Blackbaud’s Post

Wondering what makes #bbcon worth attending? Here are two (of many) reasons: Learn about upcoming Blackbaud product features and updates. Extend your professional circle and create lasting connections. Don't just take my word for it—read why Austen Brown of Prenger Solutions Group keeps  coming back year after year.

Wondering what makes #bbcon worth attending? Here are two (of many) reasons: Learn about upcoming Blackbaud product features and updates. Extend your professional circle and create lasting connections. Don't just take my word for it—read why Austen Brown of Prenger Solutions Group keeps  coming back year after year.

Wondering what makes #bbcon worth attending? Here are two (of many) reasons: Learn about upcoming Blackbaud product features and updates. Extend your professional circle and create lasting connections. Don't just take my word for it—read why Austen Brown of Prenger Solutions Group keeps  coming back year after year.

Wondering what makes #bbcon worth attending? Here are two (of many) reasons: Learn about upcoming Blackbaud product features and updates. Extend your professional circle and create lasting connections. Don't just take my word for it—read why Austen Brown of Prenger Solutions Group keeps  coming back year after year.

Get ready to be: inspired, empowered, and equipped with the knowledge you need to build generational wealth! The LEGUP Wealth Symposium is not just an event; it's a movement! The LEGUP Wealth Symposium is a celebration of: Black excellence, innovation, and success. We've gathered some of the brightest minds and successful entrepreneurs who are here to share their: stories, insights, and strategies for wealth creation. We're not just talking about financial success – we're talking about building Black wealth that lasts for generations. We are going to have: workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions covering everything from real estate investment to entrepreneurship, personal finance, and legacy planning. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a budding professional, or someone looking to level up their financial game, the LEGUP Wealth Symposium has something for everyone! This is a golden opportunity for us to come together, learn from each other, and pave the way for future generations. We want YOU to be part of the LEGUP Wealth Symposium, because it's not just about individual success; it's about uplifting our entire community! Now, we know you don't want to miss out on this incredible opportunity, so head over to our website right now (https://lnkd.in/gPFquNT3) and secure your spot at the LEGUP Wealth Symposium.   Let's break barriers, shatter ceilings, and build a legacy of prosperity together! David Griffiths

We hope you’re still buzzing from last week's incredible webinar with Casey Ariel Thobias on “Business Funding Done Smart.” If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry - we’ve got the highlights right here for you! Key Takeaways from Casey's Game-Changing Session: Get and read the book “Believe in You Money” by Jessica Norwood This book centers on the entrepreneur and responds to the systemic failures surrounding Black wealth-building Understand that we don’t have to build our businesses using models that have never served us and have in many ways harmed our communities. We can build equitable businesses. But, it is a discipline. In these uncertain financial times: A. Take inventory of what’s truly working and increasing revenue in your business vs what you just do because you like it or it’s visible. Double down on the revenue generators and drop the rest. B. Pay attention to interest rates - they just dropped yesterday! Seek and take advantage of opportunities to lower yours. C. Plan for your worst case. Develop a business survival plan. What can you cut to stay afloat during trying times? Know it before you need it! Casey’s insights on reparative capital, non-extractive design, and well-being indicators in business funding were truly eye-opening. Her work with Blaze Group is revolutionizing how we think about financial freedom and closing those pesky racial and gender wealth gaps in entrepreneurship. But Wait, There's More! If you’re hungry for more knowledge (and we know you are!), we’ve got another treat coming your way. Mark your calendars for October 26, 2024 for PowerPlays. Grab Your Ticket! Remember, knowledge is power, and we’re here to make sure you’ve got both in spades. P.S. Speaking of power moves, have you registered for our next webinar in the series? It’s September 25th at 1:00 PM with Aja Evans “Mastering Money: First Generation Wealth Builders”. Register for the FREE webinar here, https://lnkd.in/eXWRkJFr We'll see you on September 25th at 1:00 PM!

Black founders in the U.S. raised 0.48% of all venture dollars allocated last year. That’s around $661 million out of $136 billion, according to the latest #Crunchbase data. That number is the lowest it’s been in recent history. The past two years saw Black founders raising at least 1%. Last year, though, suspicions were confirmed when the market cooling really did appear to have an extreme impact on the Black community. In Q1’23 and Q2’23, Black founders raised 0.74%. In Q3’23, the group raised 0.13%, and in Q4’23 they raised 0.20%. There’s been a consistent yearly decline in funding since the murder of George Floyd in 2020, which saw a record-breaking amount of capital flow to Black founders as the tech industry promised to better support them. #NoEquity #NoInclusion #NoInvestment #ChangeIsRequired https://lnkd.in/gNrxdHmr

It's so disheartening to see that the amount of funding making it into the hands of Black founders nosedived for the third year in a row, with 2023 closing out at an abysmal 0.48% of total VC dollars. (This is ~$660 million out of $136 billion. With a B). The tech industry loudly pledged its support for Black founders and startups after the death of George Floyd... but as the outrage simmered to a faint whisper, so did the promised progress. This dip in funding is part of a larger trend so prominent it's been coined the "the Great Rollback" - the widespread reduction of support for black companies. It makes what we're building at Foresight even more important. One of our customers, who is a huge supporter of KC-based black business owners, eloquently explained why he's so passionate (and certain in the profitability) of the mission to loan to traditionally overlooked borrowers - They've spent so long doing so much with so little. 👀 Where others see higher risk, he sees the potential for much higher returns. And his logic? ROCK-SOLID. The inherent bias and blatant discrimination that locked generations out of mortgages, business loans, and all other forms of credit has resulted in extraordinarily self-reliant, fiscally responsible, and very very careful entrepreneurs. When you don't have a $100K credit line to lean on, you have only one option in your business - learn to masterfully manage your cash flow, or die. As we start 2024, let's shine more light on the need for renewed commitment to supporting Black entrepreneurs and startups. Diversity is a strength that drives innovation, and it's imperative that we ensure equitable access to funding and opportunities for all. Reversing the damaging narrative that intentionally supporting and advancing black-led startups is NOT equitable - that's priority #1. Looking at you, Edward Blum. #SupportBlackFounders #DiversityInTech #EquityMatters

AUGUST IS NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS MONTH Tomorrow: Unlock the Secrets of Financial Resilience The countdown is on! Tomorrow, I'm sharing powerful insights on building financial resilience in Black-owned businesses. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your entrepreneurial journey! #FinancialEmpowerment #BlackBusinessSuccess #EntrepreneurialMindset

You might wonder how to help Black-owned businesses in a meaningful way. The answer is simple: prioritize buying from Black-owned businesses or hiring them for their services. As a business owner or finance leader, prioritizing diversity among your vendors and service providers isn’t just the right thing to do, it can also amplify voices and empower Black-owned companies and entrepreneurs in your community. https://lnkd.in/ep7XKHyr