Collective is positioning Roots to Revenue as a platform for continued economic engagement.
The BizCon2026 preview marked an introduction to that vision, bringing together emerging entrepreneurs, established professionals and community leaders.
For Lundy-Bass, the long-term objective extends beyond a single conference. It is about building partnerships, strengthening local businesses and creating economic infrastructure that communities can own for generations.
If you are a change maker looking to define the tools and strategies needed to drive lasting change, connect with us at wascollectivesolutions.com.
About the San Diego Standouts Series
The San Diego Standouts Series from San Diego Weekly highlights individuals whose leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and service are helping shape the future of San Diego, California, the Cali-Baja region, and communities connected to the region around the world.
Share a Story Worth Telling
Community nominations and story ideas are welcome.
Learn more or submit story ideas at:
Profiles featured in the San Diego Standouts Series are selected by the San Diego Weekly editorial team to highlight individuals whose leadership and service are helping shape San Diego and the Cali-Baja region. The Editor’s Choice is for individuals whose impact on San Diego and the broader region is undeniable: the founders redefining industries, the advocates transforming communities, and the visionaries building what comes next. Past and current considerations include civic leaders, nonprofit founders, tech entrepreneurs, educators, creatives, and cultural icons across the San Diego and Cali-Baja region. These editorial recognitions are independent features and honors, there is no fee required to be selected.
San Diego Weekly also offers separate sponsored storytelling and advertising opportunities for organizations wishing to highlight their work through paid promotional features.
Sponsored collaborations are always clearly labeled to distinguish them from editorial recognition.
A Stronger BizCon Starts with A Strong Advisory Board
The BizCon2027 Founding Board of Advisors is an exclusive opportunity for just distinguished business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to help shape the future of economic development, entrepreneurship, and professional opportunities in San Diego.
As a founding advisor, you will join an influential network of professionals committed to advancing BizCon2027, expanding strategic partnerships, and connecting the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals with meaningful opportunities.
About Young Black & N’ Business
Young Black & N’ Business (YBNB) is a growing entrepreneurial network originally founded in 2019 by Roosevelt Williams, III, to provide instructional content, resources, and real-world opportunities to early-stage and underserved entrepreneurs. Since its inception, YBNB has evolved into a trusted platform that supports business owners through education, visibility, and community-driven growth.
Through its expanding digital ecosystem, YBNB offers entrepreneurs access to newsletters, business features, networking events, and collaborative marketing opportunities designed to increase exposure and build long-term success. The organization is committed to meeting entrepreneurs where they are—whether they are just getting started or looking to scale.
Leave a Reply