Program areas at AYA Foundation
The new community transformation fund, the first venture capital fund established in Colorado to serve primarily bipoc entrepreneurs continued to make great strides through 2023. Utilizing their philanthropic dollars, the fund was able to scale operations with a full team (fund manager, chief of staff, executive assistant and operations director). The fund set up infrastructure systems to refer founders to the support they needed. Through our parntership with the nctf/collective for the advancement of bipoc businesses we were able to support more than 20 entrepreneurs.
To lead an economic revolution by supporting members of the black community build their wealth through access to education, training, networks, and funding. In 2023 the Foundation supported 91 entrepreneurs with 509 in-depth touchpoints. Three entrepreneur events to increase the networking and social capital of business owners were hosted. 41 entrepreneurs completed jump start my business bootcamp. We served 14 entrepreneurs through direct business coaching, 10 entrepreneurs received bookkeeping support services, and 46 individuals received personalized connections to business support (legal, marketing, business development connections, business planning and business finance planning and more).
Aya Foundation's grantmaking program made significant strides in 2023. We awarded $177,000 start up business grants and $25,000 in refundable grants to 9 entreprenuers to support business growth and start up costs. Grantees represent a wide range of industries (service, consumer products, and tech).
Other fiscal sponsorships