Miami, Florida — Pharrell Williams is advancing efforts to close the equity gap in entrepreneurship through his nonprofit, Black Ambition. On April 14, 2025, the organization announced the launch of the Fundable Founders Learning Lab, a 10-week virtual program aimed at supporting 500 Florida-based entrepreneurs, with an emphasis on underrepresented communities.
The initiative, backed by a $1 million donation from an anonymous donor, is part of a two-year strategy to counter declining resources for small business owners by offering access to capital, mentorship, expert training, and networking opportunities.
- Advertisement -
“Entrepreneurs are facing unprecedented challenges—from shrinking access to capital to dwindling community resources,” said Black Ambition CEO Felecia Hatcher. “This $1 million donation is more than just funding—it’s fuel for a new generation of fundable founders building bold, innovative solutions right here in Florida.”
Florida is home to more than 1.38 million minority-owned businesses, the news release noted. Since its founding in 2020, Black Ambition has awarded nearly $13 million in capital to 131 entrepreneurs, supported over 1,000 founders, helped raise over $280 million in follow-on capital, and generated $265 million in revenue, according to AFROTECH™.
In partnership with Codner & Co. and ACT House, the program will also feature the So Ambitious Dinner in Miami, connecting top participants with investors and strategic partners. Applications for the Fundable Founders Learning Lab are open until April 30.
Additionally, Black Ambition has launched its fifth Black Ambition Prize Competition, which will award early-stage entrepreneurs across industries including technology, healthcare, media, and artificial intelligence. The competition will culminate with a Demo Day in November 2025.
Reflecting on Black Ambition’s growth, Williams said, “Five years ago, Black Ambition was an idea. Today, it’s a force. A catalyst for change. A platform where underrepresented entrepreneurs don’t just get a seat at the table—they build new tables… But this is just the beginning. Let’s keep building, keep breaking barriers, and keep rewriting the rules. I can’t wait to see what we do in the next five years.”
