The MBE Empowerment Fund™

The MBE Empowerment Fund™ (The Fund) is a community-based venture capital fund created to provide long-term equity, near equity, and debt investments in minority business enterprises.  The Fund addresses the funding gap experienced by minority-led ventures that are "too risky" for traditional lenders and don’t meet the investment criteria and minimum revenue requirements of most venture capital firms.

The MBE Empowerment Fund™ offers more than just financing – it envelopes disadvantaged, minority-owned businesses with management and technical assistance, access to broader financial resources, and a network of professional service providers, including lawyers, marketing consultants, accountants, and others who have the skills, resources and experience to affect the business’ chances for success.


Investment Strategy
The Fund prefers investment opportunities in seed, start-up, and early-stage minority-, women-veteran-, and ex-offender-owned companies* located in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  However, The Fund will consider ventures outside the Commonwealth, including the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, and North Carolina.  The Fund will focus on innovative, sustainable ventures that demonstrate the potential for significant returns, provide a strong community benefit, and bring high-value to their industry/sector.

 
Investment Criteria
The Fund will evaluate potential investments for marketable, sustainable ventures with experienced, driven entrepreneurs through an efficient due diligence process that assesses traditional business data, such as company legal documents, owner’s history, profit history, cash flow, debt service coverage, assets, and liabilities.  The due diligence process will also include an evaluation of the prospective venture’s products/services, market size, growth potential, management strengths and weaknesses, experience of the management team, track record, and other factors.


Support The MBE Empowerment Fund™
The Fund will partner with local, regional, and national providers of business technical services and local, state, and federal resources to provide in-kind, pro-bono products and services. This includes branding opportunities with local, regional, and national entities and collaboration with colleges/universities and professional associations to provide management and technical assistance resources.  The Fund seeks cash contributions from all segments of our community, including commercial banks, churches, businesses, community foundations, individuals, and other non-profit organizations.  Donate online now and give your support for minority business development in our region.  Give a gift online now!

*Subject to verification and compliance with local, state, and federal laws.

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