In 2016, over 626,000 individuals in the U.S. were released from state or federal prisons. Often released with nothing more than a bus ticket and a check for less than $200, the formerly incarcerated face serious economic challenges. They struggle securing necessities such as housing and transportation, let alone finding employment. Employers are often unwilling to hire individuals with criminal records and the jobs that are available often pay them lower wages. Read More

Small businesses account for most of the employment in the United States, making it more important than ever that we support entrepreneurs by helping build their businesses. When small businesses succeed, it leads to good jobs and better local economies. Our goals include fostering healthy communities along with healthy businesses. That’s ... Read More

“When I think back to my early career, it feels like I’ve come 180 degrees  – from being ostracized in the industry to being recognized as a leader in the industry.” These words represent the past 40 years of Jennifer Pinck’s career and her two decades  as a small business owner. ... Read More

“Eds and meds” are the conventional anchors—and remain the focus of most anchor initiatives. But a few arts and culture organizations, such as the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, are beginning to change the narrative, claiming seats at anchor collaboration tables in their cities and begging the question—why aren’t more arts and culture organizations adopting anchor strategies? Read More

In recent years, shopping locally and buying from small businesses have been gaining popularity. Maybe you’ve already started to shop more consciously or thought about starting your own business, or maybe you already own one, and every year you hear about Small Business Week but aren’t quite sure what it ... Read More