Three friends launched a merchant app that is changing the financial recordkeeping game for small business owners while helping them build wealth. Atlanta-based startup Guala is a modern merchant wallet, built to simplify how independent business owners, creators, and entrepreneurs get paid. Founded by Austin Evans and CMO and Morehouse alum Sencere Smith, Guala was created to eliminate the payment friction that millions of small businesses experience every day—serving as a centralized merchant wallet that helps users organize sales, track revenue, and move money more efficiently, which gives entrepreneurs the tools to operate and scale with greater confidence. The startup also announced a new leadership addition, with acclaimed creative director Desyree Nicole joining the company as Creative Strategist, who is known for her work across fashion, sports, and culture.

The XCEL Summit For Men is the nation’s leading conference dedicated to elevating and empowering men—celebrating their excellence through the XCEL Awards and equipping them with the tools to thrive at every level of leadership, from entry-level to the C-suite.

The 2026 Xcel Summit will be held October 21-23, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in ORLANDO, FL.

Paying for college can add stress to families as the cost of living and everyday expenses continue to rise. We’ll speak with an expert in this space—UNCF Director of Outreach & Recruitment, Mary Williams—on ways families can pay for college, with helpful resources and tips as students return back to campus.