Business

Ghanaian CEO and lawyer Markwei Boye J.D. teaches his children to never give up

ROLLINGOUT — Markwei Boye, J.D. is the owner and CEO of Smart Business Tax Solutions, PLLC since 2000. A highly respected tax professional, Boye is a licensed financial advisor and lawyer whose broad expertise ranges from IRS Tax representation, small business tax solutions to estate planning for individuals and companies.

Published

7 years ago

June 19, 2019

Oakland Post

By Porsha Monique

Markwei Boye, J.D. is the owner and CEO of Smart Business Tax Solutions, PLLC since 2000. A highly respected tax professional, Boye is a licensed financial advisor and lawyer whose broad expertise ranges from IRS Tax representation, small business tax solutions to estate planning for individuals and companies. Boye holds a bachelor’s of science degree in finance from the University of Detroit Mercy, a master’s in business administration (MBA) from Wayne State University, a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and completed his coursework for his doctorate degree in business management from Argosy University of Chicago. In addition, Boye holds an Enrolled Agent designation, a specialized license earned by individuals who have passed a rigorous tax examination administered by the IRS. Boye has demonstrated technical competency in all levels of federal taxation. He is a member of the American Institute Certified Public Accountants, American Bar Association, Registered Financial Planning Institute, National Association of Enrolled Agents, National Association of Tax Professionals and National Society of Accountants.

How would you describe your Fatherhood culture?

In Ghana, my home country, family is absolutely everything and the responsibility of fatherhood is one that is held in very high regard. Your average Ghanaian man provides for his family and takes care of his children. There really is no other acceptable way.

Why is it important to expose children to education and valuable skills?

Education is the tool that provides opportunities beyond your circumstances. I did not come from wealth. It was through education that I learned valuable skills that allowed me to flourish professionally as an employee and then as an entrepreneur. So, I know firsthand its benefits and I wish for every child to take advantage of educational opportunities and continually learn skills. It opens the doors for greater possibilities to come – and the skills, once learned cannot be taken from you.

Why should you read every day?

I think reading every day allows you to hone in on your critical thinking skills. No matter the subject or genre of book, reading expands your mind, your vocabulary, your imagination and your ability to analyze. These benefits from daily reading only serves to enhance your acumen in any area going forward.

How important is keeping your word?

In my opinion, keeping your word speaks directly to your integrity. So, for me as a man and father, keeping your word allows for certain assurances your family and your children need and expect. And professionally as a businessman and attorney in the tax and accounting fields, keeping my word is something I take very seriously because I know the implications if I do not. Having integrity personally and professionally, and keeping your word go hand in hand in my book.

What advice would you give on being responsible for your own dreams?

I would encourage anyone to dare to dream. Think long and hard about what brings you joy. Money is important, but it is not everything. Discover what piques your interest and pursue it. Life goes fast so find your dreams and work towards them.

Finish the sentence: Never give up on yourself because …

I have a true testament as to never give up on yourself. A few years ago, after completing law school, I spent a considerable amount of time and sacrifice studying to take the bar exam, a highly rigorous exam. Unfortunately, I did not pass the first time. I could have easily given up on myself because I felt that I gave everything that I had to give. Luckily, I knew that I had to try again, as many times as it took to complete my goal. The benefit on the other side of my feeling initially defeated was much greater than the current circumstance, so I chose to press on. Thankfully, I passed the bar exam, set a great example for my family and my children who saw my journey many a night, and who now knows not to cower to challenges and adversity.

This article originally appeared in Rollingout.com.

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Oakland Post: Week of February 25 – March 3, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – February 25 – March 3, 2026

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1 week ago

March 1, 2026

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Chase Oakland Community Center Hosts Alley-Oop Accelerator Building Community and Opportunity for Bay Area Entrepreneurs

Over the past three years, the Alley-Oop Accelerator has helped more than 20 Bay Area businesses grow, connect, and gain meaningful exposure. The program combines hands-on training, mentorship, and community-building to help participants navigate the legal, financial, and marketing challenges of small business ownership.

Published

2 weeks ago

February 21, 2026

Oakland Post

Bay Area entrepreneurs attend the Alley-Oop Accelerator, a small business incubation program at Chase Oakland Community Center. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

The Golden State Warriors and Chase bank hosted the third annual Alley-Oop Accelerator this month, an empowering eight-week program designed to help Bay Area entrepreneurs bring their visions for business to life.

The initiative kicked off on Feb. 12 at Chase’s Oakland Community Center on Broadway Street, welcoming 15 small business owners who joined a growing network of local innovators working to strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

At its core, the accelerator is designed to create an ecosystem of collaboration, where local entrepreneurs can learn from one another while accessing the resources of a global financial institution.

“This is our third year in a row working with the Golden State Warriors on the Alley-Oop Accelerator,” said Jaime Garcia, executive director of Chase’s Coaching for Impact team for the West Division. “We’ve already had 20-plus businesses graduate from the program, and we have 15 enrolled this year. The biggest thing about the program is really the community that’s built amongst the business owners — plus the exposure they’re able to get through Chase and the Golden State Warriors.”

According to Garcia, several graduates have gone on to receive vendor contracts with the Warriors and have gained broader recognition through collaborations with JPMorgan Chase.

“A lot of what Chase is trying to do,” Garcia added, “is bring businesses together because what they’ve asked for is an ecosystem, a network where they can connect, grow, and thrive organically.”

This year’s Alley-Oop Accelerator reflects that vision through its comprehensive curriculum and emphasis on practical learning. Participants explore the full spectrum of business essentials including financial management, marketing strategy, and legal compliance, while also preparing for real-world experiences such as pop-up market events.

Each entrepreneur benefits from one-on-one mentoring sessions through Chase’s Coaching for Impact program, which provides complimentary, personalized business consulting.

Garcia described the impact this hands-on approach has had on local small business owners. He recalled one candlemaker, who, after participating in the program, was invited to provide candles as gifts at Chase events.

“We were able to help give that business exposure,” he explained. “But then our team also worked with them on how to access capital to buy inventory and manage operations once those orders started coming in. It’s about preparation. When a hiccup happens, are you ready to handle it?”

The Coaching for Impact initiative, which launched in 2020 in just four cities, has since expanded to 46 nationwide.

“Every business is different,” Garcia said. “That’s why personal coaching matters so much. It’s life-changing.”

Participants in the 2026 program will each receive a $2,500 stipend, funding that Garcia said can make an outsized difference. “It’s amazing what some people can do with just $2,500,” he noted. “It sounds small, but it goes a long way when you have a plan for how to use it.”

For Chase and the Warriors, the Alley-Oop Accelerator represents more than an educational initiative, it’s a pathway to empowerment and economic inclusion. The program continues to foster lasting relationships among the entrepreneurs who, as Garcia put it, “build each other up” through shared growth and opportunity.

“Starting a business is never easy, but with the right support, it becomes possible, and even exhilarating,” said Oscar Lopez, the senior business consultant for Chase in Oakland.