Collider Annual Impact Report- October 2020
October 15, 2020 marks the one year anniversary of Collider as a nonprofit. Here’s the impact that we’ve had in the community this year.
A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
October 15th, 2020 marks our first full year of operation as the Collider Foundation. In many ways, we couldn't have chosen a better or worse time to begin our mission to serve Rochester's entrepreneurs.
2020 has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging years in our lifetimes. The COVID-19 pandemic and the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis will have repercussions for humanity's future and change the way business is done.
On October 1st of this year, I was honored to be named the Interim Executive Director of the Collider Foundation by our Board for the next six months. Thanks so much to Traci Downs for her hard work and dedication to Collider over the last year.
At Collider, we believe that entrepreneurship is the key to prosperity and a pathway to a more inclusive community. In many ways, we all face a community in transition as the world continues to change. Entrepreneurs are especially challenged at this time. From our med-tech companies to main street businesses, this fall and winter will be among the most demanding times an entrepreneur will ever face.
Each month, 3 out of every 1,000 people choose to start a business in this country. The path ahead is hard and very lonely. Collider believes that it's the job of the other 997 of us to support our entrepreneurs. Collider will be contacting and assisting over 100 entrepreneurs in our community during this challenging time. We do this by listening, connecting, and empowering our entrepreneurs. If you need help or assistance, please contact us; we are here to help.
For our underrepresented entrepreneurs, times are even more challenging. The disproportionate failure rate of women and minority-owned businesses across the country cannot simply be ignored at this critical time. Collider's Ecosystem Navigator Pilot Program is working to assist these entrepreneurs by understanding their needs and connecting them to the right resources at the right time.
All of us can do more to support our entrepreneurs.
Consider shopping local vs. pressing the "buy" button on an app.
Offer a personal connection to an entrepreneur in need.
Speak up when you see or hear of an entrepreneur being treated unfairly.
If you are able, invest in a local startup that could bring 100s of jobs to the area.
Simply thank an entrepreneur for what they do.
Let's work together to ensure that 2021 is remembered as the year we gathered to support our local entrepreneurs and paved the pathway to success, not only for our companies, but for our entire community.
-Jamie Sundsbak, Interim Executive Director, Collider
