About Founders First.

Join the largest national platform for growing small , employer-based businesses to be successful in our inclusive economy

Our Mission.

Our mission is solve the economic equity gaps that impact growth in small , employer-based businesses by providing training, funding and resources to support their growth to their communities.

Our Vision.

At Founders First, our vision for the future is nothing less that an inclusive economy where, small, employer based business thrive, regardless of who they are, what they look like or where the operate.

Our Story.

Since 2015, we have helped accelerate the success of hundreds of small, service-based, B2B companies.  The companies we support are run by owners who are committed to making an impact in their communities, as small employer based businesses, but have experience challenges achieving financial mobility because of lack of know-how, growth resources or connections. We have a focus on empowering these groups with skills, resources and networks to help them access growth capital.

Founders First CDC is like a top-tier tech accelerator – only we work with service-based small businesses to help them thrive to become significant leaders in their industries and in their communities. 

We provide a proven model for growth and funding by offering three components:

  1. Pre-funding programs that accelerate companies through growth and funding as part of our non-profit, Founders First CDC.
  2. Ever-expanding unrestricted grants that are awarded year-round and are both regional and national.
  3. A network of partner resources to serve and support our member companies from one-on-one coaching to funding. 

Our Values.

Empowerment.

Advancing opportunities for
members, employees, and partners by practicing Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion with Empathy and Fairness.

Relationships.

Helping members, employees, and partners reach their goals by being Responsible and Accountable, giving and deserving Trust and Respect. Never forgetting to Give Back & Have Fun by celebrating successes.

Commitment.

Providing service with Excellence while pursuing our Founder-Centric approach. Always acting with Integrity, Transparency, Honesty, and Authenticity.

Our Leadership.

Shaylon Scott

Executive Director

Kim Folsom

Founder & Board Chair

Our Funders.

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