About the Center for Black InnovationAccelerated innovation -- The Center for Black Innovation drives change through providing exposure to innovation pathways, scaling black innovation ecosystems, diversifying existing innovation ecosystems with data-driven policies and research, with strategic long-term actions to solve the greatest funding challenges blocking Black prosperity.After 6 years as Code Fever, we have now rebranded to The Center for Black Innovation to better relay the full scope of our work over the years and to forge our new work as a research think tank and an organization committed to dramatically shifting the way Black communities engage and create value within the innovation economy by building asset and talent filled spaces in Black communities and equitable capital pathways to rid Black communities of innovation deserts.Center for Black InnovationC4BI_476f9e46-59ff-11eb-ac07-1e8b0f83ea00The Center for Black Innovation is a think tank and black innovation ecosystem building organization with the understanding that smart cities and communities are formed by cultivating great leaders, entrepreneurs, and real capital pathways that values black culture and communities as our greatest asset.LeadersEntrepreneursBlack FoundersWe're seeking talented Black Founders...
Applications are now open for cohort 1 of our 8-week startup pre-accelerator and VC-In-Residence program. Gain the essentials skills and resources you need to scale your startup and secure funding.
DEADLINE: Feb 10, 2021C4BI Founding SponsorsKnight FoundationSurdna FoundationComcast NBCUniversalC4BI Leadership TeamDerick PearsonA social entrepreneur with an authentic voice for change in ridding communities of innovation deserts.Felecia HatcherEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR -- Felecia is White House Champion of Change for STEM access and Diversity, a serial entrepreneur with a passion for helping tech innovators amplify their money, message and movements.Starex SmithSENIOR VICE PRESIDENT -- Starex Smith is an accomplished and experienced public administrator, fundraiser, foodie, and culinary business developer who has committed himself to maximizing the Black experience.Kimberly McDowellCODE FEVER PROGRAM MANAGER -- Award winning computer scientist who has dedicated her life to building thriving pathways, access points, opportunities and community for students.A future where lasting Black prosperity is created by Black innovation communities and equitable capital pathways that support and fund all high potential Black businesses and innovators._476fa06c-59ff-11eb-ac07-1e8b0f83ea00To create economic pathways through Black innovation_476fa1ac-59ff-11eb-ac07-1e8b0f83ea00InnovationBlack CultureCommunityAssets & TalentsBuild asset and talent rich spaces in Black communities_476fa2b0-59ff-11eb-ac07-1e8b0f83ea00Upward mobility for Black prosperity -- We focus on building asset and talent rich spaces in Black communities where innovation can thrive, by drawing programming, resources, and guiding our innovators along capital pathways, through research and inclusive policies.Capital & SocioeconomicsSolve the access issue that many brilliant entrepreneurs face when looking for funding opportunities to launch, scale and grow_476fa346-59ff-11eb-ac07-1e8b0f83ea001EntrepreneursVC-in-Residence ProgramThe VC-in-Residence program is an inclusive entrepreneurship initiative that seeks to increase the number of minority-founded, venture-backed, high-growth businesses in the U.S.Minority-Founded BusinessesEconomic mobility is the ability of an individual, family or group to improve (or lower) their economic status—usually measured in income. Over the last 3 years of the VC in Residence program has worked with over 100 startupfounders in 4 states to solve for the access issue that many brilliant entrepreneurs face when looking for funding opportunities to launch, scale and grow. We are expanding this program in 2021, be on the look out for the future of the VC in Residence program announcement and application soon.Ecosystems & CoalitionsBuild strong ecosystems and coalitions_476fa3d2-59ff-11eb-ac07-1e8b0f83ea002Miami's Black Tech EcosystemOver the past 5 years of building Miami's black tech ecosystem from the ground up, we are now sharing what we have learn with others in the form of our Black Ecosystem Builders Fellowship.You cannot truly build black startup founders, tech professionals and innovative black communities without building strong ecosystems, within ecosystems that value black people, value culture as an asset and most importantly is respected within the broader tech and innovation economy.Education & MobilityTrain young people_476fa472-59ff-11eb-ac07-1e8b0f83ea003Young PeopleSince our inception as Code Fever we have been dedicated to training young people in digital literacy, intro to STEM and computer programming and how to navigate a startup ecosystem as a person of color. We are proud that over 4000 students have had a direct touchpoint with one of our programs. Through a partnership with NBCUniversal in 2017 we built a platform for the Grinch Movie video game that introduced over 3 million students and educators to their first lesson in computer programming.Social Justice & Innovation PolicyRight the wrongs of our justice systems_476fa6ca-59ff-11eb-ac07-1e8b0f83ea004Tech solutions in our communities must move faster then bullets and must right the wrongs of our justice systems. Review our reports to learn how tech and data can be used to provide solutions, and support policy around Social Justice.2021-01-18OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net