Tory Burch Foundation

Designer Tory Burch launched the Tory Burch Foundation in 2009. The Tory Burch Foundation supports the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs and their families in the U.S. through access to affordable loans, entrepreneurial education, networking programs and mentoring support. In partnership with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) across the U.S., the Tory Burch Foundation helps to provide micro-loans, ranging from $500 to $50,000, to women small business owners in need. Currently, over 200 loans have been administered to women entrepreneurs through our efforts. Most recently, the Tory Burch Foundation and Bank of America launched Elizabeth Street Capital, an initiative to provide early-stage women entrepreneurs in the United States with access to affordable loans, networking opportunities and mentoring support to encourage an enhance economic growth and development. Bank of America provided an initial $10 million in affordable loans to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in Boston, Charlotte, Las Vegas, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dallas and New Jersey, and will expand to additional markets over the next two years. Bank of America and the Tory Burch Foundation invested $2 million in operating grants, which will support CDFIs. In 2012, TBF launched its entrepreneurial education program in partnership with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Babson College, LaGuardia Community College and Long Beach Community College to provide a business and entrepreneurial education program for women in New York City and Los Angeles. The selected participants receive academic instruction and weekly one-on-one business advising from professionals to help develop a strategic and tailored plan for business growth.