In collaboration with the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce and the Indy Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, the Startup Ladies launched Project Boardup, a free certification program to help women, Black, brown and LGBTQ+ founders build and manage high-impact advisory boards.
The initiative, funded by a $40,000 grant from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), provides structured training for entrepreneurs and executives, fostering stronger connections to accelerate startup growth.
What Is Project Boardup?
Project Boardup offers dual certification tracks.
For Entrepreneurs: Founders of early-stage startups and small businesses will learn how to identify, onboard and manage advisory boards effectively. The program equips them with strategies to leverage advisory support for scaling their ventures.
For Executives: Professionals with industry expertise will receive training on best practices for serving on startup advisory boards, including expectations, commitments and ways to provide high-value guidance. After certification, executives will be matched with startups that align with their skills.
The program addresses a critical gap for underrepresented founders, who often face barriers in accessing networks and mentorship. By formalizing advisory board training, Project Boardup aims to create more equitable growth opportunities.
Participation is free for accepted applicants, but spots are limited.
Applications for both entrepreneurs and executives close on Monday, March 31, at 11:59 PM ET. Interested candidates can learn more and apply via the following links:
Entrepreneur Application: forms.gle/FDs29KLd8CXLSKDL6
Executive Application: forms.gle/TfziHmuJV3AwuUjP9
This initiative represents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to gain actionable insights and for executives to contribute meaningfully to underrepresented startups.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
