This is an amazing time for women in history. Women are more visible than ever and Women's History Month continues that momentum. This is an occasion to celebrate and reflect on how far we've come and where we’re going next. There is no doubt that this month is a huge opportunity for us to celebrate all of the incredible women in leadership, the women artists, the women thought leaders and doers who have paved the way for women today. Women are making lasting impressions and achieving at unprecedented levels.
This month was an incredible and joyous moment for several reasons for Black Girl Ventures. Nike partnered with us and showcased the remarkable work that we’re doing (check the pic below). Ya’ll, they’ve partnered with us to amplify Black/Brown women’s voices, and that’s what we intend to do! We were already all the way hype before Nike, but now, we feel unstoppable in our mission towards financial equity. Thank you for always rocking with us!
The BGV TEA
Black Girl Ventures is activating impact on a deeper level with this partnership with Nike to shift the landscape of entrepreneurship. Stay up to date with all the happenings.
BGV Connect
Have you joined the BGV Connect Incubator community yet? If not, what are you waiting for, Sis? This is where we bring our bonnets to co-working, we give you feedback on your business and access to resources that are exclusive to only this community. But, most of all you gain sisterhood. As we speak, women are collaborating right now. Come break bread and mastermind with like-minded women and join today!
Financial Empowerment
Money is a tool. It is powerful. It empowers you to reach your goals, scale your businesses, increase generational wealth, be free from debt, and taking financial steps towards harmonizing your personal and professional life. We have a slew of information so you can continue to make money making moves. Start with A Dose of Disruption by Shelly Bell, a podcast hosted by Shelly, then head over to our blog to receive nuggets and gems to begin that financial shift in your life.
WE PITCH
There is still time to apply to pitch. If you've been thinking about it, well now is the time. There's still time to vote for the BGV x Kim Crawford pitch on the SheRaise platform. Go ahead and invest in your favorite founder with a donation.
BGV x Manifestation Babe - March 25th, 2021
BGV Miami Pitch Competition - April 8th, 2021
BGV x AfroSheen Pitch Competition - April 22nd, 2021
BGV x Equilibria Pitch Competition - May 6th, 2021
WE BAG
Female Founders Fund
For tech entrepreneurs seeking early-stage funding opportunities, consider pitching the Female Founders Fund (FFF). FFF invests in B2B, consumer, fintech, and health care businesses that have at least one female founding member, and they primarily focus on investing in seed-stage businesses. They do six to eight investments per year, with investments ranging from $500,000 to $750,000. Check their FAQ page for eligibility requirements.
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) is the nation’s “largest nonprofit, non-partisan association” dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and micro-businesses. NASE Members can receive up to $4,000.
To apply for a NASE Growth Grant, you’ll first need to join NASE and remain in good standing with the organization for at least three months. After that, you can apply online.
National Black MBA Association® launched the Scale-Up Pitch Challenge in 2017 which works to satisfy the mission of the Association to help create and support wealth-building opportunities for its members, with previous winners experiencing great success with investors due to exposure and funding provided through this challenge. They provide startups the unique opportunity to connect with early-stage investors and venture capitalists who are ready to invest. The first-place prize is $50k, the second place prize is $10k, the third-place prize is $5,00 and the People's Choice Award is an additional $1k.
The NAACP x BACARDI are working together to provide dedicated support to Black-owned businesses in the beverage alcohol service, sales, and hospitality industries. Backing the B.A.R. is an NAACP initiative that is awarding over $350,000 in acceleration grants, education, support, and entrepreneurship solutions for Black-owned bars, restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, liquor stores, and small businesses in the process of applying for a liquor license. Grantees will receive a grant of $10,000 dollars. Ideal grant recipients are looking for support in accelerating their business for the future.
Subscribe to the Digital Orange Juice for juicy ideas and the people who fund them. You can find out about our next pitch competitions here.