The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has awarded The Startup Ladies $40,000 to launch “Project Boardup.”
The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between experienced entrepreneurs and underrepresented startup founders by identifying executives to serve as advisory board members. Entrepreneurs will be trained in how to select and manage their board effectively. After training, the program will match advisors with businesses owned by women, Black and LGBTQ+ founders.
The project will partner with the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce (IBCC) and the Indy Rainbow Chamber of Commerce (IRCC). The grant will be used to:
- Develop and refine the Boardup program in consultation with IBCC and IRCC.
- Create an online portal where both entrepreneurs and executives can learn about the program, apply to be in the program, complete virtual training, then be matched with one another.
- Identify and train the first pool of advisors, equipping them with the knowledge needed to support diverse founders effectively.
- Identify and train the first pool of entrepreneurs, equipping them with the knowledge needed to build an advisory board for their companies in order to scale.
- Match these trained advisors with entrepreneurs from The Startup Ladies, IBCC and IRCC, facilitating a structured onboarding process.
- Expand opportunities to entrepreneurs engaged with other entrepreneurial support organizations across Indiana, depending on interest.
“Project Boardup is an incredible opportunity for Black founders to gain the strategic support they need to succeed, and for executives to use their experience and connections to make a tangible difference in our community,” said Anita Williams, co-founder and program director of the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce and Startup Ladies Board member. “It’s about building relationships that empower Black-owned startups to reach new heights.”
For more information, visit thestartupladies.org.
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
