Sunstone Community Fund Impact
In less than a year, the Sunstone Community Fund has made several one-time and multi-year grants that will serve as a catalyst to grow university-based incubator programs, develop new early-stage tech accelerators in partnership with local governments, and support diverse startup founders.
California State University Community Builder Grant
California State University Community Builder Grant
California State University Community Builder Grant
The Sunstone Community Fund granted a $75,000 to the California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. With the funds, the Institute will partner with Sunstone Management to coordinate university-based activities that promote entrepreneurship at California State University (CSU) campuses, help early-stage entrepreneurs access resources that advance their ventures, and increase awareness of such activities among other CSU campus partners and stakeholders.
Summit Economic Development Challenge @ USC Price
California State University Community Builder Grant
California State University Community Builder Grant
The Sunstone Community Fund granted $162,500 to the University of Southern California’s City/County Management Fellowship to fund a five-year competition named the Sunstone Economic Development Challenge @ USC Price (the Challenge). The Challenge aims to empower USC Sol Price School of Public Policy students to collaborate with local government clients to create and implement inclusive strategies to support and grow early-stage technology startups and jobs in their communities. The 2nd Annual Challenge began in September 2023 and will conclude in April 2024 with the USC CMF Summit & Sunstone Challenge Final Pitch.
Long Beach Accelerator Center of Excellence
California State University Community Builder Grant
Long Beach Accelerator Center of Excellence
In 2022, the Sunstone Community Fund granted $100,000 to the Long Beach Accelerator (LBA) to partner on the development of a model for the implementation and operation of a network of nonprofit, community-based technology startup accelerators to assist diverse, early-stage technology entrepreneurs with access to capital, networks, technical assistance, and other resources.
Once the model has been created, Sunstone Management will collaborate with the Long Beach Accelerator and local and county governments to implement it in communities that lack technology accelerator programs to support entrepreneurs and advance economic development.
Testimonial
Kara Hernandez - CSU Fresno Winner of First Place Service Track 1 with Nomad Recruiting
At the 2023 Sunstone CSU Startup Launch Competition at San Jose State
“This whole experience has been amazing...It was so cool seeing all the different products and projects people were working on. I feel like getting all these like-minded entrepreneurial individuals together across California was such an amazing experience. Thank you again for hosting us, challenging me to work harder on a project than I've ever worked on, and for the opportunity to grow and succeed.”
Testimonial
Sunstone Community Fund Boat Fundraiser
Thelma Valenzuela (Pacific Chorale)
"I am happy to support the Sunstone Community Foundation that empowers entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams. It's so rewarding to know that my support can help people realize their goals, build community, and create exciting economic opportunities. I look forward to seeing more success stories unfold and being a part of this dynamic network."
Testimonial
Sunstone Community Fund Boat Fundraiser
Adriano de Bernardi Schneider, Ph.D. (WE Consultants)
“I am happy to provide a testimonial for the Sunstone Community Fund and its vital role in enriching entrepreneurship within our community. Your organization's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, fostering community growth, and driving economic development is truly commendable.
I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the inaugural fundraising boat event and contribute to such a worthy cause. Witnessing the collective effort in raising funds directly benefiting aspiring entrepreneurs and their ventures was inspiring. The impact of these resources on their journey towards success cannot be overstated. Although we had an amazing time at the boat event, enjoying the company of dolphins and celebrating the moment, it is crucial to emphasize the core purpose that brought us together and highlight its significance.
The Sunstone Community Fund plays a pivotal role in creating an ecosystem that nurtures and empowers entrepreneurs. By providing financial support, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities, your organization helps create an environment where aspiring entrepreneurs can thrive. This nurturing environment encourages innovation, fosters creativity, and drives economic growth within our community.
It is through community funds like the Sunstone Community Fund that aspiring entrepreneurs are given the chance to turn their ideas into reality. The financial support and resources provided not only alleviate the burden of initial capital investment but also equip entrepreneurs with the tools they need to build sustainable businesses. This, in turn, leads to job creation, economic prosperity, and an overall improvement in the quality of life for individuals within our community.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the entire Sunstone Community Fund team for their dedication and hard work. Your efforts are making a tangible difference in the lives of entrepreneurs and the overall prosperity of our community. It is an honor to be associated with such a meaningful cause.
Thank you once again for allowing me to provide a testimonial. I am proud to support the Sunstone Community Fund and its mission to enrich entrepreneurship within our community.”
Testimonial
Wade Martin, PhD, Professor & Director, CSULB Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
“The Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at CSULB is proud of our long-term relationship with the Sunstone team. One of the unique qualities at Sunstone is the depth of understanding that universities are a critical partner in supporting local economic development. They understand that just preparing a well-educated workforce is not sufficient to generate quality economic growth from the bottom up. Many cities will provide incentives to companies that locate there, but few private sector companies understand that providing support for entrepreneurs and small businesses will lead to a more sustainable economy in the long term. The programs that have evolved from our public-private-university partnership have made a real difference in people’s lives.”