FOUNDATION FOR BUSINESS EQUITY INC

Transformative development - the foundation will leverage philanthropic dollars and deep community relations in communities that are feeling the pressure of displacement and gentrification. The foundation seeks to conduct development that authentically works with community residents and ensures that those who are typically not at the development/design table to be at the table and participate in the future design/development of their neighborhood. The foundation will identify communities at early stages of feeling the pressures of gentrification and displacement and help to strengthen and develop community anchor institutions. The focus is on supporting leadership to actualize transformative development that in turn influences further development in the particular community.

Response team in may of 2021, fbe placed additional focus on supporting communities of color with the intention of stabilizing and mitigating risks as a result of the covid-19 pandemic. Business owners were to receive approximately 150 hours over six months of best-in-class and in-depth support with managing their business from a strategic support team (including specialists, as needed). Fbe continues to rely on its deep relationships with strategic advisors to help companies weather the storm. These tools include cash deployments, affordable and patient loans, and sound advice. Fbe pivoted their model to directly address the crisis by deploying response strategy teams with expertise in turn-around situations, setting up a covid-19 emergency fund, collaborating with capital partners on loan payment deferments & repurposing of capital for relief, and continuing to serve as a clearinghouse on resources for local, state & federal support services and tools.