Beyond Performative Allyship: How the Fifteen Percent Pledge & Dartmouth Fellowship are Fueling a New Wave of Black Women Entrepreneurs
The current economic landscape presents unique challenges for all entrepreneurs, but for Black women, the hurdles are demonstrably higher. Systemic barriers to capital,limited access to influential networks,and the weight of societal expectations create a playing field that is far from level. Yet, amidst these obstacles, a powerful movement is gaining momentum, driven by initiatives like the Fifteen Percent pledge and its latest partnership with Dartmouth College. This isn’t about charity; it’s about unlocking a massive, untapped economic potential. And, crucially, the partners who understand that are doubling down on their commitments.
as Aurora James, founder of brother Vellies and the driving force behind the Fifteen Percent Pledge, candidly admits, there’s a sense of backtracking in the broader push for equity. But this isn’t a cause for despair. The Pledge’s most committed partners – those genuinely invested in lasting change – are not only maintaining their support but actively increasing it. They recognize that investing in Black founders isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s a demonstrably smart business proposition.
The Myth of Scarcity & The Reality of Gatekeeping
The argument that supporting Black entrepreneurs somehow diminishes opportunities for others is fundamentally flawed. Creating access doesn’t subtract from the pie; it expands it. However, this logic often falls on deaf ears, particularly for those who have historically benefited from maintaining exclusive networks and controlling access to resources. These are individuals who’ve built careers on gatekeeping, and challenging that status quo inevitably meets resistance.
This is precisely why the Dartmouth Fellowship is so vital,especially now. Recent data reveals a concerning trend: over 300,000 Black women have been involuntarily removed from the workforce. While business education is always valuable, the true power of this fellowship lies in the network it fosters – a cohort of 20 women navigating similar challenges, supporting each other, and collectively building towards scalable solutions.
The “Friends & Family” Gap: A Systemic Disadvantage
James understands these obstacles intimately. her own journey building Brother Vellies, a successful luxury accessories brand, exposed her to the realities of seeking funding as a Black founder. She’s experienced the investor meetings, the subtle biases, and the stark difference in access to the crucial ”friends and family” round of funding that frequently enough propels white-founded startups.
“Black founders so often don’t have access to raising the initial ’friends and family’ capital round that many white founders raise,” James explains. “So we have to provide that support for each other.” This realization led to the creation of the Pledge’s “Friends & Family” podcast – a intentional effort to build an alternative funding ecosystem when the customary system fails to open its doors. the Dartmouth Fellowship is another manifestation of this principle: creating access where it doesn’t naturally exist.
Beyond Optics: Measuring True Impact
The Pledge and Dartmouth aren’t interested in superficial gestures. This isn’t about a photo opportunity or a press release. Success, according to James, is measured by tangible outcomes.
“We really hope to see founders walk away from the dartmouth experience with tools and lessons to scale their businesses sustainably,” she says. “If these women head home from this experience and create a ripple effect of wealth, innovation, and opportunity in their communities, that’s how we certainly know the work is working.”
This focus on lasting growth and community impact underscores the long-term vision of the initiative. It’s about building generational wealth and fostering economic empowerment within Black communities.
A counterintuitive Truth: Trust Your Instincts
For women considering applying to the Dartmouth fellowship, James offers a piece of advice that challenges conventional wisdom: stop seeking endless advice.
“I like to say that you don’t always need to ask for advice, because what you here may just be that person projecting onto you,” she cautions. “As women, and especially women of color, we second guess ourselves so much. But really, a lot of the time you need to just go with your gut. If you have a great idea, don’t let someone else talk you out of it. Shoot your shot.”
This advice resonates deeply, particularly given James’s own experience navigating a landscape frequently enough riddled with doubt and skepticism. It’s a powerful reminder to trust your vision and persevere in the face of adversity.
A New Paradigm: Investing in Potential, Not Just Appearances
This December, 20 women will embark on a transformative week at
