Community Partner Spotlight Ally: Expanding Access to Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship

Mark Babaran • June 30, 2026
Ally thank-you collage with events, speakers, and community scenes, featuring “THANK YOU” and “Do it right.”

Entrepreneurship flourishes when organizations choose to invest not only in businesses—but in people.


The Boost Pad is proud to recognize Ally Bank for its continued commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening Charlotte's small business ecosystem.


As the proud sponsor of both Community Access to Capital and Cohort 12 Pitch Night, Ally helped create opportunities for founders to learn, connect, and prepare for the next stage of their entrepreneurial journeys.


From conversations with lenders and investors to Pitch Night presentations before community leaders, Ally's support helped make these transformative experiences possible.

Supporting Founders Beyond Funding


Access to capital begins long before an entrepreneur applies for financing.

It begins with education.


  • Preparation.
  • Relationships.
  • Confidence.
  • Community.


Those values were reflected throughout Community Access to Capital, where entrepreneurs gained practical insights into becoming capital-ready while building connections with ecosystem partners committed to their long-term success.


Investing in Communities

Ally has long demonstrated a commitment to strengthening communities through economic mobility, financial empowerment, and support for small businesses.


Their partnership with The Boost Pad reflects a shared belief that entrepreneurs are powerful drivers of innovation, job creation, and community impact.


By investing in entrepreneurial education and ecosystem-building initiatives, Ally is helping create opportunities that extend far beyond a single event or cohort.


Thank You, Ally


On behalf of The Boost Pad, our founders, mentors, volunteers, and community partners, thank you for believing in entrepreneurs and helping create an environment where innovation can thrive.


Your partnership continues to make a lasting difference, and we look forward to building even greater impact together.

Founder Stories & Startup Wins — The Boost Pad

The Boost Pad community partner spotlight: NC IDEA Foundation, with blue logo and smiling people in inset photos
By Mark Babaran June 30, 2026
Behind every successful entrepreneurial ecosystem are organizations willing to invest in people with bold ideas. For years, NC IDEA has championed entrepreneurship across North Carolina by helping founders transform innovative ideas into thriving businesses through education, funding, and ecosystem development. The Boost Pad is proud to partner with NC IDEA in creating meaningful opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. During Cohort 12 Pitch Night , NC IDEA demonstrated that commitment by sponsoring the $5,000 Startup Currency Award , which was presented to Daija Peeler , founder of SevenSixteen. Presented by Sarah Mixter, Director of Ecosystem Engagement at NC IDEA , the award represented more than funding—it represented confidence in a founder's vision and belief in the impact entrepreneurship can have on communities throughout our state. Building More Than Businesses Entrepreneurship requires more than great ideas. It requires access to resources, relationships, education, and capital. NC IDEA continues to play an important role in helping entrepreneurs bridge those gaps by investing in founders at critical stages of their journey while strengthening the organizations that support them. That mission closely aligns with The Boost Pad's commitment to helping entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses through mentorship, education, community, and access to capital. Expanding Opportunity Every founder deserves the opportunity to pursue their vision. Through programs, grants, ecosystem initiatives, and partnerships, NC IDEA continues creating pathways that make entrepreneurship more accessible across North Carolina. We are grateful for their continued partnership and for their investment in entrepreneurs who are building stronger businesses and stronger communities. Together, we are helping create the next generation of North Carolina founders.
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