#USA #Los Angeles #Chris Paul #Carmelo Anthony #Dwyane Wade

NBA Legends Support Local Businesses

In an inspiring initiative, NBA icons Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul have announced a partnership with Stackwell, a groundbreaking fintech platform aimed at expanding financial opportunities for underserved communities. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in their mission to drive economic impact and foster revitalization within Los Angeles's small business sector, particularly in light of challenges like the recent wildfires.

The Visionary Ventures Program

The cornerstone of this partnership is the Visionary Ventures Program, designed to equip small business owners with essential financial education and development tools. This pilot program, which kicks off in Los Angeles, seeks to create a replicable model that can be expanded throughout the United States, positioning itself as a beacon of hope for many.

In their joint statement, the NBA legends emphasized their commitment to catalyzing change by saying, _“The Visionary Ventures Program represents our commitment to creating change in underserved communities.”_ These words reflect their dedication to seeing local businesses thrive even amidst adversity.

Stackwell's Role in Empowerment

Trevor Rozier-Byrd, Founder and CEO of Stackwell, noted the importance of supporting local business owners in Los Angeles. He stated, _“When we show up for LA small business owners, they can show up for their community.”_ This sentiment encapsulates the essence of community-driven support that the Visionary Ventures Program aims to embody. Stackwell will leverage its successful strategies to ensure that the program yields effective results, drawing on a robust playbook that has already proven beneficial in previous initiatives.

Stackwell seeks to dismantle the barriers associated with financial literacy and wealth building, providing a user-friendly app that empowers individuals to take charge of their financial futures. The initiative stands out as a comprehensive approach to augmenting the financial health of small businesses, reinforcing the idea that when businesses thrive, communities flourish.

Building an Executive Council

The Visionary Ventures Program is bolstered by an illustrious Executive Council comprising notable figures such as CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton from the NBA, alongside WNBA stars Natasha Cloud and Candace Parker. This council will not only provide guidance but also bring invaluable insights drawn from their diverse experiences in sports and community engagement.

In addition to the Executive Council, Creative Arts Agency's executives Callie Curry and Hillary Thomas will serve as advisors, further enhancing the program’s capacity to foster positive community change.

Getting Involved

Los Angeles small business owners are encouraged to engage with the resources provided through this program. Interested individuals can download the Stackwell App and explore the Community hub to assess eligibility and apply for the benefits of the initiative.

This proactive step represents an exciting opportunity for local entrepreneurs to access support that could significantly bolster their businesses and, by extension, the broader community’s economic resilience.

A Bright Future Ahead

Founded in 2020, the Social Change Fund United is dedicated to addressing equity, social justice, and criminal justice reform. Through partnerships like those formed with Stackwell, SCFU aims to create tangible pathways for success for underrepresented communities, pushing the envelope for what a community-focused financial program can achieve.

As these renowned athletes bring their influence and commitment to this initiative, the hope is that more individuals will recognize the importance of investing in their communities. The Visionary Ventures Program signifies a collective effort not just to support small businesses but to pave the way for long-lasting systemic change in how financial prosperity is perceived and achieved within underserved areas. With each new partnership and initiative, the journey toward equitable economic opportunity continues to gain momentum.