ECMC Group Launches the Bold Path Fellowship to Provide Entrepreneurial Onramps for Under-Resourced Twin Cities’ Residents

MINNEAPOLIS—The path to becoming an entrepreneur requires time and capital—two assets difficult to come by for under-resourced individuals. Minneapolis-based ECMC Group and its affiliates today launched the Bold Path Fellowship to provide recent graduates in the Twin Cities with the resources they need to achieve their career goals.

The Bold Path Fellowship, which is also available in Birmingham, Alabama, and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, is funded by the ECMC Group Education Impact Fund and ECMC Foundation.

“Entrepreneurship is a growing postsecondary pathway for recent graduates that can lead to career and financial success; however, segments of our population are unable to explore that opportunity due to a lack of access to the resources that they need to support early-stage business development,” said Joe Watt, managing director for the Education Impact Fund. “Given ECMC Group’s vision to empower underserved communities to thrive through education, we are expanding the Bold Path Fellowship in the Twin Cities metro area to help break those barriers while also focusing on up-and-coming entrepreneurial ecosystems.”

Bold Path Fellows receive $120,000 in non-dilutive grant funding over two years. These funds are intended to serve as early “family and friends” funding, which is often unavailable for low-income founders and is critical to get their businesses off the ground. Bold Path Fellows will also have access to mentors from the local community to receive guidance and advice as they navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

“This program not only champions the potential of the entrepreneurs but also gives back to the community to foster economic growth in the surrounding area,” said Jessica Haselton, managing director at ECMC Foundation. “While there are existing national programs that support founders, we believe there is power in a local approach.”

To anchor its place-based program strategy, local nonprofit ConnectUP! Institute, focused on economic development and entrepreneurship, is serving as a key strategic partner—helping to connect local postsecondary institutions, supporting organizations and community members.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to team up with the Bold Path Fellowship to give a real boost to founders with big ideas but limited resources,” said Y. Elaine Rasmussen, CEO of ConnectUP! Institute. “Let’s be honest, time and money are tough for everyone. But it’s even harder for ‘underestimated’ founders—the ones juggling jobs while chasing their dreams. Our program will teach founders all the crucial fundamentals of finance, marketing and operations. When they leave our accelerators, they won’t just have a super solid business foundation, but also the confidence and know-how to really hit the ground running and keep growing.”

To be considered, individuals must have completed a degree or credential (four-year college, community college or vocational program) within the last five years. Spring 2026 graduates are also eligible. Applicants must be residents of the greater Twin Cities area and launch their venture in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

To learn more, visit www.boldpathfellowship.org.

Program Timeline
Applications open: October 22–December 5, 2025
Fellow selection: Early spring 2026
Community event: Early spring 2026
Program start: Early summer 2026

About ECMC Group
ECMC Group is a nonprofit corporation focused on helping students succeed by creating, providing and investing in innovative educational opportunities. Headquartered in Minneapolis, ECMC Group and its family of companies provide financial tools and services, as well as funding for innovative programs to help students achieve their academic and professional goals. To learn more, visit www.ecmcgroup.org.

Education Impact Fund
The Education Impact Fund is a $250 million fund that aims to accelerate the transformation of America’s postsecondary and workforce ecosystem by investing in innovative companies and collaborating with institutions, employers and communities toward a shared vision of improving education access and outcomes for underserved learners. To learn more, visit www.educationimpactfund.org.

About ECMC Foundation
ECMC Foundation is a national foundation whose North Star goal is to eliminate gaps in postsecondary completion by 2040. The Foundation’s mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. ECMC Foundation makes strategic grants and program-related investments to support both nonprofit and for-profit ventures, guided by a strategic framework that aims to advance systemic change by removing barriers to postsecondary completion; building the capacity of organizations, institutions and systems; and transforming the postsecondary ecosystem. Learn more about ECMC Foundation by visiting www.ecmcfoundation.org.