Resources for Startups, Women-led, and Marginalized Founders
At Raeven, we understand and have experienced the unique challenges faced by women and marginalized business owners, especially in the edtech sector. To support you on your entrepreneurial journey, we’ve curated a comprehensive list of high-value resources tailored to address your specific needs. Our goal is to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary to thrive in a competitive market.
These resources span a variety of crucial areas, including Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, Crisis Management and Resilience, International Resources and Opportunities, Funding and Financial Resources, Educational and Professional Development, and Mentorship and Networking. Each category is carefully selected to provide you with practical solutions and support, whether you’re seeking to protect your digital assets, navigate global markets, secure funding, enhance your skills, or connect with mentors and peers.
We’re committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where you can access the help you need to succeed. By offering these resources, we aim to bridge gaps, create opportunities, and drive positive change for women and marginalized business owners.
Explore these valuable tools and let us help you build a resilient, innovative, and successful business.
Funding and Financial Support
Securing funding is often a critical hurdle for many entrepreneurs, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. That’s why we've compiled resources offering grants, loans, and investment opportunities specifically designed for women and marginalized business owners. With these financial supports, you can secure the capital needed to grow, innovate, and sustain your business.
Amber Grant for Women - Provides monthly grants to women entrepreneurs. Amber Grant
IFundWomen - A crowdfunding platform offering funding and coaching. IFundWomen
Tory Burch Foundation Capital Program - Offers affordable loans to women entrepreneurs. Tory Burch Foundation
Grameen America - Provides microloans to low-income women entrepreneurs. Grameen America
Kiva - Crowdfunds loans for underserved entrepreneurs. Kiva
Hello Alice Grants - Offers grants and resources for small business owners. Hello Alice
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program - Provides assistance to minority-owned businesses. SBA 8(a)
Cartier Women's Initiative - Supports women-run businesses with funding and mentoring. Cartier Women's Initiative
Nav's Small Business Grant - Offers a quarterly grant for small businesses. Nav
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants - Provides grants for business growth. NASE
Mentorship and Networking
Having a mentor and a strong professional network can make a world of difference. We’ve gathered resources that connect you with experienced mentors and networking opportunities. These programs can help you navigate challenges, gain valuable insights, and expand your professional connections, which are vital for your business growth.
SCORE Mentorship - Connects entrepreneurs with volunteer business mentors. SCORE
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) - Provides networking and mentorship for women-owned businesses. WBENC
ELEVATE Network - Offers mentorship and networking for professional women. ELEVATE Network
NAWBO Mentorship - Connects women business owners with mentors. NAWBO
Lean In Circles - Offers peer support and networking groups for women. Lean In
Entrepreneurial Winning Women (EY) - Provides mentorship and networking for women entrepreneurs. EY Winning Women
Small Business Administration (SBA) Mentor-Protégé Program - Helps small businesses through mentorship. SBA Mentor-Protégé
Black Women Connect - Networking and support for Black women entrepreneurs. Black Women Connect
The Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) - Offers mentoring and support for women entrepreneurs. CWE
WEConnect International - Connects women-owned businesses with global markets. WEConnect International
Professional Development and Training
Staying competitive means constantly learning and improving. Our list includes top-notch training programs, workshops, and educational resources to help you stay ahead. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can enhance your skills, stay updated on industry trends, and drive your business forward.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women - Provides business education for women entrepreneurs. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women
Women's Business Center (WBC) - Offers training and support for women entrepreneurs. WBC
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) - Provides business training and development resources. MBDA
Kauffman FastTrac - Offers training for aspiring and established entrepreneurs. FastTrac
Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) - Provides leadership training and development. CCL
Sandler Training - Offers sales and management training programs. Sandler Training
Women’s Venture Fund - Provides business training and support for women. Women's Venture Fund
Emerging Leaders Initiative (SBA) - Intensive executive-level training for small business owners. Emerging Leaders
Ecornell Women in Leadership - Online leadership certificate programs for women. Ecornell
Harvard Business School Online - Offers online business courses for entrepreneurs. Harvard Business School Online
Personal Support and Wellness
Running a business is demanding, and maintaining personal well-being is essential. We've identified resources that provide mental health support, wellness programs, and work-life balance initiatives. These services can help you manage stress, maintain your health, and boost overall productivity and happiness.
Mental Health America - Provides mental health resources and support. Mental Health America
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Offers mental health support and advocacy. NAMI
The Well Woman - Wellness resources for women entrepreneurs. The Well Woman
Women Entrepreneurs Inc. (WE) - Offers wellness programs for women in business. WE
Entrepreneurs’ Organization Health Network - Health and wellness support for entrepreneurs. EO Health Network
The Skimm Well - Provides wellness resources and tips for women. The Skimm Well
Shine - Offers self-care resources and support for women. Shine
Mindful Return - Supports working parents with wellness resources. Mindful Return
ZenBusiness Wellness Program - Provides wellness resources for small business owners. ZenBusiness
Happify - Offers science-based activities and games to improve mental well-being. Happify
Business Services and Tools
To run your business smoothly, you need reliable services and tools. We’ve found affordable solutions for marketing, legal, accounting, and other critical business functions. Utilizing these resources can help streamline your operations and free up time for strategic growth.
LegalZoom - Provides affordable legal services for businesses. LegalZoom
QuickBooks - Offers accounting software and financial management tools. QuickBooks
HubSpot - Provides marketing, sales, and customer service tools. HubSpot
Canva - Offers design tools for creating marketing materials. Canva
Mailchimp - Provides email marketing and automation services. Mailchimp
Fiverr - Connects businesses with freelance services. Fiverr
Upwork - Offers a platform to hire freelancers for various services. Upwork
Squarespace - Provides website building and hosting services. Squarespace
Asana - Offers project management and collaboration tools. Asana
Trello - Provides project management and organization tools. Trello
Educational Resources
Knowledge empowers decision-making. We offer a range of educational resources on management, finance, marketing, and technology. These materials will help you make informed decisions and keep your business on the cutting edge.
edX - Offers free online courses from top universities. edX
Coursera - Provides online courses and certifications. Coursera
Khan Academy - Offers free educational resources across various subjects. Khan Academy
LinkedIn Learning - Provides professional development courses. LinkedIn Learning
TED Talks - Features inspiring talks on a variety of topics. TED Talks
Udemy - Offers online courses on diverse topics. Udemy
Harvard Business Review - Provides articles and resources on business management. HBR
MIT OpenCourseWare - Offers free course materials from MIT. MIT OCW
Skillshare - Provides online classes in creative and business skills. Skillshare
Stanford Online - Offers free and paid courses from Stanford University. Stanford Online
Work-Life Balance Services
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial for sustained success. We’ve compiled resources that provide support services such as childcare, flexible working arrangements, and wellness programs. These can help you juggle personal and professional responsibilities more effectively.
Care.com - Connects families with caregivers and household help. Care.com
UrbanSitter - Provides childcare services and babysitters. UrbanSitter
WeeCare - Offers in-home childcare solutions. WeeCare
Talkspace - Provides online therapy and counseling services. Talkspace
BetterHelp - Offers online counseling and mental health support. BetterHelp
Mom Corps - Provides flexible staffing solutions for working parents. Mom Corps
Time Etc - Connects businesses with virtual assistants for work-life balance. Time Etc
MyLifeWell - Offers wellness programs and resources for work-life balance. MyLifeWell
Mindful Return - Supports working parents with resources for better balance. Mindful Return
ZenBusiness - Provides small business services and work-life balance tools. ZenBusiness
Government Programs
Government programs can offer significant support in terms of grants, contracts, and advisory services. We highlight federal, state, and local initiatives aimed at assisting women and marginalized business owners. Leveraging these programs can provide you with the funding and resources needed to grow your business.
Small Business Administration (SBA) - Offers a range of support services for small businesses. SBA
SBA Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) - Provides business training and counseling for women. WBCs
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program - Helps minority-owned businesses grow through mentoring and access to government contracting. SBA 8(a)
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) - Offers resources and support for minority business owners. MBDA
USDA Rural Development - Provides funding and support for rural businesses. USDA Rural Development
Economic Development Administration (EDA) - Offers grants and support for economic development. EDA
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program - Provides funding for small businesses conducting biomedical research. NIH SBIR
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) - Offers capital access programs at the state level. SSBCI
Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO) - Supports women entrepreneurs through training and counseling programs. OWBO
US Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Centers - Provides business consulting and financing assistance. MBDA Business Centers
Nonprofit and Community Resources
Nonprofit organizations and community groups are often invaluable allies. We've listed resources that offer funding, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities tailored to diverse entrepreneurs. Engaging with these organizations can connect you to a supportive community and valuable resources.
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) - Provides resources and advocacy for self-employed individuals. NASE
Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) - Offers certification and resources for women-owned businesses. WBENC
Accion - Provides loans and support for small businesses. Accion
Grameen America - Offers microloans and financial training to women entrepreneurs. Grameen America
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) - Supports community development and small businesses. LISC
Rising Tide Capital - Provides business education and support for underserved entrepreneurs. Rising Tide Capital
Operation HOPE - Offers financial dignity and economic empowerment programs. Operation HOPE
Women's Venture Fund - Provides business training and funding for women entrepreneurs. Women's Venture Fund
StreetWise Partners - Offers mentorship programs for disadvantaged job seekers. StreetWise Partners
Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) - Provides resources and advocacy for microbusinesses. AEO
Private Sector Partnerships
Collaborating with private sector partners can open doors to new resources, expertise, and growth opportunities. We’ve identified corporate programs and partnerships that support women and marginalized business owners. Partnering with these companies can help you access new markets and business opportunities
Google for Startups - Offers tools, resources, and mentoring for startups. Google for Startups
Microsoft for Startups - Provides access to technology and mentorship for startups. Microsoft for Startups
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Activate - Offers resources and credits for startups using AWS. AWS Activate
Salesforce Accelerate - Provides support and resources for tech startups. Salesforce Accelerate
Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network (DWEN) - Offers resources and support for women entrepreneurs. DWEN
Visa Everywhere Initiative - Supports innovation and growth for startups. Visa Everywhere Initiative
IBM Global Entrepreneur Program - Provides resources and mentorship for startups. IBM Global Entrepreneur
Facebook Community Boost - Offers training and support for small businesses. Facebook Community Boost
Intel Capital - Invests in diverse and innovative startups. Intel Capital
Citi’s Women & Co. - Provides financial education and resources for women. Women & Co.
Sustainability and Ethical Practices
Operating sustainably and ethically is not just good practice; it can enhance your brand. We provide resources that guide you on sustainability and social responsibility, including certification programs and best practices. Embracing these principles can attract conscious consumers and improve your reputation.
B Lab - Certifies companies meeting high social and environmental standards. B Lab
Green America - Promotes sustainable business practices. Green America
Fair Trade USA - Certifies products and businesses adhering to fair trade practices. Fair Trade USA
Sustainable Business Network - Offers resources for building sustainable businesses. Sustainable Business Network
1% for the Planet - Encourages businesses to donate a portion of profits to environmental causes. 1% for the Planet
The Sustainability Consortium - Provides tools and resources for sustainable business practices. The Sustainability Consortium
Cradle to Cradle Certified - Certifies products meeting sustainable design principles. Cradle to Cradle
Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) - Offers sustainability consulting and resources. BSR
Sustainable Brands - Provides resources and networking for sustainable business leaders. Sustainable Brands
EcoVadis - Provides sustainability ratings and scorecards for businesses. EcoVadis
Innovation and Technology
Innovation is a key driver of success. We’ve found resources that support tech-driven startups with funding, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge technologies. Leveraging these resources can help you stay competitive and innovate within your industry.
Techstars - Provides accelerator programs and funding for startups. Techstars
Y Combinator - Offers funding and support for early-stage startups. Y Combinator
500 Startups - Provides seed funding and accelerator programs. 500 Startups
AngelList - Connects startups with investors and talent. AngelList
Indie Hackers - Offers resources and community support for tech entrepreneurs. Indie Hackers
Crunchbase - Provides data and insights on startups and tech companies. Crunchbase
Startup Grind - Offers networking and resources for tech entrepreneurs. Startup Grind
F6S - Provides resources and support for startups and entrepreneurs. F6S
Product Hunt - Showcases new products and startups. Product Hunt
MassChallenge - Offers accelerator programs and support for startups. MassChallenge
Marketing and Branding
Effective marketing and strong branding are crucial. We’ve compiled tools, platforms, and expertise to help you develop and execute successful marketing strategies. Utilizing these resources can boost your brand visibility and reach your target audience effectively.
HubSpot Academy - Offers free marketing and sales courses. HubSpot Academy
Buffer - Provides social media management tools and resources. Buffer
Hootsuite - Offers social media management and marketing tools. Hootsuite
Moz - Provides SEO tools and resources. Moz
SEMrush - Offers SEO and online visibility management tools. SEMrush
Canva - Provides design tools for creating marketing materials. Canva
Mailchimp - Offers email marketing and automation services. Mailchimp
Google Analytics Academy - Provides free courses on Google Analytics. Google Analytics Academy
Sprout Social - Offers social media management and analytics tools. Sprout Social
Neil Patel Digital - Provides SEO and digital marketing resources. Neil Patel Digital
Legal and Compliance
Navigating the legal landscape is crucial for protecting your business. We offer resources that provide legal advice, documentation, and services to help you manage legal risks and stay compliant. These resources will help safeguard your interests and ensure you're operating within the law.
LegalZoom - Provides affordable legal services for businesses. LegalZoom
Rocket Lawyer - Offers online legal services and documents. Rocket Lawyer
Avvo - Provides legal advice and lawyer directories. Avvo
Nolo - Offers DIY legal forms and resources. Nolo
UpCounsel - Connects businesses with freelance attorneys. UpCounsel
FindLaw - Provides legal information and lawyer directories. FindLaw
LegalMatch - Connects clients with attorneys for various legal needs. LegalMatch
Lawyers.com - Offers legal resources and lawyer directories. Lawyers.com
Justia - Provides legal information and lawyer directories. Justia
LegalShield - Offers legal plans and services for businesses. LegalShield
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Creating an inclusive and diverse work environment can significantly enhance your business. We highlight training programs, consultancy services, and best practices for fostering diversity and inclusion. Embracing these principles can lead to a more dynamic and innovative workplace.
Diversity Best Practices - Provides resources for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Diversity Best Practices
Inclusive Employers - Offers training and resources for workplace inclusion. Inclusive Employers
National Diversity Council - Promotes diversity and inclusion initiatives. National Diversity Council
The Center for Global Inclusion - Provides education and resources for global inclusion. The Center for Global Inclusion
Catalyst - Offers research and resources on workplace inclusion. Catalyst
Diversity Woman Magazine - Provides insights and resources for diverse women leaders. Diversity Woman
Corporate Diversity Search - Connects companies with diversity-focused talent. Corporate Diversity Search
The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management - Promotes diversity in business education and leadership. The Consortium
Out & Equal - Advocates for workplace equality for LGBTQ+ individuals. Out & Equal
Women in Technology International (WITI) - Supports women in technology through networking and resources. WITI
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
Protecting your business’s digital assets and customer information is crucial. We’ve curated resources to help you stay informed and prepared against cyber threats, ensuring your data remains secure and your business compliant with privacy regulations.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) - Provides cybersecurity resources and alerts. CISA
National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) - Offers cybersecurity education and awareness. NCSA
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse - Provides consumer information on privacy rights. Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
ISC2 - Offers cybersecurity certifications and resources. ISC2
StaySafeOnline - Provides cybersecurity tips and resources. StaySafeOnline
Privacy International - Advocates for privacy rights globally. Privacy International
SANS Institute - Offers cybersecurity training and certifications. SANS Institute
Dark Reading - Provides cybersecurity news and insights. Dark Reading
TechCrunch Cybersecurity - Offers news and analysis on cybersecurity. TechCrunch Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Ventures - Provides research and analysis on cybersecurity trends. Cybersecurity Ventures
Crisis Management and Resilience
In times of crisis, having a robust management plan can make all the difference. These resources provide guidance on building resilience, managing emergencies, and ensuring your business can withstand and recover from unexpected disruptions.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Provides disaster response and recovery resources. FEMA
American Red Cross - Offers emergency preparedness and disaster relief resources. American Red Cross
International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) - Offers resources for emergency management professionals. IAEM
Ready.gov - Provides preparedness resources for businesses and individuals. Ready.gov
Business Continuity Institute (BCI) - Offers resources for business continuity and resilience. BCI
Disaster Recovery Journal - Provides information and resources for disaster recovery planning. Disaster Recovery Journal
Emergency Management - Offers news and resources for emergency management professionals. Emergency Management
Incident Command System (ICS) - Provides a standardized approach to emergency management. ICS
National Incident Management System (NIMS) - Offers resources for incident management and response. NIMS
Crisis Management Society (CMS) - Offers resources and training for crisis management professionals. CMS
International Resources and Opportunities
Expanding your business globally can open up new opportunities. We’ve compiled resources to help you navigate international trade, understand global markets, and connect with international partners to grow your business beyond borders.
Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) - Offers resources and connections for entrepreneurs worldwide. GEN
International Trade Administration (ITA) - Provides resources for U.S. businesses interested in international trade. ITA
Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) - Offers financing and insurance for U.S. exports. EXIM
World Trade Organization (WTO) - Provides information on international trade rules and negotiations. WTO
International Monetary Fund (IMF) - Offers economic research and financial assistance globally. IMF
World Bank Group - Provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries. World Bank Group
Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) - Offers business support and matchmaking services across Europe. EEN
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) - Promotes economic cooperation among Pacific Rim countries. APEC
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) - Provides economic data and policy analysis. OECD
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) - Promotes international trade and business. ICC
Funding and Financial Resources
Securing financial support is vital for growth and sustainability. This selection of resources offers various funding options, including grants, loans, and crowdfunding, to help you find the financial backing you need to achieve your business goals.
Kiva - Offers crowdfunded microloans for entrepreneurs globally. Kiva
Crowdfunder - Provides equity crowdfunding for startups and small businesses. Crowdfunder
Grants.gov - Offers a database of federal grants for businesses and nonprofits. Grants.gov
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) - Provides financing and grants for small businesses and community development. LISC
Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) - Offers financing and resources for community development financial institutions. OFN
Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) - Provides financial assistance to CDFIs that invest in businesses in underserved communities. CDFI Fund
SeedInvest - Offers equity crowdfunding for early-stage startups. SeedInvest
Accredited Investor Markets (AIMkts) - Provides accredited investor opportunities in private markets. AIMkts
Fundable - Offers rewards-based and equity crowdfunding for startups. Fundable
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program - Offers grants for small businesses conducting research and development. SBIR Program
Educational and Professional Development
Continuous learning and professional growth are key to staying competitive. Explore these educational resources to enhance your skills, gain new knowledge, and stay updated with industry trends, all designed to help you and your team thrive.
Coursera - Offers online courses from universities and companies. Coursera
edX - Offers online courses from universities and institutions worldwide. edX
LinkedIn Learning - Provides online courses on business, technology, and creative skills. LinkedIn Learning
Skillshare - Offers online classes and projects for creative skills. Skillshare
General Assembly - Provides courses and workshops on tech, business, and design skills. General Assembly
Udacity - Offers online courses and credentials in tech skills. Udacity
Codecademy - Offers interactive coding classes. Codecademy
HubSpot Academy - Offers free marketing and sales courses. HubSpot Academy
Google Digital Garage - Provides free digital skills training. Google Digital Garage
Springboard - Offers online courses and mentoring in tech fields. Springboard
Mentorship and Networking
Building strong connections and finding the right guidance can accelerate your business success. These resources provide access to mentorship programs and networking opportunities, allowing you to learn from experienced professionals and expand your business network.
SCORE - Offers free business mentoring and education. SCORE
Techstars Startup Digest - Curates resources and events for entrepreneurs. Techstars Startup Digest
TiE Global - Provides mentorship and networking for entrepreneurs. TiE Global
Founder Institute - Offers startup launch programs and mentorship. Founder Institute
Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) - Offers networking and leadership development for business leaders. YPO
Women Who Code - Provides networking and mentorship for women in tech. Women Who Code
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) - Provides networking and advocacy for women entrepreneurs. NAWBO
The Mentoring Club - Connects mentors and mentees across various industries. The Mentoring Club
Business Networking International (BNI) - Offers business networking and referrals. BNI
Executive Leadership Council (ELC) - Provides networking and development for Black executives. ELC