Empowering Tomorrow's Entrepreneurs
At ZERU Center, we believe entrepreneurship is about more than just building a business—it’s about freedom, creativity, and evolution. We exist to empower young entrepreneurs to unlock their potential, not just through tools, but through experiences that help them plan, organize, and evolve their ideas into something meaningful.
Our journey started with something simple: a notebook—a trusted space where ideas take shape. But we didn’t stop there. We combined the timeless power of pen and paper with the flexibility of cutting-edge AI and open-source technology. The result? A dynamic, scalable system that supports you every step of the way, from the initial spark of inspiration to the execution of a fully realized business.
Meet the Founders
Together, they envisioned a space where future business leaders from underrepresented communities can thrive by leveraging cutting-edge technology, collaborative workshops, and AI-powered tools.
Anthony’s entrepreneurial path is defined by resilience and innovation. His experience as a Jamaican immigrant transitioning into the U.S. business world fueled his desire to create something that would empower others. At ZERU, Anthony focuses on business strategy, technology integration, and workshops that foster sustainable growth for entrepreneurs. He leads the vision for ZERU’s productivity tools, such as ZERU Notebooks and the AI-driven ZERU Coach, ensuring that every entrepreneur is equipped to plan, organize, and evolve.
Prentice is the artistic soul behind ZERU Center. Hailing from Rochester, New York, he combines his design expertise with his passion for supporting young entrepreneurs. Prentice is responsible for the creative direction of ZERU, particularly through the Luv Art Lux series, a project that highlights exclusive cover art from diverse artists on ZERU notebooks. His focus on design empowers entrepreneurs to express their ideas visually while enjoying the luxury of personalized, high-quality tools.
ZERU's Mission: Plan, Organize, Evolve
At ZERU, our mission is to empower young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to:
- Plan: Set clear, strategic goals with the help of AI-enhanced tools.
- Organize: Utilize customizable productivity systems to streamline business operations.
- Evolve: Grow into successful ventures through continuous learning, innovative strategies, and creative collaborations.
ZERU Center aims to become the go-to platform for entrepreneurs seeking not just business growth but personal empowerment. Our products and services are designed to meet the unique needs of aspiring entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on underserved communities
- For New Entrepreneurs: Overcome fear and resource limitations with our comprehensive support.
- For Small Business Owners: Tackle management challenges and marketing hurdles with our expert guidance.
- For Productivity Seekers: Optimize your business operations and project management with our ZERU Productivity Tools.
ZERU for Investors and Sponsors
Investing in ZERU Center means joining a transformative journey that empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs. With a unique blend of physical productivity tools, AI-driven coaching, and community-driven workshops, ZERU helps individuals turn bold ideas into thriving businesses. Our mission extends beyond profit—we are dedicated to fostering innovation, creating meaningful societal impact, and reshaping the way entrepreneurship is supported worldwide.
At ZERU, corporate responsibility is embedded into our DNA. We believe in building more than just successful businesses; we are committed to enhancing lives and communities by:
- Empowering Underserved Entrepreneurs: We strive to provide accessible resources, tools, and support for entrepreneurs in underserved markets, democratizing access to success.
- Ethical AI Integration: Our AI-driven tools are built with a human-centric and ethical approach, ensuring transparency, fairness, and respect for user data while maximizing productivity and growth.
- Collaborative Communities: We partner with coworking spaces, libraries, and educational institutions to create collaborative environments that drive innovation, inclusion, and personal growth.
- Scalable Solutions for Entrepreneurs: Our integrated offerings are designed to evolve with market needs, ensuring ZERU remains a trusted partner in entrepreneurial growth, regardless of venture stage or industry focus.
- User-Centric Product Development: We continuously refine our tools and services based on direct user feedback, creating an ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs to achieve their goals with agility and confidence.
- Global Vision and Reach: With strategic expansion plans, including key markets like the New York metropolitan area and global hubs, ZERU is committed to bringing transformative solutions to diverse entrepreneurial communities.
When you invest in ZERU, you invest in:
- Sustainable Economic Development: By nurturing new businesses, we contribute to job creation, local economic growth, and stronger communities.
- Entrepreneurial Resilience: Our approach equips individuals with the skills and confidence needed to overcome challenges, evolve their businesses, and lead meaningful change.
- Holistic Support and Personal Growth: ZERU blends business strategy with personal development, fostering balanced, resilient, and well-prepared leaders.
We recognize that growth must come with responsibility. As we expand, we remain committed to:
- Environmental Sustainability: By leveraging digital tools and reducing waste, we are mindful of our environmental footprint.
- Ethical Partnerships: We seek partnerships that align with our mission to uplift, inspire, and support the entrepreneurial spirit.
- Inclusive Innovation: Our focus is on creating tools and environments that are accessible, inclusive, and designed to unlock potential for all.
Join us in shaping the future of entrepreneurship. Together, we can empower millions of innovators and build a world where every entrepreneur has the tools and support needed to thrive.
ZERU Workshops Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Innovation
At ZERU Center, we believe that every great idea starts with a spark, but it’s the right tools and guidance that turn it into a thriving business. Our ZERU Workshops are designed to equip young entrepreneurs with the knowledge, strategies, and AI-powered tools they need to evolve their ideas into sustainable ventures.
Blending interactive gameplay, real-world business scenarios, and cutting-edge AI insights, the workshops offer a hands-on, engaging experience that goes beyond theory. Whether you’re discovering new opportunities or refining your business model, ZERU Workshops provide a collaborative environment where entrepreneurs can plan, organize, and evolve their ideas into successful realities.
Bridging Gaps, Amplifying Support with AI-Driven Solutions
We understand that entrepreneurship programs in co-working spaces and business development hubs are often well-structured. But there’s always room to elevate support and enhance the experience.
ZERU offers AI-driven tools and a comprehensive suite of services designed to fill those gaps. From website development and hosting to business plan creation and contract review, we provide everything an entrepreneur needs to succeed.
Our AI-powered solutions streamline processes, offer personalized guidance, and help entrepreneurs make data-driven decisions—ensuring long-term success.
Whether you’re a sponsor looking to expand your toolkit or an entrepreneur seeking advanced, tailored support, ZERU is here to help you plan, organize, and evolve.
Contact Us
For more information about becoming a sponsor, or to start your entrepreneurial journey, submit a ticket
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?
What is Entrepreneurship?
Starting a business?
Getting Started with ZERU?
Effective marketing means creating a unique identity—or brand—for your company. And nothing is more central to your brand identity than your business and product names. These same sorts of names are eligible for trademark protection.
If you approach naming with federal trademark registration in mind, you will choose a unique, marketable name rather than a generic, forgettable one (like “New York Pizza").
Only custom made logo and names can be trademarked. ZERU Center can submit and manage these applications for you
Do you want a business website or an online E-commerce store?
Do you want a blogging site?
Do you want to redesign your current website?
We have spent several years developing WordPress, Woo-commerce & custom websites to create unique brand identities. We have examined a variety of E-commerce solutions, and every single website is different in nature.
We are eager to build a creative, best-in-class, mobile-friendly website for your entrepreneurship goals.
• Basic: 4 Pages, Simple, Modern, Responsive
• Standard: 8 Page, Responsive, Beautiful Theme, E-commerce
• Premium: 12 Page, Responsive, Awesome Theme, E-commerce
ALL PLANS INCLUDE
• Mobile Responsive
• SEO Optimized - Meta Tags, ready to be indexed on search engines
• Domain name registration, Hosting, and Email
ZERU Center is a private information technology and design firm offering personalized web development and hosting services for serious young entrepreneurs. Our hosting services are exclusive offering conveniently tailored solutions to select clients.
OUR GUARANTEE
• Professional work with supreme quality
• Work that meets 100% of your needs
• Use the latest web standard for accessibility and security
WordPress
Blog, Business, Education, Portfolio, Entertainment, Non-profit, Wedding, Podcasting, Online Communities, Forms Crowdfunding, Wiki /Knowledge, SaaS, Job Board, Portal, Brochure
Supported Plugins
Marketing, Payment, Forum, Social Media, Customer Support, Shipping, Inventory Analytics, Video, Form, Events, Music, Chat, Membership, Map, FAQ, Gallery
Integrating Plugins
Akismet, All in One SEO Pack, Amazon, Contact Form 7, Facebook, Gravity Forms, Instagram, LinkedIn, Mailchimp, Paypal, Twitter, Vimeo, W3 Total Cache, WooCommerce, WordPress SEO by Yoast, Youtube, Elementor
About minority owned businesses
Ownership by minority individuals means the business is at least 51% owned by such individuals or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals (i.e. the management and daily operations are controlled by those minority group members.)
NMSDC certification
For businesses seeking MWBE certification, the organization offers a relatively easy process to apply. The center will go through the following steps:
- Review the certification criteria to make sure the business qualifies. These criteria include that business owners must be U.S. citizens, the business must be located in the U.S., and the business must be at least 51% minority-owned operated and controlled.
- Gather required documentation including certificate of incorporation, articles of incorporation, stock certificates, stock ledger, bylaws (executed and attested), and amendments (if applicable).
- Complete the online application, which must be completed on the website of the regional MWBE affiliate closest to your business headquarters.
- Pay the application fee, which must be paid online via credit card.
- Upload all required documentation needed to finish the application.
- Schedule a site visit and interview, which will be performed by an Innovation Consultant at Zeru Center.
The certification process can take up to 90 days to complete. Once a business has sent in all application materials, it will be reviewed by the Certification Group. If the Group approves the application, it will be submitted to the Group's Board for final approval. If the Board rejects the application, a business can submit a letter appealing the ruling that addresses concerns. If it approves the application, you will receive a notice via email.
Federal and local certifications
On top of the NMSDC certification, a minority-owned business may also seek out certification from other entities, such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) or individual cities and states in which they are located.
Specifically, the SBA offers a certification called 8(a). Businesses with 8(a) certification are eligible to win federal contracts that are reserved for “small disadvantaged businesses.” The federal government has a goal of awarding at least five percent of contracting dollars for business with 8(a) designation. While 8(a) businesses do not necessarily need to be minority-owned businesses, all companies with 51% minority ownership are likely eligible according to federal regulations.
When it comes to states, New York is an example of one that has its own Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification process. Once certified in New York, minority-owned businesses can win contracts from state agencies, boards and commissions. The state has a goal of awarding a number of contracts to MBEs. Many other states have these types of certifications as well.
Finally, when it comes to city-level certification, Chicago is a prime example. Chicago has its own Minority and Women-Owned Business (M/WBE) Certification Program. Approved certifications are valid for five years and businesses that are approved have access to bid on large city contracts. Other cities such as Austin, Houston, Indianapolis, Memphis, and New York City offer similar certification programs.
Rochester NY does maintain a list of Minority Women Business Enterprise.
Core Services
541512 - Information management computer systems integration design services
541611 - Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
5418 - Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services
541613 - Marketing Consulting Services
Membership programs are paid monthly and provide access to various resources offered by the center.
Notebooks and Digital Planners
You will receive a free digital planner with purchase of a notebook.
Registration and Upgrade
Purchase a notebook from our store, then register to activate your digital notebook. There is the option for upgrading to a business accounts. Look for the "Start a Business Upgrade" offer via email/mail.
What package is right for you?
Entrepreneurs that have ideas for a business but ... have a fear of failure, inadequate resources to start a business, and no exposure to entrepreneurship should select the New Entrepreneur option.
Small business owner started a business but … risk running out of money, are inexperience managing a business (or an unwillingness to delegate), and have poorly planned or executed marketing campaigns, or a lack of adequate marketing and publicity should select the Business Plan option.
Entrepreneurs looking to improving their productivity and better ways to organize their business, manage projects, and collaborate with stakeholders remotely should select CXiP Tools.
Members receive consultation and support for various business activities:
- Develop a lean business model
- Develop Business Plan and Strategic Marketing Plan for the U.S.
- U.S. Market Research & Competitive Analysis
- Go-to Market / Launch Strategy
- Strategic Partnerships Identification & Introduction
- Lead Generation & Sales Support
- Management Team Setup and Operation Plan
- Establish an Advisory Board & Mentors
- Implement Productivity tools and processes
- Up to 50% discount for products/services in our Small Business Store
Accounts can be terminated at any time subject to our terms of service.
Pricing
Small Business Programs | New Entrepreneurs $25 / mo | Business Plans $150 / mo | ZERU Notebook $7 / mo |
|---|---|---|---|
Engagement Planning | 1 week | 1 week | 1 week |
Collaborative Meetings, Training & Support | Entrepreneurship | CXiP Framework | Small Biz Tools |
Lean Business Model Development | 4 weeks | 4 weeks | - |
Business Plan Development | 24 weeks | 24 weeks | - |
Investor Presentation | 6 weeks | 6 weeks | - |
Creative Content & Social Media | 6 weeks | 6 weeks | - |
Website Development & Hosting | 12 weeks | 12 weeks | Hosting Included |
Total Engagement Period | 52 weeks | 52 weeks | 52 weeks |
Fees
In many States, a young entrepreneur can registering a business for under $200. Many factors play into the true costs of stating a business.
In the USA, company incorporation costs in Year 1 amount to US$1,590 and annual company costs in year 2 and thereafter amount to US$0. The average fee per engagement amounts to US$5,000, which includes USA company registration, annual company secretary services, estimate of government costs and corporate bank account setup.
ZERU Center will help to set up all the State and City licensing paperwork that follows. Participant will be provided digital space equipped with website, social media, and customer relationship services, and we assist you in setting up your bank account and line of credit.
Internationally, the cost varies. We would be happy to explore those costs with you.
Timelines
Collaborative Services | LLC | S-CORP | C-CORP |
|---|---|---|---|
Engagement Planning | 1 week | 1 week | 1 week |
Company Icorporation | 1 week | 2 weeks | 1 week |
Business bank approval | 3 weeks | 4 weeks | 4 weeks |
Business Internet Banking approval | 3 weeks | 3 weeks | 3 weeks |
Engagement completion | 1 week | 1 week | 1 week |
Total Engagement Period | 9 weeks | 11 weeks | 10 weeks |
Beyond Websites Development - Full Service Digital Public Relations
ZERU Business associates evaluate current marketing and public relations efforts to provide insights for improvement.
Many young entreprenure struggle with putting together a solid marketing and public relations campaign, we help clarify and suggest content, workflows or methods for reaching consumers.
We provide assistance with:
- Website Design and Development, Hosting, Maintenance
- WordPress Content Management and Ecommerce Systems
- Social Media Setup and Management (Meta and Google Platform)
- Market Research & Trend Analysis
- Marketing and Media Planning
- Integrated Marketing Strategy (SEO, SEM, SMM, SMO, PPC) & Execution
Traditional Marketing
We can assist with advertising, direct mail and press releases services. We will even help you plan and manage events for your target market.
- Advertising – TV, Radio, Print
- Direct Mail – Postcard, Letters, Coupons etc.
- Signage/Logo
- Tradeshow Identification, Collateral Materials and Sales Support
- Public Relations
- Print Collateral -- Brochure/Catalogs
- Event Planning
- Lead Generation and Sales Support
Join us weekly to go over a clear plan to get your business off the ground and learn key entrepreneurship skills.
Our training is consultative and provide several learning resources such as on-demand videos, books and administrative support. You will have access to and an awarness of popular tools for business development.
Over the period of 1 year, we are committed to helping you develop your brand image, business model, business plan, and a website.
Small businesses in the seed, early or growth stages use ZERU Center to aquire skills necessary for its growing and changing needs. Business owners consult with our innovation experts to complete projects or solve problems they can’t address with in-house resources. In addition, the center performs small business wellness assessments to unlock potential process improvements and financial gains. Learn more about Innovation Consultants to fulfill your staffing needs.
Small businesses have unique roadblocks they must overcome to survive. Proper planning for finance, marketing and operation excellence is a challenge but can be achieved with the right teamwork, trust, cooperation, and communication (Collaborative Experience or CX). ZERU Center help our member develope and implement strategic plans for growth and succession.
Members may receive business and technical consulting services from local business professionals, economic development professionals, students and/or faculty from local universities, colleges, and others (collectively, “Independent Advisors”). These Independent Advisors are not employees or agents of ZERU Center, and they will not be bound by our Terms of Service or the other Membership Documents or Practices. A member acknowledges and agrees that ZERU Center shall not be held liable for the acts or omissions of Independent Advisors.
Business Membership (Use coupon code for new collaborative sessions: cxip)
An entrepreneur is an individual who creates a new business, bearing most of the risks and enjoying most of the rewards. The process of setting up a business is known as entrepreneurship. The entrepreneur is commonly seen as an innovator, a source of new ideas, goods, services, and business/or procedures. Investopedia.com
The company focuses on projects that advance entrepreneurial / personal development, small business, and economic growth priorities of its members, with an emphasis on:
- Operational Efficiency and Effectiveness
- Marketing and Innovation Management
- Financial Strategy
The Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy defines a small business for research purposes as “an independent business having fewer than 500 employees.” Additionally, SBA has established size standards that define whether a business entity is small and, thus, eligible for government programs and preferences reserved for “small business” concerns. Size standards have been established for types of economic activity, or industry, generally under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).
ZERU headquarters is located in New York
In New York State, the definition of a small business for the purposes of Chapter 15 Economic development law, S 131 (Article 4-B Division for Small Business), “a small business shall be deemed to be one which is resident in this state, independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field and employs one hundred or less persons.” The State utilizes this definition to determine eligibility for the Small Business Environmental Ombudsman (SBEO) program, the annual New York State Small Business Awards, and other services or programs.
Did you know:
- Small businesses make up 99.8 percent of all New York businesses. (https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/advocacy/2018-Small-Business-Profiles-NY.pdf)
- New York small businesses employed 4.0 million people, or 50.2% of the private workforce, in 2015.
(https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/advocacy/2018-Small-Business-Profiles-NY.pdf) - The website NerdWallet rates New York as the 5th most entrepreneurial in the country, based on an analysis of 1) the number, size, and increased number of SBA loans, 2) venture capital funding, and 3) the growth of small business population for each state.
- Small patenting firms produce 13 times more patents per employee than large patenting firms. In 2015, New York ranked third in the number of patents awarded in the US. (http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/ac/ido/oeip/taf/cst_utl.htm)
- New York has a diverse economy. Nearly one-fourth of its land is dedicated to agriculture. In 2016, NYS ranked 2nd in the U.S. in apples and maple products; 3rd in milk, cabbage, and snap beans; 4th in grapes; and 5th in squash,and tart cherries. (http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/farm-income-and-wealth-statistics/cash-receipts-by-commodity-state-ranking.aspx)
- In 2015, 94% of all exporting firms in New York were small businesses. These firms were responsible for nearly 57% of the value of exports leaving the state. Canada is NYS’s best export customer, receiving $12,567,000 of the state’s exports in 2017. New York-Newark-Jersey
City is the 1st largest metro area reporting exports nationwide. (www.trade.gov/mas/ian/statereports/tg_ian_001955.asp) - As of 2012, there were 709,021 minority-owned businesses and 725,709 women-owned businesses in New York, many of them small businesses. New York has made it a priority to remove barriers in state contracting. (Source: 2012 Survey of Business Owners (conducted every five years by the U.S. Census), for New York State: http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/searchresults.xhtml?refresh=t Enter “SB1200CSA01” in “topic or table name” search box)
New York State Small Business Profile 2018
This annual profile from the SBA’s Office of Advocacy shows the number of small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses in New York State; business turnover (new firms, bankruptcies and terminations); employment; small business income; sources of financing; firms by industry and firm size; and non-farm establishment job gains and losses by firm size.
The Small Business Economy 2018
The Small Business Economy is an annual report since 1982, which continues to serve as a reference source to business owners, policymakers, and researchers when they need information on small business' performance in the economy.
Contact us to learn more about small business in your State.
For a business owner, obtaining the right insight is as important as finding the right location, getting the best price or implementing the best processes / success systems.
Our Innovation Consultant provide deep investigative and personalized support:
- Identifying local competitors
- Ring studies providing demographic information
- Tables and maps showing consumer spending habits
- Finding relevant trade association or regulatory contacts
- Locating articles written about ventures similar to yours
- Providing financial norms and ratios for your industry
- Conducting preliminary patent or trademark searches
Innovation Consultants, with the knowledge and experience to provide entrepreneurs with expert counseling and training. These advisors undergo rigorous professional certification to keep their business knowledge up-to-the-minute and their consulting skills sharp.
Seed
Seed or start-up companies are very early stage and pre-revenue. They are likely to be raising funds to develop an idea, product or concept. Investing in a seed company can be risky as they have a much higher chance of failure.
Early stage
Early stage businesses generally have a tested prototype or service model and have developed a business plan. The company may be generating early stage revenue but might not be profitable yet.
Growth
Businesses in the growth stage are in commercial operation with solid traction and existing customers. They are generating recurring revenues and experiencing solid growth, but still may not be profitable.
Business Membership (Use coupon code for new collaborative sessions: cxip)
What do you mean by "Scribble in your notebook, create life."?
Life is short, why store all your ideas in your head and stress about not acheiving them? Why not spend some quality time thinking, writing down your ideas, creating goals and experience an untamable productive flow. The reward of working on task, collaborating with others and bringing your ideas to life is exciting. ZERU productivity tools is useful when use to oganize your ideas, it can help you improve productivity.
What do you mean by #PLAN #ORGANIZE #EVOLVE?
ZERU offer helpful productivity tools and immersive learning experiences for young entrepreneurs seeking to improve their planning, organizing, and business knowledge. Our work encourages entrepreneurship.
What is Insights?
Insights is our curated notes about productivity and entrepreneurship? Registered members can subscribe for updates.
Where can I buy a notebook?
Our notebooks can be purchased on our website. Here is a direct link to our store: https://bit.ly/luvartlux
Where can I buy a planner?
Digital planners are free (limited time). When you purchase a notebook, you get a free digital planner that can be used on your iPad.
What do you do at ZERU Center?
Visit our information website to learn about our solutions: program.ZERUcenter.com for details.
We provide productivity products and services for entrepreneurs. We have diaries, planners, journals and entrepreneurship programs. You can participate in our free entrepreneurship program when you register your notebooks.
For intermediate entrepreneurs, we have Business accounts that provide access to business development services such as business analysis, website development, hosting, business planning, etc.
What’s the price for a notebook?
Online orders for notebooks start at $7 plus shipping and handling. You will receive 2 notebooks and digital notebook access for 60 days.
Register your notebook or set up a free account on our website: program.ZERUcenter.com.
MEMBERSHIP NOTICES
ARCMIS Corporation is a research and management consulting firm, with a mission to be a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurship and small business development. Zeru LLC is a sub-division of ARCMIS Corp.
ZERU LLC (ZERU Center) is a information technology and design firm. It is a product of ARCMIS Corp. A SaaS company, ZERU provides productivity notebooks, traditional and digital, training for young entrepreneurs and a platform for starting or scaling a business.
Arcmis Corp., and ZERU LLC (ZERU Center) is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, maintained, authorized, or sponsored by any company or organization. All product, company and organization names are the registered trademarks of their original owners. The use of any trade name or trademark is for identification and reference purposes only and does not imply any association with the trademark holder of their product brand.
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Copying our program(s) without consent is strictly prohibited. We monitor activities on our websites and will issue takedown notices. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a 1998 United States copyright law that implements two 1996 treaties of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It criminalizes production and dissemination of technology, devices, or services intended to circumvent measures that control access to copyrighted works (commonly known as digital rights management or DRM). It also criminalizes the act of circumventing an access control, whether or not there is actual infringement of copyright itself. In addition, the DMCA heightens the penalties for copyright infringement on the Internet.[1][2] Passed on October 12, 1998, by a unanimous vote in the United States Senate and signed into law by President Bill Clinton on October 28, 1998, the DMCA amended Title 17 of the United States Code to extend the reach of copyright, while limiting the liability of the providers of online services for copyright infringement by their users.
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