Over the last 13 years, Fund 17 has grown from just a mission to help local entrepreneurs with capital access disparities to a holistic approach to economic justice with community informed programming. In 2022, Fund 17 re-branded and expanded its offerings from solely capital access to: one-on-one advising, technical assistance, cohort based programming, and a radically affordable incubator/meeting space, located in Parish Hall.
Today's work ensures that we prioritize local entrepreneurs, with a culturally specific lens, to preserve the culture of New Orleans, and propel side hustlers, kitchen beauticians, supper plate pushers, and the like in profitable formalized businesses.
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#WHATWARDYOUFROM
WE SUPPORT ALL 17!
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ABOUT US
Letter From Executive Director
A Message from the Executive Director,
Dear Fund 17 Community,
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It is with deep gratitude that I write to express our appreciation for the opportunity to lead our organization in developing holistic wraparound entrepreneurial support programs that provide comprehensive entrepreneurial support. These initiatives are designed to resonate with the unique needs of our community, particularly in fostering black and brown wealth-building structures. Our work aims to sustain the legacy of excellence that has long defined New Orleans. This city, rich in culture and history, provides a fertile ground for economic development, and we are committed to nurturing its potential.
Working in the realms of economic justice and racial equity, particularly here in New Orleans, is a profound privilege. I am filled with gratitude for being able to serve a community that has shaped me and my family, and I am committed to fostering an environment where we can all thrive together. Our entrepreneurial peers are not just participants in our programs but integral partners in a shared vision of prosperity and justice. Together, we can build a brighter, more equitable future for New Orleans and beyond.
With warm regards and steadfast commitment,
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Veranisha Thompson Pohlman
Executive Director, Fund 17
OUR TEAM
Veranisha Thompson Pohlman
(she/they)
Executive Director
Makin' mama proud is the motive!
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Human centered approaches galore: New Orleanian first, economic justice & enjoying the journey second. As a long time history enthusiast and racial disparities activist, Veranisha brings her mental agility and wit to community service projects, intersectional ally work, and equity in business and wealth economies for marginalized communities. McDonogh 35 taught, New Orleans Black Elders raised, Tambourine and Fan chiseled, Albert Wicker nurtured, and fostered by the many who guided her; her tribe: for who she gives back to.​
Keion Hennessey (she/her)
Program Director
At 13, a counselor at UNO's Enrichment Summer Camp once said, "Your name is Keion, like neon, cuz you shine bright", and it stuck ever since. Raised in the city and Shrewsbury, by oldheads and hot girls from the '99 and the 2000s, she is as versatile as they come. As a local that wears many hats, she's a mama, an artist, activist, entrepreneur, and Program Director. Keion graduated from Loyola University New Orleans, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Having worked in non-profits since 2016, Keion brings audacity, critical thinking and an open minded approach to the table.
Business Case Managers
Deneka Desroches
Owner, Divine Realty Consultants
Real Estate/Finance BCM
Latasha R. Glass
Owner, Phoenix Prodigy Enterprise Firm
Entrepreneur
Finance & Business Formalization BCM
Marica Lowe
Owner, The Purple Kitty NY/Entrepreneur
Finance BCM and Wellness Practitioner
Ivy Robinson
Strategic Development
Entrepreneur
Business Formalization & Marketing BCM
BOARD MEMBERS
Tamara Prosper
Board Chair
Co-operation New Orleans
Justin Williams
Vice Chair
Helping Hand Accounting Services, Owner
Fund 17 Alum
Kyle Homan
Treasurer
City of New Orleans
Ashley Garcia
President Emeritus
BGPM
Sanaa Msemaji
Secretary
Creative Response Network
Daniela Capistrano
DCAP Media, Owner
Fund 17 Alum
Nicole Strugill
Gartner
Kathryn "Kat" Lafrentz
The PRO Bono Project
Jonathan Turner
Liberty Bank