Global Build Up Initiative
Empowering the Next Generation of Global Leaders
by
equipping underserved talent with real world business skills, leadership training, and paid project experience that transforms lives and economies.
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What Is GBUI?
The Global Build Up Initiative (GBUI) is a workforce development program launched by Concierge of Small Biz (CSB) to bridge the gap between under-supported talent and overlooked businesses locally and internationally. We train, pay, and mentor trainees across the globe as they work on real-world business problems in real time. It’s not theory. It’s transformation in action.
This program was born out of a commitment to solve two critical challenges in the workforce landscape simultaneously:
- The lack of fully prepared talent. Many job seekers don’t have access to the real-world, hands-on training needed to succeed in high-growth roles.
- The burnout of small businesses. Many entrepreneurs lack the bandwidth or infrastructure to train new hires or cultivate emerging talent properly, often stalling growth or leading to costly turnover.
There’s a growing misconception that “people don’t want to work.” GBUI challenges that narrative. We believe that people want to work in environments that value, nurture, and empower them, not reduce them to numbers in a system. At the same time, we recognize that businesses need skilled, proactive contributors who can step in and make a measurable impact.
This initiative is designed to close that gap. Through GBUI, we upskill underutilized talent and provide them with the soft and hard skills needed to thrive, whether as intrapreneurs within a company or entrepreneurs launching their own ventures. Trainees work on real business challenges, developing leadership, collaboration, and decision-making skills in a practical and empowering way.
The result? A pipeline of transformational team members who don’t just do the work, they bring excellence, innovation, and a deep sense of ownership to everything they touch. And a new generation of leaders equipped with competence and emotional intelligence to build teams that succeed from the inside out.
Our Curriculum Pillars
Our curriculum is grounded in 6 core learning pillars designed to elevate every trainee’s mindset, skillset, and ability to lead within or build a business. Without revealing our proprietary framework, here’s a peek at what we focus on:
Clarity & Critical Thinking
Trainees learn how to break down problems, identify root causes, and offer strategic solutions that deliver real value.
Business Operations & Execution
From client workflows to internal processes, trainees understand what makes a business run well and what causes it to break.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Whether they choose to launch a venture or lead from within, GBUI trainees learn how to identify opportunity, build MVPs, and think like founders.
Leadership & Emotional Intelligence
We emphasize communication, collaboration, and the ability to inspire and manage teams across cultures and departments.
Digital Fluency & Tech Tools
We expose learners to modern platforms, systems, and business software used across industries, preparing them for real roles in real companies.
Customer-Centric Thinking & Business Legacy
We teach trainees how to think like the people they serve—and how to design business systems that prioritize value, experience, and long-term loyalty
Who Created GBUI?
Conceptualized and launched by Julia CEO Shannon, a serial entrepreneur, strategist, and founder of Concierge of Small Biz (CSB). With over 40 jobs across a variety of industries before fully transitioning into entrepreneurship, Julia brings unmatched firsthand insight into the gaps that exist between employers and talent, education and execution, opportunity and access.
What makes GBUI uniquely effective is that Julia is not just the visionary, she is also the operator. She designs the curriculum, teaches the lessons, grades assignments, hosts workshops, invites guest experts, and personally mentors each trainee. The program is fully self-funded through the revenue from CSB, underscoring her deep commitment to social impact and small business sustainability.
"At GBUI, we don’t just train workers, we're developing world-class thinkers, doers, and builders." - Julia
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FAQs
Who is eligible to apply?
Anyone 18 or older who is passionate about learning, growing, and building a business or career is welcome to apply. We prioritize individuals from underrepresented communities and those who have faced barriers to traditional workforce entry.
What does a typical week look like?
Trainees can expect a mix of live training, self-paced assignments, real-world business projects, and mentorship. Weekly sessions run 6–10 hours and include strategic workshops, group discussions, and deliverable-based assignments.
Is this program free for trainees?
Yes, GBUI is sponsored for trainees. Selected participants receive training, tools, and real-world experience at no cost.
Can businesses from outside the U.S. or Nigeria get involved?
Absolutely. We welcome global partners who want to support or collaborate through project-based training, sponsorships, or hiring talent. Let’s build across borders.
How do I apply to teach or volunteer?
Fill out the interest form above. Whether you’re a subject matter expert, mentor, or operations pro, we’ll find the right fit for your skills.
HOW CAN I SPONSOR OR PARTNER WITH GBUI?
We offer tailored partnership and sponsorship opportunities for brands, organizations, and funders looking to create real impact. From sponsoring a trainee cohort to co-hosting events or contributing expertise, there are multiple ways to collaborate. Book a meeting to explore options and alignment.
IS GBUI A REPLACEMENT FOR HIGHER EDUCATION?
GBUI isn’t a replacement; it’s an expansion. We bridge the gap between knowledge and execution, offering practical, hands-on learning that complements traditional education or serves as a powerful standalone pathway. Whether you’ve been to college or not, GBUI equips you to turn skills into income and ideas into action.
