TRUST is BIA’s flagship initiative that unites national investment and local action — supporting the organizations entrepreneurs rely on while building thriving local ecosystems that help them succeed.
What TRUST Delivers
TRUST is a highly integrated, data-informed strategy for strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems — supporting the organizations that founders already rely on most and embedding direct resources to support entrepreneurs in place.
Through a tiered support model, TRUST provides
for mature innovator support organization (ISOs)
for emerging ISOs
for early-stage ISOs
About TRUST
Core program components include
- Unrestricted regranting for flexibility and growth
- Technical training and one-on-one mentorship
- Peer-based learning and national convenings
- Data-driven evaluation and impact tracking
The TRUST model is designed to strengthen capacity, improve program delivery, and expand outcomes for entrepreneurs across the country. As it scales, TRUST has the potential to activate local economies and deliver durable, systems-level impact.
This unrestricted capital is paired with targeted curriculum, technical assistance, leadership development, and peer-based learning over a 15-month engagement period.
Take Action
You can scale—and sustain—TRUST by
Becoming a Friend of BIA
Set up a time to learn more and explore how TRUST can fit within your funding priorities.
Adding TRUST to Your Grant Portfolio
Align your giving with place-based impact and systems change.
Introducing the Trailblazers of TRUST
Malcolm Muhammad
Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs
Vice President of Data and Research
TRUST provides capital and a network for organizations with a proven track record of supporting entrepreneurs succeed. By trusting them, we are driving transformation for all of us
Kelly Burton, CEO, BIA
Stay Connected. Stay Informed.
Be the first to hear about the latest TRUST updates, cohort stories, and opportunities shaping the future of Black innovation. Sign up for BIA’s newsletters and stay plugged into the movement.
Witness the Impact: Stories of TRUST
Follow the journeys of our cohorts as they scale, innovate, and drive lasting change. Explore their successes through stories, press releases, and future video content showcasing their transformative work.
More Content Coming Soon
Special Thanks To Our Implementation Partner
What is TRUST?
TRUST represents a data-driven approach to strengthening innovation infrastructure by equipping underrepresented Innovation Support Organizations (ISOs) with the tools and resources they need to be successful, reach new levels of growth, and compete effectively. Our tiered support model provides $125,000 for mature ISOs, $50,000 for emerging organizations, and $25,000 for early-stage entities—ensuring that organizations receive targeted, stage-appropriate support to maximize their impact.
- Unrestricted re-granting for maximum flexibility
- Technical training and mentorship
- Regional convenings for peer learning
- Comprehensive evaluation frameworks
- 15-month engagement period
Initial data shows that participating ISOs are accomplishing remarkable feats in organizational capacity, program delivery, and entrepreneurial support capabilities. Scaling these efforts is poised to disrupt the