Invest Fest returns with unprecedented energy this year, introducing the inaugural Nipsey Hussle Business Grant: $100,000 Invest Fest Pitch Competition. This event, in partnership with Microsoft and The Marathon, celebrates and supports remarkable entrepreneurs who demonstrate unwavering purpose and commitment to excellence. The top four finalists will compete for the grand prize on the main stage of Invest Fest 2024, showcasing their innovative ideas and business acumen, TheSource reports.
The Legacy of Nipsey Hussle and the Neighborhood Nip Foundation
The Neighborhood Nip Foundation, established in 2019, aims to extend Nipsey Hussle's legacy by inspiring the community through initiatives benefiting underprivileged youth. Recently, the foundation partnered with the LA Marathon, with over 65 participants completing the 26.2-mile race. Funds raised from this event contribute to the redevelopment of the Nipsey Hussle Plaza, the new headquarters of The Neighborhood Nip Foundation. Located at 3420 W. Slauson Ave., this site is the original location of The Marathon Store in Los Angeles, CA.
Following Hussle’s passion for youth empowerment, the renovated plaza will serve as a community center for students from elementary to high school levels. Staff members of the foundation, along with community volunteers, will offer a range of programs, from academic studies to music and studio-specific access. The plaza will also feature exclusive access to The Marathon Store, free haircuts at Steve’s Barbershop, named after Hussle’s childhood friend and business partner, Stephen “Fatts” Donaldson. The foundation plans to open its doors in 2024, continuing Hussle’s mission to support and inspire the next generation.
Supporting Entrepreneurs and Honoring a Musical Legacy
The $100,000 Invest Fest Pitch Competition aims to fuel the ambitions of one outstanding entrepreneur, providing a significant boost to their business. Applications for this grant will be reviewed after the posted deadline, with successful applicants notified via email by August 16, 2024. This initiative underscores the importance of supporting entrepreneurial talent, aligning with Hussle’s vision of community empowerment and economic development.
In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Nipsey Hussle’s impact on music and culture remains profound. Five years ago, Hussle released “Victory Lap,” his only full-length album. This album marked the pinnacle of a career that began in the mid-2000s with the release of mixtapes on his own record label. Although these early works garnered respect from artists like Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar, they did not reach a wide audience.
“Victory Lap” brought Nipsey Hussle the critical acclaim and commercial success he deserved. The album hit #2 on the Billboard 200 and received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. Tragically, just over a year after its release, Hussle was shot to death outside his clothing store and community center in Crenshaw. Despite his untimely end, Hussle’s legacy as a musician and community activist continues to inspire.
The partnership between Microsoft, The Marathon, and Invest Fest not only honors Nipsey Hussle’s legacy but also ensures that his vision of community support and empowerment lives on. By providing substantial financial support to promising entrepreneurs, this grant helps to cultivate a new generation of innovators who will drive positive change in their communities.
Long Live Nip
As Invest Fest 2024 approaches, the excitement builds around the Nipsey Hussle Business Grant: $100,000 Invest Fest Pitch Competition. This event highlights the ongoing impact of Hussle’s work and the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial talent. Through strategic partnerships and a shared commitment to excellence, Invest Fest continues to foster an environment where dreams can flourish and communities can thrive.
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