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By Riley Kaminer
Today, Tech Fair Miami announced Imran Siddiqui will be the organization’s founding executive director, leaving with Broward College’s Entrepreneurship Experience (BCEx) to support more than 100 commonly overlooked local entrepreneurs. Tech Equity Miami’s goal is to break down barriers to entry for people of color in the tech industry.
In an interview with Renovate Miami, Siddiqui shared his vision for Tech Equity Miami to become a powerhouse for projects in our region’s tech ecosystem. “Our goal is to find, connect and support the most impactful initiatives that impact our four priority areas: digital access, the K-12 pipeline, technology skills pathways and small business digital transformation.”
“Our immediate goal is to build a regional network of funders, projects and supporters committed to advancing technology equity in our four priority areas,” Siddiqui continued. “Our long-term goal is to use TechEquity Miami as a scalable model to launch a $1 billion philanthropic fund while simultaneously addressing our most pressing skills and education gaps.”
The Tech Equity Miami initiative was launched last year by a $100 million funding consortium that includes JPMorgan Chase, Knight Foundation, Miami Foundation and Airy Ventures.
Last week, JPMorgan Chase revealed how it is deploying the first $2 million of its $10 million commitment to increase racial equity at #MiamiTech in Tech Equity Miami. The banking behemoth begins by cutting $500,000 checks to four local organizations.
- BrainStation, A coding bootcamp for underrepresented minorities with 50 full-ride scholarships for their software engineering and UX design programs.
- CodePath, Provides access to software engineering courses, career services and computer science students at no cost.
- Re-brand citiesAn international civic design partnership that aims to equip diverse Miami founders with the digital tools necessary to build 21st century businesses.
- YWCA of South FloridaMiami has partnered with Gen8tor to provide workforce training and employment opportunities to ensure the growing tech ecosystem is equitable and inclusive.
“The strong growth of the technology industry in Miami represents a powerful opportunity for the local economy,” said Doug Pettno, CEO of JPMorgan Chase Business Banking. “Our investments are aimed at helping more people and businesses gain the skills, insight, network and support they need to succeed in this fast-growing market.”
This initiative aligns with JPMorgan Chase’s broader commitment to giving to historically underserved groups, including a $30 billion racial equity commitment.
“As the tech industry in Miami continues to grow, we are focused on breaking down barriers to bring in previously untapped talent and support a competitive and diverse local sector,” commented Demetrios Marantis, global head of corporate responsibility at JPMorgan Chase. We are proud to recognize these early investments that will enable more Miamians to participate in the tech revolution and, in turn, advance an inclusive economy.
Leigh-Anne Buchanan, president of Eyre Ventures, emphasized the significant and immediate impact these funds will have on our local community. “Thanks to this investment from JPMorgan Chase, hundreds of Miamians will find high-paying careers in demand and technology,” she said.
“In addition, dozens of small businesses with diverse ownership will have access to the resources and tools they need to make their businesses successful,” Buchanan continued. “It’s that simple.”
Read more at Renew Miami:
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