Aaron Bossett’s Post

Boosting for reach

🌟 PRESS RELEASE 🌟 The Startup Ladies Awarded $40,000 Grant from Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) for "Project Boardup" Empowering Women, Black, and LGBTQ+ Founders Through Strategic Advisory Support Indianapolis, IN – October 22, 2024 – The Startup Ladies is thrilled to announce that it has received a $40,000 grant from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) to launch “Project Boardup.” This initiative aims to bridge the gap between experienced executives and underrepresented startup founders by identifying, training, and onboarding executives to serve as advisory board members. As part of the program, entrepreneurs will be identified and trained on how to select and manage their advisory board members effectively. After training, the program will match advisors with businesses owned by women, Black, and LGBTQ+ founders. Addressing a Key Challenge for Diverse Founders Most startups, especially those owned by women and minority founders, face significant challenges in building advisory boards that can provide strategic guidance, industry connections, and potential investment opportunities. For many emerging founders, accessing the networks and resources needed to secure effective board members remains out of reach. Meanwhile, many C-level executives possess the expertise, connections, and willingness to support these startups but lack a clear path to engage. Through collaboration with the Indy Black Chamber and the Indy Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, Project Boardup aims to close this gap. Together, they will develop programming that equips executives with the skills needed to understand the unique challenges faced by under-resourced startups, including differences in financial priorities and decision-making compared to large enterprises. Supporting Minority Founders in a Competitive Funding Landscape In 2023, more than $170 billion was invested into U.S. startups, yet women founders received only 2% of that funding, with Black women receiving even less. Despite these disparities, Black women founders have demonstrated the highest return on investment. Project Boardup seeks to ensure that startup advisors can provide tailored support to diverse founders, fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where minority-owned businesses can thrive. Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/3A5GxZY

👏 Entrepreneurs 👏 need 👏 good 👏 advisory 👏 board👏 members👏 . If you are an executive looking to give back or a startup interested in building a board, check out this new The Startup Ladies program! So excited for this Indiana Economic Development Corporation Community Collaboration Fund project!

❓Did you know research has shown that underrepresented founders deliver better outcomes to their investors than their counterparts?  I have some thoughts... A study by the Boston Consulting Group found that when women business owners pitch their ideas to investors for early-stage capital, they received significantly less funding but delivered more than twice as much revenue per dollar invested. The odds of success for any startup are incredibly low. ➡️ And we *want* more businesses to succeed. ❓So how can the tech ecosystem provide better, more tailored resources for underrepresented founders so the ecosystem *as a whole* is more successful and impactful? I think there’s the assumption that special programming for underrepresented founders is never more than lip service. Companies will throw one-off events so they can point to it saying, “We did a thing, therefore we care”... While this can unfortunately be the case in some instances, many organizations are providing additional opportunities and boosted support on top of the standard programming. – but they don’t receive enough momentum or support to resource these initiatives. If you’re an organization that IS doing the work, let’s be more vocal about it. Maybe we even challenge each other to be competitive or collaborative, so these priorities get the attention they deserve.  Here are some examples of what we at DMZ have offered, currently offer, or are trying to figure out how to offer founders in our STREAM programs (Black, Women, Indigenous, and Student entrepreneurs): ✅ Access to an additional $10,000 grant for Black and Women identified founders upon joining our Incubator and $5,000 for pre-incubator.  ✅ Free legal services for Black founders through Tory's.  ✅ Access for early-stage Black founders who complete our free launchpad program to meet with Expert-in-Residence for free. ✅ Reimbursement opportunities to attend conferences and trade shows across the globe for Women founders.  ✅ Partnership with the YMCA to provide after-hours childcare so founders in our women entrepreneur program can attend evening events. ✅ Monetary sponsorship of Women and Black-founded events and initiatives across the ecosystem.  ✅ A chance to be highlighted annually at our Women Innovation Summit and Black Innovation Summit, where startups have the chance to pitch their business for investments. We’re constantly testing out new ways to help our founders and are seeking new partners who will help us create a more equitable landscape that, in the end, is good for the health of the tech ecosystem as a whole. ➡️ If you're an organization doing similar work, what’s the most impactful initiative you’ve launched? ➡️ If you’re a potential partner looking to get involved, let’s have a conversation.

#Top #Black #British #Tech #Executives Tom Ilube – Founder and CEO of Crossword Cybersecurity, and Chairman of WPP, Ilube is a serial entrepreneur and philanthropist. He’s known for his contributions to the tech and cybersecurity industry and was named the most powerful Black person in Britain by Powerlist in 2017. Jacky Wright – As Chief Digital Officer at Microsoft UK, Wright has led Microsoft’s digital transformation strategies while promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech space. Sharmadean Reid – Reid is the Founder and CEO of Beautystack and The Stack World, platforms revolutionizing beauty services and empowering women entrepreneurs through technology. Anne-Marie Imafidon – A pioneering figure, Imafidon co-founded Stemettes, a social enterprise inspiring young women into STEM careers. She is also an advocate for diversity in tech. Piers Linney – Former investor on Dragons' Den and now the Founder of Moblox, a tech platform providing tools and services for small businesses. Linney is a well-known voice for entrepreneurship and inclusion. Genevieve Leveille – CEO of AgriLedger, Leveille is transforming agricultural supply chains through blockchain technology, improving transparency and fairness for small farmers globally. David Germain – As CIO at RSA Group, Germain oversees digital and IT transformation for one of the world’s leading insurance companies, making him a key player in fintech innovation. Ezechi Britton – Co-founder of Impact X Capital and Code Untapped, Britton is a leader in tech investment focused on underrepresented founders and a voice for diversity in technology. June Angelides – Founder of Mums in Tech and a VC investor at Samos Investments, Angelides champions diversity in the workforce and provides training to mothers re-entering the tech space. Andy Davis – Founder of the Angel Investing School and co-founder of 10x10 VC, Davis is focused on democratizing venture capital and increasing access to investment for minority entrepreneurs. Adrian Grant – The Founder and CEO of Virtually There, Grant develops cutting-edge virtual reality solutions, pushing boundaries in the immersive tech space. Mel Ross – CEO of Adapt2Digital, Ross focuses on digital transformation strategies for large enterprises, helping businesses adopt emerging technologies to stay competitive. Charlene Hunter – Hunter is the Founder and CEO of Coding Black Females, a platform that promotes Black women in technology through coding workshops, training, and career development. Loraine Martins – As Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail, Martins leads initiatives to improve diversity across the UK’s rail industry, ensuring technology benefits all communities. Duro Oye – Founder and CEO of 20/20 Change, Oye leads an organization that trains and mentors young Black professionals, with a strong emphasis on tech-related careers. #esportsafricaconnect #esportsafricaengage #esportsafricaunited

Good morning, good morning. Day one. Time flies when you're having fun. Back when our team sat down to dream up this week, we were focused on intentional growth. As organizers, our goal is to build a world where the leaders we work with take the mantle and lead the charge. For me, that means combining wisdom, youth, and energy to create the future we all deserve. The next few days are deeply personal, stretching us beyond anything we’ve done before. As we kick off National Digital Inclusion Week, our communities risk being left behind in the race for economic mobility. I’ll tell you what. In three days, we’ll host nearly 80 speakers at the Black Tech Saturdays Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit—leaders who’ve answered the call to teach, train, and support tech-curious individuals, tech talent, tech founders, and tech-enabled entrepreneurs in navigating the jungle that is the tech industry. Like any jungle, you need the right tools to survive, empower yourself, and ultimately thrive. This morning, we’re bussing in nearly 1,000 students to experience Youth STEM Fest at the Michigan Science Center, as we look to inspire the next generation of leaders. Growing up, I often skipped field trips because we didn’t have the money. Today, we’re partnering with TripSlip to ensure every selected school received a digital permission slip, so no child is excluded. Every student gets a free field trip, lunch, and the chance to learn from some of the best mentors in the world. Tonight, I’m excited to hear from Jay Bailey, a leader who’s flown in from Atlanta to share how the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs has revolutionized support for Black entrepreneurs. In just four years, the entrepreneurs they’ve supported have collectively generated $162 million in revenue—one of those companies is run by an 11-year-old who’s reached $1.6 million in revenue. Altogether, they’ve created $450 million in economic impact. We hope Jay’s insights from Atlanta will inspire us to understand what true support looks like as we continue building an economic mobility vehicle here in Detroit. Black Tech Saturdays is evolving, and by learning from the Russell Center and others nationwide, we aim to create world-class support for our entrepreneurs through new programs and interventions. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree today.” The opposite of poverty isn’t wealth—it’s justice. These next three days are about justice, because Detroit deserves better. Detroit deserves the world. We hope we can deliver. Thank you, Detroit. We love you, and I hope this helps. 😇😇😇 Sign up 🎉 https://lnkd.in/gqF9xGhB #BlackTechSaturdays #keepgoing #togetherwecan #strongertogether #bridgethedivide #closethegap #blackintech #womenintech #latinxintech #diversityintech #DetroitDigitalEmpowermentSummit #blackjoy ##blacklove #blackexcellence

In her article, "5 Ways Tech Companies Can Benefit From New BIPOC Founders," author Kalina Bryant highlights a powerful trend: more professionals in underserved communities, especially Black women, are leaving traditional tech roles to become entrepreneurs. This shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the tech industry. As founders in underserved communities bring unique perspectives and lived experiences, tech companies have a chance to foster real innovation, cultural competency, and expanded market reach by supporting these new leaders. This isn’t just about filling diversity quotas; it’s about creating products and solutions that resonate with broader communities and tapping into talent that can drive business growth. At StreetCode Academy, we are committed to building a pipeline of talent ready to lead and innovate in tech. We believe that with the right support, these founders can reshape the tech industry, making it more inclusive, innovative, and impactful for all. 📖 Read Kalina's article to explore how supporting founders in communities of color is a win for tech companies and the communities they serve: https://lnkd.in/gCUGS-dV #futureoftech #techequity #edtech #socialimpact #digitalinclusion

Hey boss babes! 👋 Tired of bootstrapping and want to level up? Want to make those big dreams a reality? Well, get this.. there are TONS of grants out there just for women entrepreneurs like you! 🤯 Some of these grants can hook you up with tens of thousands of dollars, mentorship, and even connections to investors who can take your biz to the next level. Talk about a glow-up! ✨ No matter what stage you're at, there's a grant waiting to fuel your fire. From tech startups to social enterprises, there's something for everyone. So ditch the doubts, put on your PJs, I don't judge 😉, and go get that initial growth potential. Here are a few that are available, their are many more opportunities available: 1. Women Who Code: A supportive community and resources for women in tech. 2. NASE Scholarships and Small Business Grants: Up to $4,000 for growing your business. 3. Women Who Tech: Funding and connections for women-led startups in tech. 4. The Galaxy Grant: Doubling your chances with a refer-a-friend grant for minority- and women-owned businesses. 5. Incfile Fresh Start Business Grant: $2,500 for business startup costs or education. 6. Ms. Foundation Grants: Supporting projects focused on reproductive justice, economic security, and racial equity. 7. Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition: Up to $25,000 for your innovative business idea. 8. The AWS Impact Accelerator: $125,000 cash grant and resources for underrepresented founders in tech. 9. TGIV’s Gender Equity in Tech Fund (T-GET): Supporting organizations working to increase diversity in tech. 10. The Beyond Open Small Business Grant: Grants from $10,000-$150,000 for women, minority, veteran, LGBTQ+, or disabled-owned businesses. So what are you waiting for? Start googling, start applying, and start making those entrepreneurial dreams come true! 💪 #womeninbusiness #grants #levelup #girlboss #femaleentrepreneur #moneymoves #funding #hustle #startup #smallbiz #entrepreneur #tech #softwareengineer #womenempowerment #communityovercompetition #dreambig #diversity

Hi💰 $340k in Funding Opportunities for Black, LGBTQ+, Women-Owned Businesses This Week 🚀 Braze launches their Tech for an Equitable Future Product Grant Program (Cohort 5) 💡Only 5% of Black-owned businesses operate in high-tech industries, yet businesses that adopt digital technologies experience 25% faster revenue growth 💡In 2023, Black-founded startups received less than 0.5% of U.S. venture funding, and women-founded startups just 2.2%. 💡Black founders have far less access to high-quality mentorship, though mentored businesses are three times more likely to become top performers. To help close these gaps, our partners at Braze, alongside BET+, are offering 12 months of FREE access to their customer engagement platform for 20 historically marginalized startup founders across APAC, EMEA, and North America. PLUS ✅ Business mentorship ✅ Branding masterclasses ✅ Free email advertising ✅ CSM certifications, and more Apply HERE 👉🏽 https://lnkd.in/gPGrnVqz To Qualify: Companies founded by underrepresented groups in APAC, EMEA, and North America. Bootstrapped businesses or those with less than $30M in venture funding. Companies with fewer than 100 employees. Startups with a compatible SDK + the necessary Engineering and Marketing resources. ⏰ Applications are open now through January 17, 2025 Learn more and apply now 👉🏽 https://lnkd.in/gPGrnVqz 👉🏽 The Well Work x Justworks - Just Thrive Program | Up to $6,000 credit to existing businesses that have at least 50% ownership by marginalized founder(s), Deadline: Rolling Applications | https://lnkd.in/gCEybcgV 👉🏽 15Percent Pledge | The Fifteen Percent Pledge Achievement Award - $200,000 in grant funding for Black-owned businesses with high growth potential, Deadline: Oct 16, 2024 | https://lnkd.in/guDsrVaQ 👉🏽 Founder’s First | Southern California Job Creator’s Grant - $50,000 in grant funding for Latino, Black, Asian, Women, LGBTA+, Military Veterans, Applications Open: Oct 15, 2024 | https://lnkd.in/gCwnvRRX 👉🏽 InDrive | Aurora Tech Award - $85,000 in cash prizes for women founders of IT businesses, Deadline: November 21, 2024 | https://lnkd.in/gQnyhafg -- The Well Work - is on a mission to teach Black Founders how to get funding. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/emFQU-N Join our mailing list: https://lnkd.in/g_S9Qe_B Follow The Well Work for more grants and funding resources @thewellworkco on IG

"The Turnages’ sole vision with Black Tech Saturdays (BTS) has been to uplift the community and provide those seeking a chance with just that—a hand up. Both Alexa Turnage and Johnnie Turnage, with a relentless drive to create opportunities, have transformed BTS into a pillar of hope and innovation in Detroit. With every workshop, mentorship program, and networking event, BTS has been dismantling barriers and opening new doors. This latest investment from the Rocket Community Fund is not merely financial support—it’s a resounding endorsement of the profound impact they’ve already made and a powerful catalyst for their ongoing mission. “That’s the exciting part for us, its the support of the community and bringing all of Detroit into this conversation, I think it could be huge for what it means for building wealth and generations to come,” Johnnie said. Creating opportunity is at the heart of what BTS does and continues to set out to do. This commitment to community upliftment is not just changing lives—it’s transforming the entire city. By bridging the digital divide and fostering a culture of tech empowerment, BTS is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for Detroit. This initiative is ceiling-shattering, groundbreaking, and undeniably necessary. The Turnages are not just creating opportunities—they are revolutionizing the tech landscape, making sure every Detroiter has a shot at success. The broader impact of this initiative extends beyond the city, promising to attract and retain talent in Michigan. As Detroit becomes a hub for tech innovation, it will inevitably draw in professionals and entrepreneurs eager to be part of this vibrant, inclusive tech scene. This influx of talent will not only boost the local economy but also position Detroit as a leading city in the tech world, challenging the dominance of traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley. The commitment to bridging digital divides and fostering a diverse tech community ensures that Detroit is not just a city of the future but a model for how equitable tech advancement can be achieved." Autumn Evans Marvin L. Logan Jr Jonathan Pulley M.A. Laura Grannemann Ashleigh Dandridge Rob Frappier Robin Schwartz Ebony JJ Curry, MSJ Marquise Burns Jeremy Allen Jemell Cotton Hiram E. Jackson Cathy Nedd Erika M. Smith Microsoft Jenny Hutchinson Sistahs Reachin' Out (SRO) Josh Zook Shawn Malhotra Rocket Companies Rocket Mortgage Trina Scott Dr. KimArie Y. Jasmine Hines DJ Bridges Hoisea Jones Alexa Turnage Lauren Uddyback Maia Sabree Art T. Kevin Johnson City of Detroit Detroit Economic Growth Corporation Hilary Doe Let's Grow Michigan Michigan Economic Development Corporation 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 #togetherwecan #strongertogether #BlackTechSaturdays #keepgoing #Detroit #michigan #youcaninmichigan https://lnkd.in/dWBVS9zJ