A national nonprofit dedicated to closing the economic equity gaps that prevent small, employer-based businesses from reaching their full potential. Since 2015, we’ve helped thousands of small businesses through growth accelerator programs, microgrants, and access to resources and capital that help them grow and create jobs in their communities.
Shaylon Scott is the Executive Director of Founders First Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit small business growth accelerator that supports historically disinvested founders achieve growth by educating, funding and connecting diverse businesses nationwide. Its core programs help diverse entrepreneurs of color, low-income founders, veterans, lgbtq+ and women to achieve additional sources of revenue and create premium wage jobs in their respective communities. Shaylon oversees operations, partner relationships, strategic management, development and expansion needs as the programs continue to grow throughout the US.
Her 15+ years of experience in social enterprise work helps her to excel in her work with FFCDC and has led to financial and advocacy expansion in multiple states. She is an award-winning speaker, presenter, entrepreneur and a published writer. She has represented national organizations and causes at events for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, national conferences and multiple community driven initiatives and coalitions. Her various roles in the community as a leader, philanthropist and board member all center around making systemic changes and impact on a larger scale through innovative means.
Shaylon has effectively blended a career in the nonprofit and for profit sectors and has extensive experience working in local government managing millions of HUD dollars, impact investing, social enterprises, Rural Development and TDHCA-funded housing as well as community driven programs. She has led coalitions and campaigns in the community to address needs and continues to be an advocate for the underserved.
Shaylon has a BS in Criminal Justice from Wiley College with an educational background in Public Relations and Communications from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is an award winning community leader in the social service sector and innovation. She previously served on the advisory committee for the Collin County families IMPACT initiative and is a current member of the Heritage Giving Fund, a philanthropic group of black community leaders that support black female led nonprofit organizations through impact grants.