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Dallas’ Nonprofit Impact Ventures Announces New Dates for Inclusive Capital Summit, Celebrates Cohort 8 Graduates, Adds Board Members » Dallas Innovates

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Dallas’ Nonprofit Impact Ventures Announces New Dates for Inclusive Capital Summit, Celebrates Cohort 8 Graduates, Adds Board Members » Dallas Innovates

Dallas’ Nonprofit Impact Ventures Announces New Dates for Inclusive Capital Summit, Celebrates Cohort 8 Graduates, Adds Board Members » Dallas Innovates

Impact Ventures’ headquarters has been renovated. (Photo: Impact Ventures)

Impact Ventures, a Dallas-based nonprofit, is proving that obstacles can indeed become opportunities.

In a recent newsletter to its stakeholders, Impact Ventures shared some important information about its upcoming events and initiatives. The organization, which is dedicated to breaking down social and economic barriers for underserved communities of color, announced a date change for its highly anticipated Inclusive Capital Summit and the launch of its ninth cohort of the Capital Readiness Program. But CEO Benjamin J. Vann had much more to say.

The group has been on “quite a ride,” he said. The past few months have been filled with “highs, challenges and incredible growth.” In the midst of a headquarters renovation and a busy ramp-up schedule, the group experienced a massive system outage that had repercussions.

“Like any true entrepreneurial journey, we’ve faced our fair share of obstacles. But each challenge has made us stronger and more resilient,” Vann wrote. “Together, we’re proving that obstacles are opportunities in disguise.”

Vann thanked the community for its support, noting “significant issues with our Microsoft accounts over the past month that have severely impacted our planning and coordination efforts.”

Now he’s looking to the future. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come.

Inclusive Capital Summit postponed until October

Vann said that due to “unforeseen challenges” with its Microsoft accounts, Impact Ventures has postponed the Inclusive Capital Summit to October 4-5, 2024. (The event was originally scheduled for July 26-27.) The postponement, while unfortunate, is intended to ensure the summit meets the high expectations of attendees, according to the CEO.

“The delay is necessary to ensure we can deliver the high-quality experience you expect and deserve,” Vann said in an email.

Tickets for the new dates will be free, thanks to the support of sponsors and donors. Those who have already purchased tickets will receive a full refund, Vann added. You can learn more about the free tickets here.

Supporting Cohort 8 with Grants and $135,000 in Small Business Loans

Members of the eighth cohort of Impact Ventures’ Capital Readiness program. (Photo: Impact Ventures)

Impact Ventures also announced the graduation of 12 founders from its eighth cohort of the Capital Readiness Program. Vann said the cohort members demonstrated “incredible” dedication and innovation, with top honors going to Jaylen LeGrand, Sammi Bivens and Taevia Norris.

According to Impact Ventures, all cohort members received $1,000. In total, $26,500 in grants were awarded to support the founders’ businesses. Additionally, Vann said, $135,000 in flexible small business loans were deployed through the Inclusive Capital Fund.

Tribe Talk and Learning Lab workshops are back

Vann highlighted several new initiatives that are expected to be launched in the coming months:

  • Capital Readiness Program Cohort 9 begins next week, July 23, continuing the organization’s mission to support entrepreneurs.
  • Tribe Talk Lecture Series will return in August, with discussions on AI and its impact on communities. The August 13 event will focus on the ethics of AI and its impacts on communities of color.
  • Relaunch of the Learning Lab Workshops in September, providing valuable educational resources to the community.

The group will also bring its expertise to Dallas Startup Week, which will be held August 11-15.

Impact Ventures Gets New Headquarters Design and ‘Generous Grant’ from Meadows Foundation

Vann said the organization also unveiled its new headquarters at a summer event. The headquarters’ design renovation is meant to “foster creativity and collaboration” among the founders, with space available for hosting events.

He also noted a “generous grant” from the Meadows Foundation, saying it will provide critical mentoring, training and development to undervalued women and entrepreneurs of color. The amount of the grant was not disclosed.

Welcoming Board Members of Woodforest National Bank and Whole Foods

New members join Impact Ventures’ board of directors. (Photos: Impact Ventures)

This week, Impact Ventures announced Taryn Burhans and Kelly Hipps as new members of its board of directors. Taryn Bowen is the North Texas regional director and vice president of Woodforest National Bank, and Kelly Spillane is the chief investment officer of Whole Foods Market.

According to Vann, their expertise and fresh perspectives, combined with their commitment to the organization’s mission, should foster increased growth and innovation.

“They both bring not only a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective, but they also bring a feminine energy, and we love that,” Vann wrote.

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