Genesis Block has formed its board of advisers, which will provide strategic counsel on the company’s mission to build the entrepreneur class and lower barriers to entrepreneurship, according to a news release.

The board will "further advance Genesis Block’s vision of being the anchor institution for minority and women business services and economic development in southeastern North Carolina," officials said in the release.

The board members are: Joseph “Joe” Finley, co-founder of CastleBranch and tekMountain; Karl Ricanek, co-founder and CEO of Lapetus Solutions; Deb Hays, a New Hanover County commissioner and Realtor; Albert Steed, president and CEO of Hybrid Athlete Foundation; Terry Espy, founder and president of MoMentum Companies; Wayne Hippo, managing partner of PS Solutions; Tracey Newkirk, co-founder and president of Genesis Block; and Girard Newkirk, co-founder and CEO of Genesis Block.

“We are honored and so proud to have attracted this incredible group of talented professionals and community leaders," said Girard Newkirk in the release. "This Board will help us drive our mission to build the entrepreneur class forward and create a dynamic inclusive environment for small businesses to thrive."