Inclusive Entrepreneurship

Unleashing the full potential of all entrepreneurs - particularly women and people of color - by ensuring equal access to opportunity

A Roadmap for a More Equitable Future

From unconscious biases to chronic underfunding, there are deep societal disparities that undermine the growth and potential of entrepreneurs of color. At Nasdaq, we recognize that we are uniquely positioned to help build an inclusive economy that advances growth and prosperity for all. Through our Purpose Initiative and the world-class resources and mentorship available through the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, we are providing entrepreneurs of all backgrounds with the tools they need to succeed and thrive. 

3 Pillars of Entrepreneurial Success

Access to Networks

In order to succeed, minority entrepreneurs need equal access to high-quality mentorship, education, and early career opportunities. Inclusive entrepreneurship helps dismantle structural disadvantages that have prevented minority entrepreneurs from building relationships critical to their future.

Access to Capital

More than half of Black-owned companies have their loan applications rejected – twice the rate of white-owned companies. To reverse this trend, the marketplace has opened up a number of innovative, scalable solutions to increase the flow of growth capital to minority entrepreneurs, including startup accelerators and incubators.

Access to Markets

Due to difficulties penetrating mainstream markets, many minority-owned startups only serve minority communities, hindering their ability to scale. New strategies have emerged to facilitate direct access to new markets through public procurement programs and infrastructures that help consumers connect directly with minority-owned businesses.

A survey of over 1,500 Black entrepreneurs showed that less than
40%
of respondents had sufficient access to mentors and supporters to help launch and scale a business
Woman Smiling Sitting At A Computer
Mentorship Matters
Mentorship can mean the difference between startups scaling or failing. A survey of tech firms in New York City found that one-third of founders who were mentored by successful entrepreneurs became leading performers - outperforming their peers by more than three to one.
Why Mentorship Matters
A survey of over 1,500 Black entrepreneurs showed that less than
40%
of respondents had sufficient access to mentors and supporters to help launch and scale a business
Stories of Founders and Mentors: In Their Own Words

In September 2020, the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center designed a Mentorship Circle for 12 early-stage Black founders and entrepreneurs. The program sought to solve their most-pressing problems alongside industry expert mentors. A community of entrepreneurs and mentors was formed, each offering invaluable experience and expertise. Their stories of success and struggle – at once unique and universal – follow below.

Founder Perspectives

Aishetu Fatima Dozie Headshot

Aishetu Fatima Dozie

There’s a lot that brings you together just by the mere fact of your race. There were a lot of shared experiences across the cohort of entrepreneurs. There’s something really beautiful about feeling that you’re seen.
Founder and CEO, Bossy Cosmetics Read More About Aishetu's Experience
Marcel Benson Headshot

Marcel Benson

The Mentorship Circle was incredible because it challenged entrepreneurs to look under the hood of their business, see what needs work and drill down on the things that make a company successful
Founder, Benson Watch Company Read More About Marcel's Experience
Dr. Irene Okoronkwo-Obika Headshot

Dr. Irene Okoronkwo-Obika

My peers on the program helped me develop as an entrepreneur because a lot of their companies were already ahead of mine. Because they had already ‘been there, done that,’ so to speak, they gave me pitfalls to avoid and what programs to look into.
CEO and Co-Founder, Afrinanny Read More About Irene's Experience
Tony Lawson and Shantrelle Lewis

Tony Lawson and Shantrelle Lewis

Through multiple insights during the program we narrowed our focus and created concise language to explain what we do. These insights came from the collective experience of working with the mentors along with experts who were brought in to support us
CEO and Co-Founder, SHOPPE BLACK Read More About Tony and Shantrelle's Experience
Jacqueline Carrington

Jacqueline Carrington

It was a nice change to be among other Black founders and be able to candidly discuss issues that are important to us and our communities.
Founder, People of Color Read More About Jacqueline's Experience

Founders Finding Their Way Forward, Together

  1. Marcus Bullock Image

    Marcus Bullock: From Prison to Leading with Purpose

    Kieron Johnson
  2. Chasity Wright Headshot

    Chasity Wright: 'Finding the Right Funding Is A Bit Like Courting'

    Kieron Johnson
  3. Tony Rice II

    Tony Rice II: Mentorship Boosted His Sense of Belonging

    Kieron Johnson
/
  1. Crystal Hills Headshot

    Crystal Hills: The Importance of Selling Your Story

    Kieron Johnson
  2. Peter Njongwe Image

    Peter Njongwe: VC Funding and Perfecting the Perfect Pitch

    Kieron Johnson
  3. Kevin Dedner Headshot

    Kevin Dedner: Affirmation Can Make All the Difference

    Kieron Johnson
/

The Experience of Mentors

Trevor Parham Image

Trevor Parham

Some entrepreneurs conflate access to capital with their product being successful. So, I try to reassure them that they need to pursue the success of their product from the standpoint of how well it aligns with their vision.
Founder and Director, Oakstop Read More Insights From Trevor
Jillian Manus Headshot

Jillian Manus

All the founders have the ability to not only build a company and create change, but to pass on their curiosity, innovation, skills and the depth of their empathy.
Managing Partner, Structure Capital Read More Insights From Jillian
Graham North Headshot

Graham North

The founders were frustrated by a genuine problem in their community and were trying to find ways to leverage technology to solve problems in a smarter, more scalable way. They were really inspiring.
Senior Brand Strategy Consultant, Goodby Silverstein & Partners Read More Insights From Graham
Rudy Cline Headshot

Rudy Cline-Thomas

It’s great to have an idea and it’s even better to have capital but, in order for entrepreneurs to execute their vision, they have to surround themselves with great people.
Founder and Managing Partner, Mastry, Inc Read More Insights From Rudy

Mentors on What Matters Most

  1. Rob Chesnut Headshot

    Rob Chesnut: The Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur

    Kieron Johnson
  2. Briana Patrick Image

    Briana Patrick: Brand-Building in the Black Community Felt Like My Calling

    Kieron Johnson
  3. Sergio Marrero Headshot

    Sergio Marrero: Eradicating Inequality; The New Face of Venture Capitalism

    Kieron Johnson
/
Purpose Initiative Banner TEST 2

Nasdaq's Purpose

Nasdaq's call to advance economic progress for all has never been stronger, nor more urgent than it is today.

LEARN MORE
According to a survey by The UPS Store
70%
of small business owners that receive mentoring survive for five years or more – double the rate of those who do not receive mentoring
Women Laughing at Work
An Invisible Ally: How Mentors Help Founders Start and Scale Their Businesses
If a thriving entrepreneurial scene is indicative of a healthy economy, there are few areas where mentorship is more important than in the startup world.
3 Ways Mentors Help
According to a survey by The UPS Store
70%
of small business owners that receive mentoring survive for five years or more – double the rate of those who do not receive mentoring

World Reimagined: A New Normal Requires a New Way of Thinking

  1. People gathering in an office

    6 Ways VC Firms Can Make Entrepreneurialism More Equitable for People of Color

    Kieron Johnson
  2. Black woman working at a desk

    Removing the Barriers to Wealth Creation for Women of Color

    MarketInsite
  3. Women meeting in an office

    Women Leaders on How They Are Disrupting Their Industries

    Gesche Haas
/
Closing Bell Ceremony_Entrepreneurial Center_10.01.19

The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center

A non-profit organization created to connect, inspire and educate entrepreneurs.

LEARN MORE