IVY START
Small capital, real businesses, stronger communities — helping people who have the drive to work but lack the means to start.
ivy start
The Need
Many people have the drive and ability to work but lack the small amount of capital, equipment, or inventory needed to start a business. Without it, they stay dependent on relief that only covers today, with no path to tomorrow.
Our Response
IVY START provides small seed investments — often as little as $60 — plus hands-on guidance to help people launch practical, income-producing businesses: shops, tailoring, food stalls, repair work, and more. One shop launched with about $60 has stayed open and grown for over two years. The goal is not a one-time handout — it is a launchpad: need becomes seed capital, seed capital becomes a business, a business becomes income, income becomes independence, and independence helps launch the next person.
Who Benefits
Young adults, women, artisans, and other underserved entrepreneurs with the drive to work but not yet the capital to begin.
From Need to Independence
- 1
Need
A real, specific need is identified in the community.
- 2
Seed
A small amount of capital, equipment, or inventory gets things started.
- 3
Build
The recipient builds a practical, income-producing business.
- 4
Earn
The business generates real, ongoing household income.
- 5
Repay
Where structured as a loan, repayment funds the next entrepreneur.
- 6
Lift Another
The cycle continues — one person's independence helps start the next.
