Startup Junkie helps establish a nonprofit that promotes entrepreneurial interests
Startup Junkie Consulting is helping to establish the Community Venture Foundation, a nonprofit that will seek to grow the Northwest Arkansas venture and STEM community.
The primary mission for this nonprofit will be to build the entrepreneurial community with the goal to improve the quality of life in the region by increasing the number of entrepreneurial opportunities and success stories.
“CVF was created because we truly believe that there is an entrepreneur in all us. We are here to support, educate and collaborate with anyone that shares our passion of growing entrepreneurship education and empowering underrepresented communities. With the support of funders, volunteers, and the community, we will be able to sustain our mission for many generations of entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs,” said Jayshica Amargós, co-chair of the new foundation’s board of directors.
Community Venture Foundation will first focus efforts in Northwest Arkansas and surrounding communities, and has intentions to grow into other communities. Programs include youth entrepreneurship opportunities, incorporating initiatives like AR Girls Code (the NWA 100 Girls of Code Chapter), and intensive summer business plan workshops. Each of these initiatives is project-based, community-led, and free to all participants.
Additionally, CVF offers its services to nonprofits and social businesses to assist with strategy and project planning,
Jessica Boyd is the executive director for Community Venture Foundation. She is a Little Rock native who completed her undergraduate and graduate programs at the University of Arkansas. Prior to working at CVF, Boyd was an inaugural American Dream Fellow for the Cisneros Center for New Americans. She has also worked with The Sustainability Consortium, Habitat for Humanity Colombia, and Nisolo.
“Having a non-profit entity aiming to build NWA’s entrepreneurial community is crucial to the success and growth of entrepreneurship in the region,” said Boyd,
CVF is accepting donations to support its operations and programs. For more information visit the foundation online.