Check out the inspiring stories of entrepreneurs who participated in the Intuit IDEAS program and are making a difference in their communities.
Providing accessible learning experiences for underserved communities
Brandon Bailey didn’t let a challenging upbringing define his destiny. Instead, he channeled his experiences into creating TutorD, an ed-tech company motivated by a profound belief in the power of culturally relevant educational experiences and tech-integrated learning solutions.
TutorD customizes learning experiences according to individual learning styles—allowing for both self-identification and real-time teacher feedback. “We provide teachers and educators with ways to engage with their students, while meeting them where they are,” Brandon says.
For Brandon, the Intuit IDEAS program has been instrumental in scaling TutorD by helping him optimize both his front- and back-office operations. This collaboration ensures that he can compete effectively with far larger entities within the industry. As a result of working with Intuit IDEAS, he has more confidence in himself and his company. For example, the business coaching and access to the Intuit Expert Network provide him with valuable support—not just with the Intuit products provided by the program, but with knowledge that helps him further develop his business acumen.
Originally a software engineer and consultant with over 14 years of experience, he found the lack of diversity and inclusivity in his field isolating and decided to take action. While volunteering as a teacher, Brandon discovered his passion for education. He relocated from Chicago to Los Angeles, and began integrating technology with education, laying down the early foundations for TutorD.
Building opportunities for people who often get left behind
Brandon always understood the significance of education from his mother, a Howard University graduate, and his father, who came from a community that did not have access to formal education pathways. On his journey, he discovered he is a 4th-generation educator on his mother’s side, and a 1st generation college graduate on his father’s side; this blend of perspectives reinforced his resolve to create educational opportunities accessible to underrepresented groups.
He says, “I kept on seeing signals of people lacking access [to] some part of the chain of connectivity. And that made me just really seek and take on this next step.”
TutorD extends its mission through their non-profit wing, TutorD Scholars, adding a personal touch to their expansive vision. Brandon notes that “without education, people often struggle with lacking the critical knowledge to capitalize on opportunities that could change their lives dramatically.”
Brandon speaks candidly about his own personal challenges, such as balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with being present for his family, illustrating the perpetual quest for balance that many entrepreneurs face. “Having the right partners like Intuit and LA Urban League,” he says, “it’s just been exponential with the ability for me to believe in myself even further.” Leading by example, Brandon continues to pave the way for others to have a brighter future, ensuring no learner is left behind.
About Intuit IDEAS
IDEAS stands for Invest, Develop, Empower, Accelerate and Scale.
Intuit IDEAS is a program empowering small business owners in cities across the United States to help improve entrepreneurs with their functioning, efficiency, earnings, and capital readiness.
Through Intuit IDEAS, small business owners receive free access to Intuit’s AI-driven expert platform and products, including QuickBooks, Mailchimp, and TurboTax. In addition to support from Intuit’s expert network, Intuit IDEAS participants also receive business counseling, executive coaching, and a grant to help them grow their businesses. Small business owners are boosting their revenue by an average of 23% and saving 16.5 hours monthly, enabling them to focus on growing their businesses and make a bigger impact in their communities.