We believe that every business ecosystem deserves to thrive. Submit your discovery form to learn how we can grow your community.

Advancing Inclusive Economic Growth Through Entrepreneurship

Economic Growth Strategies Foundation (EGS Foundation) strengthens entrepreneurial ecosystems by equipping communities, organizations, and institutions with the strategies, tools, and partnerships needed to create lasting economic opportunity. As the charitable arm of Economic Growth Strategies, EGS Foundation works to improve access to capital, strengthen support systems for entrepreneurs, and expand economic mobility in underserved and rural communities.

By supporting the EGS Foundation, you help strengthen organizations, empower entrepreneurs, and create more equitable access to capital and economic mobility.

Who We Are

Economic Growth Strategies Foundation (EGS Foundation) is dedicated to advancing equitable entrepreneurship and building stronger local economies. We believe thriving communities begin with strong entrepreneurial ecosystems—where small businesses, support organizations, lenders, and institutions work together to create opportunity.

Rather than operating direct entrepreneur programs alone, we focus on strengthening the systems around entrepreneurs so more businesses can start, grow, and succeed.

We partner with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), nonprofit lenders, business support organizations, and community stakeholders to improve access to capital, build organizational capacity, and support sustainable economic development in low- and moderate-income communities.

We strengthen the infrastructure that helps entrepreneurs succeed.

  • Build the capacity of ESOs, CDFIs, and ecosystem partners
  • Improve access to capital and coordinated support systems
  • Support under-resourced and rural communities
  • Design credit enhancement tools that reduce lender risk
  • Create long-term pathways to economic mobility

Our Mission

To advance equitable entrepreneurship by equipping communities, organizations, and institutions with the strategies, tools, and partnerships needed to drive inclusive economic growth.

Our Vision

We envision thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems where small businesses are equipped to succeed and communities experience sustained economic mobility and opportunity.

How We Support Communities & Entrepreneurs

Credit Enhancements

We partner with CDFIs and mission-driven lenders to design and manage risk-mitigation tools, including loan guarantees and credit enhancement programs that expand lending in disinvested communities.

  • Reduce lender risk
  • Increase capital access
  • Support underserved entrepreneurs
  • Strengthen community lending systems

Learn about the Southern Dallas Guarantee Fund →

Borrower Readiness Tools

Small business owners and business support organizations gain access to practical tools and resources that help close the capital access gap in underserved communities.

  • Financial readiness resources
  • Loan preparation guidance
  • Capital access education
  • Entrepreneur support materials

Capital Coaching Program

Our Capital Coaches provide hands-on support tailored to each entrepreneur’s business stage, industry, and funding goals.

  • Lending preparation
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Financial management
  • Business financing strategies

BSO & CDFI Capacity Building

We provide professional development and technical assistance for business support organizations and CDFIs working to prepare entrepreneurs for long-term success.

  • Ecosystem strengthening
  • Skills training
  • Technical assistance
  • Community engagement

Small Business Loan Readiness Train-the-Trainer

This program is designed for technical assistance providers and organizations that advise entrepreneurs seeking business funding.

  • Improved entrepreneur readiness
  • Stronger coaching systems
  • Better lending outcomes
  • Increased community impact

Building Stronger Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

When entrepreneurs have access to strong support systems, affordable capital, and knowledgeable partners, communities grow stronger. EGS Foundation works behind the scenes to improve the infrastructure that helps small businesses thrive and creates pathways toward sustainable economic mobility.

Donate

Your contribution helps expand access to capital readiness training, ecosystem-building initiatives, and community lending support programs.

Partner

Collaborate with us to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and increase economic opportunity in underserved communities.

Engage

Volunteer to support innovative strategies that create equitable access to entrepreneurship and economic advancement.

EGS Foundation

Economic Growth Strategies Foundation is a project of Players Philanthropy Fund, Inc., a Texas nonprofit corporation recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Federal Tax ID: 27-6601178, ppf.org/pp). Contributions to Economic Growth Strategies Foundation qualify as tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.