ABLE

Accelerating Black Leadership and Entrepreneurship

Fostering the Next Generation of Black Business Leaders

The Accelerating Black Leadership and Entrepreneurship (ABLE) program strategically addresses the pervasive opportunity gap facing Black entrepreneurs. Recognizing the critical need for ongoing technical support, mentorship, and improved access to capital, ABLE stands as a transformative initiative. Leveraging the Leavey Executive Center’s (LEC) proven global model, renowned for channeling capital to sustainable enterprises, and bolstered by leadership support and enduring mentorship support from the LEC and ADN’s distinguished network of Black leaders, ABLE is changing the narrative. This comprehensive approach forms a robust system of human capital development, empowering diasporan individuals and offering a comprehensive strategy to enhance their investment readiness for external funding.


The program equips entrepreneurs with the knowledge to attract the right types of capital and leverage innovative funding vehicles, propelling early and mid-stage enterprises toward success. Armed with these tools, the selected Black-owned businesses are poised to become catalysts, driving the creation of new markets and innovative solutions to varied market issues, revitalizing local U.S. economies, and contributing to community impact and fiscal growth. ABLE is not just a program; it’s a transformative force ushering in positive change.

Program Goals

Our Impact So Far

ABLE 2024 Impact Report
Picture of <strong>Ed Grier </strong><br/>Dean of the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University

Ed Grier
Dean of the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University

The Leavey School of Business and our Silicon Valley Executive Center are proud to partner with the African Diaspora Network. We look forward to launching this innovative program focused on racial equity in American entrepreneurship.

Picture of <strong>Agnieszka Winkler </strong><br/>Board Member, African Diaspora Network; Trustee, Santa Clara University

Agnieszka Winkler
Board Member, African Diaspora Network; Trustee, Santa Clara University

Congratulations to the inaugural ABLE cohort as we continue to explore ways to strengthen communities of color in the United States, Africa and other parts of the world.

Picture of <strong>Anne Im </strong><br/>Director of Community Investment, SVCF

Anne Im
Director of Community Investment, SVCF

We are proud to support the African Diaspora Network that is building power within the Black community, with a focus on entrepreneurs.

Picture of <strong>Supervisor Otto Lee </strong><br/>District 3, County of Santa Clara

Supervisor Otto Lee
District 3, County of Santa Clara

The County of Santa Clara proudly supports the Accelerating Black Leadership and Entrepreneurship (ABLE) program...Accelerating Black-led ventures is a significant step forward and provides a pathway for building bridges between communities of diverse backgrounds.

Picture of <strong>Guy Primus </strong><br/>CEO and Board Member, Valence; ABLE Program Advisory Committee Member

Guy Primus
CEO and Board Member, Valence; ABLE Program Advisory Committee Member

I was impressed by the quality, caliber, and uniqueness of the applicants.It was very encouraging to see both old problems examined from a fresh perspective, and emerging challenges being tackled by some of the best and brightest.

Picture of <strong>Helen Kim </strong><br/>Strategy & Operations for Engineering, Product & Design at Pinterest

Helen Kim
Strategy & Operations for Engineering, Product & Design at Pinterest

It was amazing to see the innovation across sectors from all of the applicants. I look forward to seeing these entrepreneurs and their businesses flourish and I’m thrilled to be on this journey together with ADN.

Get Involved

We are deeply appreciative for the unwavering support of our funders, partners, mentors and reviewers who make this work possible. We welcome you to join us in this important mission–your contributions will make a real difference. Email Rose Essiem, Entrepreneurship Programs Manager, at rose@africandiasporanetwork.org for more information on how to get involved.

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Funders

Lead Funder

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Academic Partner

Ecosystem Partners