Closing the
racial wealth gap
By scaling Black and Latinx businesses

The Foundation for Business Equity EXISTS so that Black and Latinx entrepreneurs reach their full growth potential.  Our MISSION is to build collaborative ecosystems and programs that remove structural barriers.  Our WORK is to identify, invest in and expand approaches that will foster an environment of support, inclusion and growth for Black and Latinx businesses.  Our PARTNERS include the Black and Latinx businesses, the private sector, foundations, banks, civic organizations, business leaders and those committed to helping businesses of color thrive.  Our STRATEGIES are focused on strengthening the ecosystem to accelerate enterprise revenue and job creation for Black and Latinx businesses. 

Our SIGNATURE PROGRAM is:

And our inaugural FBE Ecosystem partners include:

  • The Business Equity Fund (BEF), supported by the Boston Foundation, provides access to growth capital for Black and Latinx businesses. We have also partnered with Berkshire Bank through Mills Cities Community Investments (MCCI) for other sources of capital.
  • The Pacesetters Initiative, through the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, provides access to revenue opportunities for Black and Latinx businesses with local corporations and anchor institutions.

Our Impact to Date*
New Revenue
$79
Million in growth revenue for businesses
Workforce Growth
624
Full-time equivalent jobs in workforce growth with our businesses
Strategic Investment
$12
Million of growth capital invested in businesses
Significant Contracts
$11
Million in significant contracts awarded *Submitted BEI metrics for Cohorts 4 thru 13 as of Dec 2022
Watch: FBE Overview- How We Make an Impact in our Small Business Ecosystem
Learn more about the Foundation for Business Equity.
News and Stories
Juan Yepez (left) and Luis Yepez (right), CEO and COO respectively of Mainstream Global.
Rockefeller Case Study: “Here’s Why Mentorship Can Help Close the Racial Wealth Gap”
Rockefeller’s Matter of Impact Newsletter featuring BEI graduate Mainstream Global, Inc ‘s Juan Yepez, CEO, Luis Yepez, COO, and their Strategic Advisor, Michael Hicks.
Editorial: The fundamentals work for Black and Latinx companies too
There are many reasons why small businesses struggle to scale. If you are on the wrong side of the racial wealth gap and own a business, the challenges to grow are compounded.
news3
Business Equity Initiative Working to Close the Wealth Gap
NECN’s CEO Corner features our approach to build and strengthen enterprises of color to reduce the wealth gap.
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