On March 13th, 2023, the TD Charitable Foundation awarded the African American Entrepreneurs Association (AAEA) a $50,000.00 grant for the AAEA Business Relief Funding Program.
“The impact of Hurricane Ian left many of the community’s small businesses with significant needs,” stated Leslie Giscombe, Founder and CEO of the AAEA. “While recovery can be a slow road encumbered by paperwork, adjusters, and the specifics entailed in the insurance industry, we collaborated with local banking partners and local donors to bring some initial relief to minority businesses.” From this collaboration came aaeaBusinessRelief.com.
Through its charitable giving arm, the TD Charitable Foundation, TD Bank joins to assist slight business recovery. “Entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of our economy. The TD Charitable Foundation is honored to stand with AAEA as they work to strengthen and uplift minority small businesses in the recovery effort following Hurricane Ian,” said Nick Miceli, Regional President, Metro Florida, TD Bank. “Improving financial access in diverse areas represents a core pillar of our corporate citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment. We are committed to helping communities recover from this disaster and go on to achieve economic success.”
“It is an honor to have such a supportive community partnership with TD Bank since 2020 and now with the TD Charitable Foundation. We are grateful for their continued confidence and support of the minority business growth and development offered by our programs at the AAEA. These programs have great importance to the community, and TD Bank is a continued and longstanding partner in that growth.” says Leslie Giscombe, Founder, and CEO of AAEA. “The African American Entrepreneurs Association brings valuable education and financial support to the minority community, positively affecting the local communities. We thank TD Bank and the TD Charitable Foundation for recognizing and supporting that ongoing mission.”
The AAEA Business Relief Fund will be available year-round and will include a mentoring program, education on insurance, and SBA Bridge loan processes, as well as additional resources. Grant distribution and requirements are based on the funding sources and donors, which will impact the level and number of financial grants disbursed annually. Still, all who submit their forms and applications will receive assistance with their recovery.
The AAEA was founded to develop and create economic development through entrepreneurship within the underserved African American community through education, mentoring, workshops, group economics, and micro-financing opportunities. The AAEA focuses its partnerships on businesses and organizations that are dedicated to the support of equity, diversity, and inclusion. It is imperative that as a community we support and work together. With any questions or concerns regarding the AAEA please call the AAEA office at (386) 234-2014 or visit www.aaeassociation.org.
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