As a Commonwealth we should ensure that every entrepreneur and small business has a fair chance to succeed. To do this, businesses need access to capital to hire employees, rent or purchase real estate, fund daily operations, and more. Unfortunately, businesses owned by people of color (and especially Black and Latinx-owned businesses) are far more likely to struggle accessing the capital they need to create, sustain and grow a business.

On May 20th, join Boston Indicators, the Coalition for an Equitable Economy and the Boston Foundation’s Economic Inclusion team for the release of The Color of the Capital Gap: Increasing Capital Access for Entrepreneurs of Color in Massachusetts. The report analyzes the dynamics behind persistent racial disparities in access to capital and presents a set of bold and actionable solutions. Apart from just being the right thing to do, closing racial gaps in access to capital would help propel broader economic growth, generate new jobs and drive innovation. After a presentation of the research, we’ll hear from policymakers, local experts advancing capital access solutions now, and entrepreneurs themselves. 

This report is the second in a research series produced in partnership with the Coalition for an Equitable Economy. The first report, Unleashing the Potential of Entrepreneurs of Color in Massachusetts: A Blueprint for Economic Growth and Equitable Recovery, was released on March 30th.

Welcome
Orlando C. Watkins, Vice President for Programs, The Boston Foundation

Report Presentation: Problems
Trevor Mattos, Research Manager, Boston Indicators

Response Remarks from an Entrepreneur
   Irene Li, Owner, Mei Mei 

Report Presentation: Solutions
Matt Brewster, Principal, P2 Advisors LLC

Panel Discussion and Q&A
Lawrence Andrews, President & CEO, Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation 
Nia Evans, Executive Director, Boston Ujima Project 
Corean Reynolds, Program Officer, Economic Development, The Boston Foundation (Moderator)
Greg Shell, Managing Director, Bain Capital Double Impact 

Live stream link will be sent after registration, prior to the event.