Two Black Women, One Big Idea, and Their Challenge to Access Capital | Episode 103

Since 2007 the number of firms owned by African American women has increased by 164%, however, the access to capital for women of color is challenging with only a small fraction of the 2% of Venture Capital funds going to black and brown business owners. In this episode, I interview Parker McMullen Bushman and Crystal Egli, co-founders of Inclusive Journeys, to talk about their experience as entrepreneurial women of color, their idea for a modern, digital green book, and the challenges they have faced funding their firm due to racial and gender bias. After listening to this episode, you will be inspired and realize that nothing is going to stop these two from changing the world.    Did you know that one in three 65-year-olds live into their 90’s, but few can afford it? AgeUp provides supplemental income to help fill in the financial gaps that come with a long life. To find out more, visit Age-Up.com. Show Notes:  Inclusive Journeys: https://www.inclusivejourneys.com/ Fat Tire Blog: https://www.inclusivejourneys.com/large-donors.html Inclusive Journeys Crowdfunding: https://www.gofundme.com/f/digital-green-book-website Today we are going to talk about their big idea and their experience as women entrepreneurs in pursuit of funding. Bios: Crystal Egli and Parker McMullen Bushman are the Co-founders of Inclusive Journeys, a company that is creating a modern, digital version of The Green Book. This web-based platform will be a resource for people of marginalized communities to identify safe and welcoming businesses and spaces. Parker’s background in the conservation, environmental education and outdoor recreation fields spans over 23+ years. Parker has a passion for equity and inclusion in the outdoors. Her interest in justice, accessibility, and equity issues developed from her personal experiences facing the unequal representation of people of color in environmental organizations and green spaces. Parker tackles these complex issues by addressing them through head on activism and education. Having grown up in rural Vermont, Crystal Egli has always been an avid outdoor recreator. She grew up hiking, biking, camping, boating, and both water & snow skiing. A few years ago, coworkers convinced Crystal to take up hunting. Not only is she now an enthusiastic hunter-- Crystal has also become a Hunter Education instructor, as well as a mentor to a novice young woman. In 2019, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) awarded Crystal the Stephen Kellert award for “outstanding service in advancing connections between humans and the natural world to all peoples in a diverse and inclusive manner.” Crystal is using her platform and voice to continue to help carve out more inclusive spaces in conservation work and outdoor recreation. Be sure to sign up for the Breaking Money Silence® podcast and not miss an episode!