Stephanie M. Fowler

The Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports inner-city economic development through entrepreneurship. We help ambitious entrepreneurs leverage the resources necessary to create sustainable and profitable for-profit, non-profit and social ventures. In so doing, we seek to create jobs and wealth in the communities that we serve. We have a special outreach effort targeting women and minority entrepreneurs and inner-city based business owners. IFEL also offers opportunities for corporations, organizations, and individual business professionals to support entrepreneurs of color through skills-based volunteerism. IFEL hosts virtual events throughout the year as a platform for business professionals to make a difference by using their everyday skills to help small business owners get on a path to success. Learn more about IFEL programs and volunteer opportunities at www.weareifel.org.

Golden Seeds is an investment firm dedicated to pursuing market returns through the empowerment of women entrepreneurs and the people who invest in them. The group was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in New York City, with active chapters in Arizona, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, New Jersey, and Silicon Valley – and active members throughout the country. Golden Seeds’ Angel Network has grown to become one of the largest in the country with around 280 members nationwide. Since 2005, over 3200 companies have applied to Golden Seeds for funding. All companies are evaluated, many proceed through due diligence and receive extensive guidance from Golden Seeds investors. In total, Golden Seeds has invested over $170 million in nearly 235 companies through its angel network and its venture funds. Moreover, the firm and its investors have provided important leadership in this investment sector. www.goldenseeds.com