STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Lupe Fiasco Creates Nonprofit to Help Inner-City Businesses

The Neighborhood Fund will provide funding and mentoring to local startups.

Lupe Fiasco wants businesses in underserved communities to succeed. The rapper has teamed up with tech business leader Di-Ann Eisnor to create the Neighborhood Start Fund, a nonprofit organization that will provide monetary aid to projects in low-income areas. In addition to funding, entrepreneurs will have access to mentorship opportunities and networking events.

| SEE PHOTOS: FINANCE TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW |

Those struggling to launch their businesses can compete for funding by sharing their startup goals on stage to a panel of judges. The live pitch competitions will take place around the country, with winners receiving $5,000. The first "Idea" competition will take place November 13, 2015, in Brownsville, Brooklyn, in New York City.

And because it’s important to keep investing in your community, proceeds from the funded startups will be used to fund other businesses. So it’s a project that will keep on giving.

To learn more about the program and submit an idea for selection into the Brownsville live pitch, visit start.fund.

BET.com always gives you the latest fashion and beauty trends, tips and news. We are committed to bringing you the best of Black lifestyle and celebrity culture.

(Photo: Douglas Gorenstein/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.