Beyond Labels: Burch Empowers Entrepreneurs' Success

Fashion icon Tory Burch has built a global lifestyle brand with the core mission of supporting women entrepreneurs. Her foundation, established five years after launching her fashion line, provides critical resources such as grants, mentorship, and networking opportunities. This year, the foundation will support 120 fellows, with a goal to contribute $1 billion to the economy by 2030.

The foundation's fellowship program, initiated in 2015, focuses on early-stage businesses and offers intensive training in financials, pitch design, and investor outreach. Entrepreneurs like Cassie Abel, CEO of Wild Rye, and Pilar Guzmán of Half Moon Empanadas have experienced significant business growth and increased revenue through this support.

Burch herself faced skepticism about combining business with purpose, but she persisted. Her foundation has helped nearly 500 fellows achieve an average annual revenue of over $2 million, significantly higher than the average for women-owned businesses. The program boasts a 91% survival rate after five years, far exceeding the national average.

This initiative underscores Burch's commitment to leveling the playing field in venture capital, where women-led businesses receive minimal funding. She continues to advocate for progress, emphasizing the need to "carry on and get it done" to foster economic impact for women in business.