NBA Star Jrue Holiday and Wife Giving Back
Nationwide — NBA Celtics star Jrue Holiday and two-time Olympic gold medalist Lauren Holiday have opened applications for a Boston-focused cohort. The Boston Creator Incubator + Accelerator, a collaborative program by the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund (JLH Fund) and Jaylen Brown’s recently launched nonprofit, the Boston Xchange (BXC), will equip visionary creators from underrepresented communities with business resources to successfully prototype, produce, and launch their projects.
“In an effort to assist marginalized and underrepresented communities with the funding, mentorship, and resources needed to survive, we saw then and continue to witness the immediate ways small business owners and community change agents need to be supported. Our commitment to doing our part only grows stronger after seeing the life-changing impact the JLH Fund has on people’s lives,” said Jrue Holiday. “With this new collaborative Boston-focused cohort, we are now exploring new ways to double our impact and layer upon the existing resources provided by Boston’s community organizations.”
The Boston Creator Incubator + Accelerator is designed to bolster local for-profit businesses. Each selected Boston-based business will receive up to $100,000 in combined grant capital from BXC and the JLH Fund, work and maker spaces from the BXC, and startup legal services. Thanks to a generous donation from anonymous Boston-based philanthropists to the JLH Fund, for the first time, creators will receive three years of collaborative coaching from the BXC, JLH Fund, and prestigious local institutions to accelerate their ventures in industries such as design, arts, media, entertainment, fashion, and culinary arts.
“I am proud to collaborate with the JLH Fund to make a meaningful impact in Boston and help creators thrive. This collective effort will empower underserved communities, drive sustainable economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for all,” said 2024 NBA Finals MVP, Jaylen Brown. “Together, we can close the wealth gap and transform Boston’s economic landscape, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”
Mayor Michelle Wu expressed her support: “Boston’s local business owners have incredible stories of entrepreneurship, and as a City, we aim to support them in their growth and impact on their communities,” said Mayor Wu. “We are delighted that the JLH Social Impact Fund is making a difference to reshape opportunity and build community. I look forward to partnering with Jrue and Lauren Holiday and our community to drive innovation and impact across our neighborhoods.”
The JLH Fund is also working with Boston community resource partners, including Roxbury Community College, MIT’s Martin Trust Center, and Harvard Business School.
Applications for the Boston Creator Accelerator are open now until Monday, August 15th, 2024. Entrepreneurs with for-profit businesses based in Greater Boston that contribute to underserved communities are invited to apply here: https://bxchange.org/apply
Please email media inquiries to Renee King at info@jlhfund.org and Urina Harrell at urina@voxpopbranding.com
About the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund
The JLH Fund, founded by Jrue and Lauren Holiday, is dedicated to providing economic empowerment through direct funding and strategic support to underserved communities across the United States. The fund focuses on building equitable opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs to foster community resilience and economic growth. For more information, visit www.jlhfund.org
About the Boston XChange
Founded by Jaylen Brown, The Boston XChange (BXC) is a nonprofit enterprise focused on building generational wealth and fostering cultural innovation in underserved and underrepresented communities. BXC empowers creators and entrepreneurs by providing the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive. By fostering a vibrant ecosystem that integrates business and culture, it will cultivate a more inclusive and sustainable creator economy across the arts, technology, financial services, health & wellness, real estate & infrastructure, sports, media & entertainment, and education. Visit https://bxchange.org and follow us on Instagram @BosXChange, and X, TikTok, and Spill @BostonXChange
