The Regions Foundation, a non-profit organization primarily supported by Regions Bank, announced significant grant funding on Thursday to bolster small-business growth in both New Orleans and Baton Rouge. These grants encompass:
Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation, emphasized the crucial role of small businesses in local economies, highlighting that investing in their success leads to a stronger economy and improved quality of life for communities across the region. She expressed pride in the foundation's support for organizations dedicated to fostering inclusive prosperity.
The collaboration between Propeller, Thrive NOLA, Fund 17, and the Regions Foundation aims to address the specific needs of BIPOC small-business owners who historically faced challenges in accessing capital for growth. Through technical assistance and support from local lenders, these organizations facilitate access to capital and enhance the prospects of success for entrepreneurs.
The $100,000 grant from the Regions Foundation will fund various activities aimed at helping entrepreneurs access capital, including tax preparation, business certifications, training, and counseling in financial management. Chuck Morse, executive director of Thrive New Orleans, stressed the importance of collaboration in creating an environment where every entrepreneur can thrive.
In Baton Rouge, the $65,000 funding for the Small Business Mastermind program represents the continuation of the Regions Foundation's support for the Louisiana Small Business Development Center. Amy Province, Baton Rouge market executive for Regions Bank, highlighted the program's evolution to provide tailored support for small-business owners in the capital city, offering a platform for collective problem-solving and strategic planning.
Overall, these initiatives underscore a shared commitment to building a more equitable and prosperous future for New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and their residents.
“This initiative is a source of advice, guidance, networking, and resources,” said Amy Province, Baton Rouge market executive for Regions Bank, who attended the program’s kickoff event. “By investing in initiatives like Small Business Mastermind, our colleagues at the Regions Foundation continue to champion entrepreneurship and economic empowerment across Louisiana.”
The program provides participants with expert guidance, monthly gatherings, and a supportive community of like-minded individuals focused on empowering entrepreneurs to thrive.
“We extend our sincere gratitude for the generous support provided by the Regions Foundation, which is vital in facilitating the Small Business Mastermind program,” said Heidi Melancon, assistant state director of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center.
“This contribution helps advance our mission to foster the growth and development of small businesses, thereby enriching our local community and economy.”
KeyBank has established a permanent office in Grand Rapids, Michigan. KeyBank's purpose in Western Michigan, as well as in all of its markets, is centered on transformative philanthropy and community support. To support Pathway Home, KeyBank invested $10,000 in Mel Trotter Ministries in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2022. The KeyBank Foundation also awarded a $15,000 grant to Family Promise of Grand Rapids to fill gaps in the community's emergency response for families in need of shelter right now.
Furthermore, KeyBank is honored to be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2023 Grand Rapids Gran Fondo, an 80-mile bike route that follows the picturesque Grand River valley through farm and small village scenery before reaching the bayous and lake scenery preceding the turn-around point on Lake Michigan. This year's event, which begins and ends in Downtown Grand Rapids, is expected to attract over 2,000 riders. West Michigan Trails, which works to improve the quality of life by advancing the regional trails movement, benefits from the Gran Fondo.
The new office, located at 177 Ottawa Ave. NW in The Waters Center, is another step in KeyBank's expansion and growth in Western Michigan. KeyBank's Commercial Banking, Business Banking, Wealth Management, Small Business Association (SBA) Lending, and Residential Mortgage operations in Western Michigan will be based there. Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and Angela Mago, President of Key Commercial Bank, attended the grand opening celebration on March 22, 2023.
“With the opening of this new office, we are excited to firmly establish KeyBank’s presence in downtown Grand Rapids and Western Michigan,” said Michael Sytsma, KeyBank Western Michigan Market President and Commercial Sales Leader.
“We are a Main Street Bank with Wall Street capabilities and look forward to serving Western Michigan while providing financial services and resources that will help our community grow.”
“I am excited to see KeyBank open a permanent location in Grand Rapids,” said Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “KeyBank has a heart for community and are actively engaged in efforts to make our City a better place for everyone. And I look forward to partnering more with them in the future.”
One of my favorite aspects of the DE&I professional community is the sharing of best practices. Learning from one another is extremely valuable, and I always take advantage of opportunities to share with others.
I recently appeared on the Including You podcast with @AmyCWaninger. We discussed how my organization is creating a more inclusive culture through our Associate Centric Teams (ERGs) and how feedback is being used to supplement data in setting DEI strategy direction.
To listen click here.
Avantor's Vice President, DE&I is Nol France (she/her). Avantor, a Fortune 500 company, is a global leader in providing mission-critical products and services to customers in the biopharma, healthcare, education and government, and advanced technologies and applied materials industries. Avantor employs over 14,500 people worldwide.
To checkout the episode of the pod podcast click here,
If you could like to learn more about Avantor's commitments to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, click here.