Celebrating Indigenous People's Day: How The Boost Pad Supports Indigenous Entrepreneurs

Rachel Rowell • October 15, 2024

How The Boost Pad Empowers Indigenous Entrepreneurs

Today, on Indigenous People’s Day, we take time to honor the rich heritage, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous communities across the United States. At The Boost Pad, we are not only celebrating the vibrant cultures of Indigenous people, but also reflecting on the ways we can support Indigenous entrepreneurs in their journey toward success.

Entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for empowerment and community development, and we believe that everyone—no matter their background—deserves access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive in the business world. This is especially important for Indigenous entrepreneurs, who often face unique challenges in accessing capital, mentorship, and networks that can propel their business ideas forward.


Empowering Indigenous Entrepreneurs Through The Boost Pad

At The Boost Pad, we are committed to breaking down barriers and fostering an inclusive environment where Indigenous entrepreneurs can turn their visions into reality. Here’s how we do it:


1. Access to Capital and Resources

One of the most significant barriers for Indigenous entrepreneurs is access to funding. Historically, Indigenous communities have faced systemic disadvantages that make securing capital for business ventures more difficult. At The Boost Pad, we provide scholarships and connect entrepreneurs with funding opportunities to help overcome these financial hurdles. Whether it's securing seed money for a startup or providing the tools needed to scale an existing business, we work alongside Indigenous entrepreneurs to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed.


2. Mentorship and Business Development

Guidance from experienced mentors can make all the difference in launching a successful business. That’s why The Boost Pad offers one-on-one mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and business professionals who understand the challenges Indigenous entrepreneurs face. Through personalized support, we help entrepreneurs navigate everything from business planning to marketing strategies, ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to grow their businesses.


3. Building Community and Networks

We understand the importance of community in Indigenous cultures and strive to create a network of support for Indigenous entrepreneurs within and beyond The Boost Pad. Our cohorts are designed to foster collaboration, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to share their experiences, learn from one another, and build valuable connections within the business community.


4. Fostering Economic Empowerment

Entrepreneurship is not only about personal success—it’s about giving back to the community. Many Indigenous entrepreneurs who come through our programs are dedicated to creating businesses that uplift their communities, provide jobs, and address important social issues. By supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, we are contributing to the long-term economic growth and empowerment of Indigenous communities, both locally and nationally.


Why Indigenous Entrepreneurship Matters

Indigenous entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives, innovation, and resilience to the business world. Their contributions are invaluable, not only in terms of economic impact but also in fostering a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable society. At The Boost Pad, we believe that supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs is essential to creating a future where everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed.

As we celebrate Indigenous People’s Day, we also reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that Indigenous entrepreneurs have a seat at the table and the tools to thrive in their businesses.


How You Can Get Involved

There are many ways to support Indigenous entrepreneurs, and we invite you to join us in making a difference:


  • Become a Sponsor: Your financial support helps us provide scholarships and resources to Indigenous entrepreneurs, empowering them to build successful businesses that benefit their communities.


  • Mentor an Entrepreneur: If you have business experience, consider becoming a mentor to an Indigenous entrepreneur. Your guidance can help them navigate challenges and unlock new opportunities.


  • Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network and help raise awareness of the importance of supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship.

Join Us in Celebrating Indigenous People’s Day


At The Boost Pad, we believe in the power of entrepreneurship to create lasting change. This Indigenous People’s Day, let’s celebrate the contributions of Indigenous entrepreneurs and continue to support their journey toward success. Together, we can build a future where Indigenous voices in business are amplified and empowered to thrive.


Click here to learn more about how you can support Indigenous entrepreneurs through The Boost Pad


Founder Stories & Startup Wins — The Boost Pad

By Mark Babaran April 28, 2026
What happens when The Boost Pad, a Charlotte-based nonprofit, joins forces with two remarkable interns from different universities across our region? Something powerful begins to take shape. Fresh ideas meet meaningful purpose. Innovation meets impact. And everyone involved grows in the process. That’s exactly what we’ve experienced with Colette Dwyer (Davidson College) and Nevyn Brown (UNC Charlotte) —two emerging leaders whose work is already translating into real-world results. 🚀 Founder Win: Nevyn Brown | FundU Execution creates opportunities—and Nevyn is a clear example of that in action. Nevyn recently secured 1st place at UNC Charlotte’s 49-Minute Pitch Competition, earning $8,000 in funding for his startup, FundU. FundU is a mobile platform that enables nonprofits to raise money by partnering with local businesses—transforming everyday purchases into a scalable fundraising engine. At the same time, it helps small businesses generate consistent customer demand. What made FundU stand out wasn’t just the idea—it was the clarity behind it: A clearly defined problem across two markets A solution that creates value for both nonprofits and businesses Early traction with pilot partnerships A model designed to scale across campuses and cities Beyond his venture, Nevyn contributes to The Boost Pad through marketing, social media, and technical strategy—bringing a data-driven and execution-focused mindset to everything he builds. With a launch planned for late May, FundU is already moving from concept to real-world impact. 🌱 Founder Win: Colette Dwyer Impact isn’t only built through ventures—it’s also built through research, communication, and the ability to translate ideas into meaningful action. Colette, a student of Biology and Hispanic Studies at Davidson College, recently presented her original research at the Association of Southeastern Biology Research Conference—an experience that sharpened both her scientific thinking and her ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity. Her work focused on prairie restoration practices and their application to sustainability. Through a year of independent research, she established baseline findings that contribute to future environmental studies and sustainable interventions. By tracking emerging trends and presenting them to the Davidson Biology Department and conference judges, Colette demonstrated both analytical depth and clarity in storytelling. Her work was recognized with the Best Poster Presentation Award , a testament to both the quality of her research and her ability to translate technical insights into compelling narratives. At The Boost Pad, Colette has extended these same strengths into storytelling and collaboration—contributing to newsletter and blog creation while helping build an alumni network alongside Nevyn Brown. Her ability to connect research, communication, and community-building reflects the kind of multidimensional leadership we aim to cultivate. 🔑 Where Mindset Becomes Action These moments reflect something deeper than individual wins. They represent the shift we focus on every day at The Boost Pad: From ideas → execution From learning → application From vision → measurable progress This is where entrepreneurs stop asking “What should I build?” …and start proving “Here’s what I’m building—and why it matters.” âš¡ Building What’s Next From expanding partnerships to developing new talent, everything we’re doing is centered on one goal: Creating real pathways for entrepreneurs to build, grow, and succeed. What we’ve seen with Colette and Nevyn is exactly what The Boost Pad is built for. Bringing together talent, opportunity, and real-world execution to create meaningful outcomes—for founders and for the communities they serve.  And if this is only the beginning, we’re excited to see what they build next. The Boost Pad Team Building entrepreneurs. Strengthening communities.
By Mark Babaran March 23, 2026
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By Mark Babaran December 30, 2025
2025 was shaped by people. Join us as we thank our community and look ahead to what’s next at The Boost Pad.
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