We Match What You Raise!
(and we help you raise it too)
The FBF Lab Initiative is a crowdfunding sprint geared towards helping entrepreneurs build a community of customers & champions who want to fund their businesses and help them on the journey toward success.
Entrepreneurs selected for this initiative will receive up to $25,000 matching grant and participate in a fourteen-week virtual crowdfunding sprint starting April 2023 that focuses on preparing you to run a successful crowdfunding campaign.
This initiative is made possible through a founding donation from Louisville Metro United Way. The initial cohort of the program will consist of 15 companies, which will be eligible to receive up to $25,000 in matching crowdfunding grants, which will match dollar for dollar the amount raised by each company’s crowdfunding campaign. Additionally, the program will provide customized support and assistance to the founders in preparation for their crowdfunding campaigns.
Meet The Founders
Name:
Nicole Scott
Business Name:
Nicole Scott Inc.
Business Description:
Handmade, ethically produced, clothing and accessories.
Name:
Nicole Scott
Business Name:
Nicole Scott Inc.
Business Description:
Handmade, ethically produced, clothing and accessories.
Name:
Nicole Scott
Business Name:
Nicole Scott Inc.
Business Description:
Handmade, ethically produced, clothing and accessories.
Name:
Adriana Susso
Business:
BaeVibez Skincare
Business Description:
A vegan, manufacturing skincare company making skincare a vibe.
Name:
Lecresha Sewell
Business Name:
Melanated Healthcare, Inc
Business Description:
A digital health platform that connects Black and people of color to health professionals that share the same racial or cultural background.
Name:
Lafesa Johnson
Business Name:
Hip Hop Sweet Shop
Business Description:
A nostalgic, hip-hop experience while serving trendy milkshakes, cheesecakes, and various baked goods.
Name:
Michael Jackson
Business Name:
Kentucky Greens Company
Business Description:
A wide range of leafy greens, Salad Mixes, microgreens & Cooking Greens grown Hydroponically using zero pesticides or chemicals.
Name:
Mariha Fisher
Business Name:
Bonnet Bandits
Business Description:
Experience the ultimate beauty sleep with our Luxe Collection bonnets and pillowcases - the perfect addition to your nightly routine!
Name:
Bridgette Johnson
Business Name:
W.O.W. Factor Academy LLC
Business Description:
A non-traditional preschool of innovation edutainment with WOW is to use Edutainment, to keep children involved and interested in learning.
Name:
Shauntrice Martin
Business Name:
Okike
Business Description:
Fine arts & artist development
Name:
Reinaldo Murphy & Jamel Smith
Business Name:
Melt502
Business Description:
The Ville’s Ultimate Source For Everything Gooey And Delicious!
Name:
Ronyale Smith
Business Name:
Blak Koffee Cafe
Business Description:
A full service coffee shop where business, culture and coffee meet!
Name:
Aaron Jordan
Business Name:
Black Complex Louisville
Business Description:
A coworking space and member community offering workspace, professional development, high-level networking, and social experiences.
Name:
JoCari Beattie
Business Name:
JoBé Products
Business Description:
A portable desk that transforms into a backpack called Besk.
What does FBF Lab Initiative Include?
THE PROGRAM
The program will cover the following topics
which will result in succinct storytelling, business development, and preparation for running a successful crowdfunding campaign.
Core Fundamentals: value proposition, pitching, storytelling, creation of key fundraising & marketing materials, crowdfunding.
Sales & Marketing: understanding and leveraging customer acquisition techniques and/or sales strategies.
Fundraising: understanding and implementation of a successful crowdfunding campaign.
Exposure and reach: you and your company will be promoted globally to promote your business to relevant markets and target audiences.
Crowdfunding Campaign Support: we support you through the planning, creation, and execution of a successful crowdfunding campaign
Our goal is to have you well-positioned to crowdfund within 1 to 3 months after the program…
PROGRAM PERKS
A thriving community of passionate, diverse and generous entrepreneurs.
Workshops, office hours, events, and a network of founders that you continue to have access to post-program.
Gain direct feedback from leading innovators, entrepreneurs, mentors, & advisors.
No cost, no equity taken.
A non-dilutive matching grant of up to $25,000
FAQ
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We will prioritize applicants from neighborhoods in West and South Louisville including, for example, California, Chickasaw, Park Duvall, Newburg, Park Hill, Parkland, Phoenix Hill/Smoketown/Shelby Park, Portland, Russell, Shawnee and South-Central Louisville.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Our program runs for 14 weeks, meeting once a week. All sessions will be hosted virtually (via Zoom).
WHERE DO I HAVE TO BE LOCATED TO BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
Businesses operating in or founders living in Louisville, Kentucky are eligible to apply.
WHAT IS THE WEEKLY COMMITMENT?
This initiative is here to help you prepare for a successful crowdfunding campaign. Each week, you’ll spend 2 hours in facilitated sessions, complete assignments, attend office hours, join accountability groups, and attend occasional workshops. The more effort you put in, the more you’ll get out of it. The program is designed to support you while allowing you to focus on running your business and meeting important milestones.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE?
The program is free for all accepted companies. Companies must go through an application process to be eligible for this program. To add, we do not take equity in companies.
IS THE PROGRAM FOCUSED ON ANY THEMATIC VERTICALS?
This program is open to applicants from any field, sector, or industry. The knowledge and skills gained during the program are adaptable and can be applied to ideas from any sector or industry. Although many businesses are tech-enabled, it is not a requirement to be considered. Our participating companies come from a variety of products and services, including SaaS, mobile apps, e-commerce, consumer packaged goods, food, social enterprises, fashion, business-to-business software, health and wellness, artificial intelligence, sports, and beauty.
ARE THERE ANY MINIMUM METRICS OR BENCHMARKS NECESSARY TO QUALIFY FOR THE PROGRAM?
We do look for companies that have at least a minimal viable product (MVP) with some early signs of engagement. The majority of companies selected for the program are live with their product or service, but we have made exceptions for promising products/founders.
CAN MY WHOLE TEAM PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?
As this program is focused on founders, only the founder and one or two additional team members are invited to participate in the weekly programming.
WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE ON MY APPLICATION?
Below are some sections that we want to highlight in our application to help you prepare.
Essay Questions (Required)
1. One of our central tenets is to foster a thriving, inviting & inclusive community of entrepreneurs. How do you and your company engage with your community?
2. Why are you interested in the FBF Lab program and how will it help you achieve your upcoming goals in the next 3-6 months?
3. How will you use $25,000 to take your company to the next level?
4. What is your long-term vision (i.e. 5-10 years) for you, your team and this company?
Required Video Component
In 2 – 4 minutes total, please address both of the following 2 prompts: 1. Introduce yourself and tell us about your company.
2. How does your lived experience serve as a competitive advantage for your company?
Required Crowd Prep
A successful crowdfunding campaign requires a strong network. We will ask you to submit a completed worksheet with a list of all the individuals and organizations in your current network. Do not worry if you don’t have a large crowd. We are more interested to see that you have a crowd that you’re ready to engage with during this opportunity.
DO YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Contact us at info@fundblackfounders.com with any further questions and we’ll get back to you shortly!
FundBlackFounders © 2024. All Rights Reserved.