Small Business Development Center at Binghamton University的动态

We’re done begging. Black founders are forging our own paths. Attending an impactful panel discussion today organized by DivInc with Melissa Bradley of 1863 Ventures, Alphonso David of Fearless Fund, Rodney Williams of SoLo Funds, and Joshua Taylor of Fifth Star Funds made one thing clear: the narrative around black founders is shifting. Despite record-low VC investments for black entrepreneurs, we’re not sitting back or waiting for the tide to turn. As Melissa Bradley pointed out, this country often puts systemic inequities ahead of its economic interests. But even in the face of barriers, black founders are no longer asking for permission—we’re innovating, creating alternative funding paths, and supporting one another to redefine access and success on our terms. This conversation reaffirms that our communities’ resilience and vision are unstoppable forces. We’re here to build, grow, and thrive, reshaping the future with every step. #BlackFounders #Entrepreneurship #AFROTECH #Innovation #BuildingOurFuture

Big News! ASBA just launched the Small Business Incubator Program at the Phoenix West Second Chance Center in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority & Arizona Department of Corrections! This program empowers system-impacted individuals with entrepreneurial training and support to break barriers and build brighter futures. The first session kicked off on November 18th, with expansions planned in 2025! Let’s celebrate new opportunities and second chances! ?? Read the press release here: https://lnkd.in/gRp9RZCR

"Every year, our revenues grew and Allies for Community Business has been with us through the entire process." - Jimmie Williams and Tiffany Williams, owners of Urban Roots Inc. Urban Roots is dedicated to improving the economic landscape in underserved communities. Jimmie and Tiffany Williams first came to A4CB for a loan that allowed them to move their business out of their home and into an office space. They also participated in A4CB's Neighborhood Entrepreneurship Lab, a business accelerator program. Watch the video to learn more!

President Donald Trump to pause federal funding while his administration conducts an across-the-board ideological review to uproot progressive initiatives." - AP News What does this even mean? "Across-the-board ideological review to uproot progressive initiatives." You’re sitting in a room full of billions, and you still gotta hoard the little bit of wealth left? I’ve gotta tell my startup fundraising story now. Sent out 100 pitch decks—nothing. Pivoted to CDFIs—still nothing. With less than 1% of Black founders getting VC funding, they still manage to argue that they’re the ones at a disadvantage. LMAO. The only people who gave me the time of day were Black CDFIs. And to them, I said, "You have to pay attention to what I’m doing—it’s something special." But now? Black CDFIs are about to learn a hard lesson. A very hard lesson. Stay tuned, because there’s more to this story coming soon. #Entrepreneurship #BlackFounders #VCFunding #CDFI #StartupStruggles #WealthInequality #SystemicBias #RepresentationMatters

Exciting stuff: This week, we launched the first in a series of new ownable digital content franchises set to live across LaunchTN channels, part of a planned relaunch and refocus of the org's owned media portfolio. Called "10 Words of Wisdom," it will build a masterclass library of actionable yet concise advice (capped at no more than 10 words) from across the landscape, tapping leaders from across a diverse pool of experiences and kicking off with CEO Lindsey Cox. More to come.

LaunchTN is starting a new series #LaunchTNwisdom. Have 10 words or less to share to founders, startups, investors or members of the tech community? Share below or reach out!

Launching today: #LaunchTNwisdom, our new series featuring impactful advice from thought leaders across the Tennessee entrepreneurial ecosystem... in no more than 10 words! Kicking things off is #LaunchTN CEO Lindsey Cox. Share your own 10 Words of Wisdom below in the comments, and stay tuned for more, coming soon! #LaunchTNwisdom #10WordsOfWisdom #LaunchTN #StartupSuccess #Innovation #Community #Advice

I AM THE ALGORITHM- Jewel Burks Solomon As Managing Partner at Collab Capital, Jewel Burks Solomon is empowering Black founders and entrepreneurs to scale their innovations. She’s making sure that access to investment isn’t limited to a select few. I AM THE ALGORITHM creating pathways to investment and innovation for Black entrepreneurs. Her work is a reminder that access to capital is essential for building a more equitable tech industry. #IAmTheAlgorithm #BlackFounders #TechForGood #BlackWomen #DiversityInEntrepreneurship #VentureCapital

Five key lessons I wish someone had given me when I first started out on my entrepreneurial journey.

?? Less than 2% of venture capital goes to Black founders. This is why it’s important to highlight the organizations and resources created with the purpose of supporting Black Founders. ? ? ? #entrepreneur #venturecaptial #equity #blackfounders