Who We Are.
Creating Connections. Changing Mindsets. Inspiring Action.
We Are IFEL: Since 2002, the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership–better known as IFEL ("eye-full"), a nationally recognized 501(c)3 organization, has been working to create an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem and support entrepreneurial leaders.
What We Do.
Our national programming focuses on creating systemic change aimed at creating a fully inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our work focuses on increasing the capacity of and access to capital for entrepreneurs, focusing on those from historically excluded communities.
We measure our impact through the connections we create, the minds we help change, and actions we inspire.
A Community for Those Who Are Serious About Opening Doors
Post-pandemic, we're smarter and it's been proven that virtual spaces can bring busy, influential folks together. Now, more than ever, people want to connect. We heard you, so come on in and explore.
You are in good company.
This community space is for allies and champions, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and their champions of an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
You're here if you want to:
- Meet like-minded individuals who share your interest in opening doors for entrepreneurs from historically excluded populations.
- Get intentional about creating an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem
- Gain a deeper understanding of the journey of women and women of color entrepreneurs and founders
- Meet amazing entrepreneurs and founders
- Seeking knowledge about the entrepreneurial ecosystem and angel investing.
Our programming
We have served more than 6,800 small businesses and oversee a national volunteer community of more than 1,000 business professionals.
Our program focus areas include:
- Helping entrepreneurs from historically excluded populations leverage the power of relationship capital
- Educating a new generation of diverse angel investors
- Enabling business professionals to make a difference
through skills-based volunteerism
Increasing capacity for entrepreneurs from historically excluded communities.
Upcoming Events
- 7th Annual WOCCON Summit: Save the Date March 25, 26, & 27.
Recent Events
- Creating Conscious Collisions: Our 10-city 2023 road show featured amazing women of color founders, woccon.org/roadshow, We're working together to leverage the collective energy of our networks to help women of color entrepreneurs and founders toward success. See road show highlights and we are now accepting founder applications for 2024 road show.
Major Programs
Women of Color Connecting (WOCCON)
Engaging the vast IFEL network to use their expertise and relationships to get more women of color on the grow-scale-exit trajectory to building wealth through entrepreneurship.
The Making of Black Angels
Empowering wealth builders and entrepreneurs on the grow-scale-exit trajectory through education.
Pipeline Angels
Pipeline Angels is changing the face of angel investing and venture capital, as well as creating funding for trans women, cis women, nonbinary, two-spirit, agender, and gender-nonconforming founders.
Small Businesses Need Us
Engaging business professionals in skills-based volunteerism to provide high-touch, hands-on support through our turnkey capacity-building system supporting business owners and entrepreneurs.
