“I am an entrepreneur, the son, and the grandson of an entrepreneur.”
For Imani Butler, a NFTE teacher at Silver Creek High School in San Jose, California, these words are more than just an introduction—they’re the foundation of his story. His father built a manufacturing business from the ground up, producing precision and industrial belts for commercial airlines and government contracts. Growing up in a home where entrepreneurship was a way of life, Butler learned the value of hard work, resilience, and innovation.
Although he spent time working in the family business, Mr. Butler took a different path, starting a career in the software industry. He worked in network infrastructure, network management software, and internet technology at a pioneering firm before joining a startup specializing in relational database management software, which was later acquired by IBM.
But just when his career seemed set, the dot-com collapse hit.
With companies downsizing and job opportunities vanishing, Mr. Butler found himself at a crossroads. A friend suggested substitute teaching as a temporary option while he searched for his next move. What was meant to be a short-term gig turned into a calling. Standing in front of a classroom realizing he was interweaving entrepreneurship, technology, and education, Butler discovered his passion for education and has remained in the field ever since.
Over the years, he has mentored countless students, helping them refine business ideas and compete in NFTE’s Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. One student in particular stood out—a young African American entrepreneur who created G.R.O.H (Get Rid of Hate) Apparel. His clothing line was more than just a business; it was a movement, using fashion and social media to promote positivity. That student has since built a successful social media career, using humor to inspire and engage others.
For Imani Butler, Black history isn’t just something to be studied for a month—it’s woven into the fabric of American and world history. “There are countless Black innovators and leaders whose stories deserve to be told, not just in February, but every day of the year. I make it my mission to highlight these figures and show my students that they, too, can shape history.”
When it comes to entrepreneurship, Butler tells his students to stop overthinking and start doing. “Keep your planning simple, conduct thorough research (build, measure, learn, and adjust), and take action. NFTE makes entrepreneurship accessible and breaks it down into something anyone can take on. As I always say, it’s not ‘rocket surgery’!”
Every day, Imani Butler empowers the next generation of leaders, inspiring students to take control of their futures and believe in their ability to create change. His impact goes beyond business plans and pitch competitions, instilling confidence, resilience, and the power to dream big. During Black History Month, his mission takes on even greater meaning—reminding students that they are part of a legacy of excellence and innovation, with the power to shape the future.