Jenny Poon: Empowering Communities Through Entrepreneurial Innovation

In a world where entrepreneurship often feels like navigating an endless maze of challenges, Jenny Poon, a trailblazing serial entrepreneur, has made it her mission to simplify the journey for others. As the founder of HUUB, a citywide digital platform, and Co+Hoots, a purpose-driven co-working and entrepreneur center, Poon has redefined what it means to build equitable ecosystems. Her work is revolutionizing how entrepreneurs access resources, especially for women and people of color disproportionately impacted by systemic barriers.

This article highlights key insights from her recent appearance on The Elephant in the Room Podcast, where she shared her story, her challenges, and the purpose and goals behind her entrepreneurial innovations.

What is HUUB?

HUUB is more than a platform—it’s a lifeline for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Developed in partnership with local governments, HUUB consolidates essential resources such as grant opportunities, funding, expert guidance, and on-demand training.

“A lot of times, small businesses don’t realize all the resources that exist or how to access them,” Poon explains. “HUUB brings these pieces together in a digital platform, providing free access to tools and expertise, anytime, anywhere.”

By addressing resource inequities, HUUB empowers underserved communities, particularly women and people of color, to overcome challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. With HUUB, entrepreneurs no longer have to rely on limited personal networks or spend hours sifting through noisy search results to find what they need.

The Challenges of Being a Female Founder

Poon’s journey as a female entrepreneur has been marked by systemic hurdles: “Policies around healthcare, debt, and education were not built for us,” she reflects. “Student loan debt and the high cost of healthcare make it nearly impossible for aspiring entrepreneurs to take risks.”

Her dream? Universal healthcare untethered from employment. “Health care is a human right,” she asserts, emphasizing how the current system stifles innovation by forcing would-be entrepreneurs to prioritize survival over ambition.

Rooted in Resilience

Poon’s drive stems from her experience as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees. As a child of immigrants, Jenny saw firsthand the struggle her parents went through as small business owners. She was ultimately stunned by how successful her parents were in spite of these obstacles and could only imagine a different story, had they had the support they needed. It was through that experience combined with her talent to solve complicated problems that led Jenny to be one of the most important business leaders of our time, not just in Phoenix but in the world.

Observing their struggles and resilience ignited her passion for creating solutions that reduce complexity and increase accessibility. “They managed to build a business, but how much further could they have gone with the right resources?”

CO+HOOTS: A Community for Collaboration

Poon’s first venture, CO+HOOTS, opened in 2009 as the first co-working space in Phoenix. At a time when “co-working” was barely a concept, CO+HOOTS fostered a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs to share ideas and build together. Within a few years of launching CO+HOOTS, Poon was recognized globally for her impact.

“We built CO+HOOTS one desk at a time during the recession,” she recalls. “We negotiated space with landlords and grew steadily by supporting the creative and business communities in Phoenix.” To this day, CO+HOOTS is recognized among the top 10 co-working spaces in the world.

The Importance of Data in Driving Equity

With HUUB, Poon is tackling a major flaw in how cities operate: the lack of data-driven strategies. “Cities are serving the people they know and those who already know how to access resources,” she explains. “But underserved communities remain overlooked. By collecting and analyzing data, governments can identify gaps and allocate resources where they’re most needed.”

This approach isn’t just about efficiency, but also about equity. Through partnerships with local governments, HUUB is ensuring that the programs designed to uplift women, people of color, and those in poverty reach the people who need them most.

Diversity in Tech: Progress, Challenges, and Looking Ahead

The tech industry’s lack of diversity remains a significant issue, on that Poon emphasizes in her work. She highlights that while there are plenty of resources available, systemic barriers persist, particularly in banking and investment. “People of color often lack the generational wealth needed to secure loans,” she says. “If we don’t address these disparities, we’re eliminating opportunities for growth and innovation.”

Despite these challenges, Poon’s success is paving the way for others: “I’ve walked into rooms where it was assumed I was the intern,” she shares. “The only way to change perceptions is to normalize seeing women in leadership roles.”

Poon’s vision for the future is ambitious yet grounded. She plans to expand HUUB to more cities, helping governments adopt technology to serve their communities better. “If local governments can seize this moment and invest in technology and data-driven strategies, it could be transformative,” she says.

Jenny Poon’s work exemplifies the power of innovation driven by empathy and a commitment to equality. Through CO+HOOTS and HUUB, she’s not only transforming entrepreneurial ecosystems but also redefining what’s possible when data, technology, and compassion intersect. To hear her full story, watch her complete Elephant in the Room podcast episode.