BasBlue

The applications for BasBlue’s Zero-to-One Entrepreneurial Fellowship close in just a few days! This program is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs looking to build, launch, and grow their businesses—especially those who often face barriers to traditional support. To combat these barriers we have partnered with organizations like Ford Philanthropy, Huntington National Bank, New Economy Initiative, Ralph C Wilson Jr. Foundation, and Tom and Holly Gores. These organizations believe in and are dedicated to our mission of upliftment throughout our community. During the Zero-to-One Fellowship, fellows gain access to personalized coaching, dedicated mentorship, funding opportunities, and a supportive community to help bring their ideas to life or take them to the next level. Our Spring 2024 Zero-To-One fellows Angela Chi 迟安琪, Marquita R., Sarah Dalley, Samantha Barash, Renee Sorgi, Yvonne Montero, Jena Brooker, I'Sha Schultz-Spradlin, and Nikoji Smith are thriving. They have gone viral on social media, opened brick-and-mortars received funding, made invaluable connections, and gained the confidence they need to succeed in the entrepreneurial world. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, so apply today at https://lnkd.in/gxFw9cj3

Last week’s “Pathways to Prosperity: Helping Non-Profits Establish Financial Security” was an inspiring afternoon of networking and learning. Moderated by Margaret Trimer, Director of Strategic Partnership for DeltaDentalTN undefined with insights from our Board Member, Angelique Power, President & CEO of The Skillman Foundation, Andrew Stein, President & CEO of The Children's Foundation, and Lauren Fine Managing Director for Gries Financial Partners the event provided invaluable guidance on creating endowments, sustainable fundraising, and financial planning for long-term stability. Together with funders and financial experts, nonprofit leaders explored the essential frameworks needed to thrive in today’s landscape. Thank you to all who joined us in this impactful conversation!

Truth is—a significant gender gap remains among both investment decision-makers at venture capital firms and recipients of venture capital funding.  This is why the work we are doing alongside organizations like, BUILD Institute Michigan Black Business Alliance ProsperUs Detroit Michigan Women Forward is so important. Our Founders + Fund(Her)s Pitch Day is not your typical pitch competition! Beyond providing a platform for early-stage founders to gain exposure and access to capital, we offer valuable support and guidance. In advance of pitching to the investor panel, each founder will also receive a one-on-one coaching session from a startup coach, including feedback on her deck and presentation style. Past participants like, Tamika Mayes Jordan Yagiela Sarah Christina Marshall Jasmit Kaur Kate Milligan Andrea Davis, RMCP Bri Muhammad, have gone on to secure funding, expand their networks, and elevate their businesses to new heights. Regardless of the industry, as long as the for-profit business is non-binary/female-founded or co-founded and focused on making a social impact - this is for you! Applications close in just two days! Apply here https://lnkd.in/gf7QMHas

Truth is—a significant gender gap remains among both investment decision-makers at venture capital firms and recipients of venture capital funding.  This is why the work we are doing alongside organizations like, BUILD Institute Michigan Black Business Alliance ProsperUs Detroit Michigan Women Forward is so important. Our Founders + Fund(Her)s Pitch Day is not your typical pitch competition! Beyond providing a platform for early-stage founders to gain exposure and access to capital, we offer valuable support and guidance. In advance of pitching to the investor panel, each founder will also receive a one-on-one coaching session from a startup coach, including feedback on her deck and presentation style. Past participants like, Tamika Mayes Jordan Yagiela Sarah Christina Marshall Jasmit Kaur Kate Milligan Andrea Davis, RMCP Bri Muhammad, have gone on to secure funding, expand their networks, and elevate their businesses to new heights. Regardless of the industry, as long as the for-profit business is non-binary/female-founded or co-founded and focused on making a social impact - this is for you! Applications close in just two days! Apply here https://lnkd.in/gf7QMHas

Dream Big. Pitch Bold. As you know BasBlue is dedicated to entrepreneurial growth. We created two amazing entrepreneur opportunities for our community no matter what stage you are in. The Founders and Fund(Hers) is an exciting pitch day where you can showcase your established business and secure funding! The funders are not only looking to invest they are dedicated to sharing advice and support. The Zero-to-One Fellowship is a 6-month program that supports emerging entrepreneurs who are looking to build, launch, and scale their businesses. Through tailored business coaching, 1:1 mentorship, funding, and cohort support, entrepreneurs take their ideas to the next level with ease. The Founders and Fund(Hers) Pitch Day: https://lnkd.in/gf7QMHas The Zero To One Fellowship: https://lnkd.in/gxFw9cj3

Thank you to everyone who attended our Signature Event yesterday! The room was packed with almost 250 attendees as we discussed Philanthropy: Past, Present and Future! A special thank you to our sponsors that made this valuable event possible: Delta Dental of Michigan, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Trion Solutions, Inc., JPMorganChase, Baker Tilly US, BasBlue, IFF (CDFI), The Jewish Fund, Walker Publicity, Children's Foundation, The Guidance Center, Ideal Group and Neway Works, Inc. #helpingyouhelpothers #philanthropy #nonprofit #fundraising

The Guidance Center was a proud sponsor of last night's BasBlue 2024 Annual Gala/Blue Skies Ahead - Expanding Our Impact, Together. Located in Midtown Detroit, BasBlue and our Kids-TALK Children's Advocacy Center are neighbors in the East Ferry Historic District! L-R: COO Jill Blackson; President & CEO Laura Huot; Director of Communications & Philanthropy Alexander Sebastian; and the two agency Fund Development Officers, Erin Southward and Liesa Finazzo. Congratulations to BasBlue on its third anniversary! #guidancecentermi #basblue #detroit #kidstalkcac

Our annual fundraising gala on Wednesday, September 25, fuels The BasBlue Foundation and its Impact Programs. By attending or sponsoring this event, you are directly supporting our mission to advance economic mobility and leadership skills for women and non-binary individuals. Your partnership in purchasing a ticket or sponsorship will help us continue to provide the resources, educational programming, and community connections that empower those who are often underrepresented. BasBlue Member, Trailblazer-in-Residence Scholar, and Zero-to-One Fellow I'Sha Schultz-Spradlin is a perfect example of that. She says, "the biggest takeaway for me [is] the community we have built. Having a community of inspiring, courageous, intelligent, courageous, intelligent, and hard-working women, entrepreneurs has been an invaluable resource." Your sponsorship will support women and non-binary individuals like I'Sha, who have a transformative vision to create a better future for our community. Head over to our website and get your tickets basblueus.com/gala

BasBlue was born to break down barriers to economic prosperity and create a world where more women and non-binary individuals are empowered to be the change. When Nancy Tellem and Natacha Hildebrand founded BasBlue three years ago, they set out to cultivate a safe space. Now our nearly 700 members and Southeast Michigan are reaping what they sowed. Together with our board members, partners, sponsors, and team, we have created an inclusive home away from home, with transformational entrepreneurship initiatives, and weekly educational programming. Our impact is outlined in our program's commitment to being an uplifting catalyst for women and non-binary individuals to be the person they dream to be. Our annual fundraising gala happening on Wednesday, September 25 is more than an evening of elegance—it’s a vital event that supports our growth. We’re launching new entrepreneurship cohorts, reaching women in new ways, and expanding under the leadership of our new CEO, Ellen Gilchrist. We invite you to invest in the future of our community and the bright, blue skies ahead of us at BasBlue. Sponsorships are still available. By attending or sponsoring, know that your support translates into real, tangible changes in people's lives–dreams realized, confidence built, and communities strengthened. A special thank you to our board who believe and push the mission forward. Deena Bahri, Wafa Dinaro, Jennifer Gilbert, Ping Ho, Bridget Mary McCormack, Angelique Power, Tanya Saldivar-Ali, Espy Thomas, Carla Walker-Miller, Gretchen Gonzales Davidson, Holly Gores. We appreciate all that you do for us and our community. https://lnkd.in/giB7Cz8j

Celebrate Detroit Month of Design with us at BasBlue! Whether you're a designer, model, or just a fashion lover, join us for key insights from top industry pros. Like us, our speakers are all about creativity and inclusivity. We look forward to seeing you.