​​It is well documented that small business creation and the associated job growth will be a key driver of sustained US economic growth in the 21st century. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, young small businesses in the U.S. create 70% of all new domestic jobs.

The Entrepreneurial Landscape

Since the 2008 financial crisis, US small business creation has diminished due to the lack of access to capital and weakened consumer spending. This trend is particularly challenging for women and diverse businesses, who are most likely to hire other minorities and women as employees, and who also produce goods and services for minority and women consumers.

By 2050, the United States will be a majority-minority nation, and without the development of a robust pipeline of minority and women entrepreneurs and businesses, our economy will face a significant shortage of world class talent and innovation for economic growth. 

The Marathon Foundation

The Marathon Foundation (TMF) is a highly inclusive organization that provides advanced skills development and entrepreneurial training in support of underrepresented entrepreneurs seeking private, early stage, growth capital to scale their businesses. 

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Marathon Foundation promotes diverse and women entrepreneurial development, education and business growth vital to our economy's continued global competitiveness. 

Team

The Marathon Foundation team consists of acclaimed professors, current and former investment managers/advisors, and successful entrepreneurs. Our training team has over 30 years of collective experience in delivering expert innovation and entrepreneurship training to thousands of diverse founders, including partnerships with such institutional innovators as NSF, NIH, and Google Tech Exchange, as well as several progressive universities and private incubators. We have also served in numerous strategic capacities assisting early stage companies as compensated advisors, consultants, and board members and have trained the entire spectrum of next up entrepreneurs from emerging student entrepreneurs to experienced corporate professionals seeking transition.

Vernon N. Lee, Jr.,  Board of Directors
​Duane McKnight,  Board of Directors
​​​Dr. Legand Burge,  Entrepreneur/Venture Capital Training & Development Instructor
Dr. Grant Warner,  Entrepreneur/Venture Capital Training & Development Instructor
Amiel Bent,  Entrepreneur/Venture Capital Training & Development

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