ConnectUP! Institute

ConnectUP! Institute is a social finance and enterprise development studio. We provide education, consulting and collaboration on innovative social finance as well as enterprise development for entrepreneurs from underestimated communities.

Mission

We curate connections among entrepreneurs, investors, and the business ecosystem to advance equitable access to capital, resources and networks (for underinvested communities) with an emphasis on Black and Brown women and their lived experiences.

Vision

We know that when Black/Brown women do well, we all do well. To that end, our vision is for Black/Brown women entrepreneurs to have intergenerational wealth through equitable access and culturally responsive resources, capital, & networks.

Our Values

We practice:

INTENTIONAL TRANSPARENCY with the work we do, the communities we serve and the relationships we build.

RESPECTING who people are, where they are and the identities they hold.

360-DEGREE COMPASSIONATE ACCOUNTABILITY to foster equitable and economically vibrant communities.

Being GUIDED BY ANCESTRAL KNOWLEDGE that Communities hold wisdom that works.

Being UNAPOLOGETIC about who we are, where we’re from and who we serve with courage and passion.