May Day! May Day! VMF is Changing the Game for Workers and Entrepreneurs.

May Day is an annual holiday that celebrates the achievements and contributions of workers in particular, and the labor movement in general. It has its origins in the late 19th century, when labor movements in the United States and Europe began to press for better working conditions, shorter hours, and higher wages. The struggle for workers' rights and the fight against oppression and exploitation continue to this day, and May Day is still celebrated as a day of solidarity and activism for workers around the world.

At Village Micro Fund, we believe that creating alternative financial systems for Black people in Atlanta, and eventually around the world, is a critical part of the fight for workers' rights and economic justice. Our focus on systems, creative innovation, and leveraging the power of community gives us more self-determination, creative control of our assets, and overall better working conditions for ourselves and those we may employ.  

One of the ways we are empowering workers is by strengthening the skillsets and capacity for Black founders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners in Atlanta is through our Flourish Fellowship program. This 12-week program is designed to help entrepreneurs overcome some of the key challenges they face in growing their businesses, such as limited access to capital, lack of technical skills, and difficulty finding and retaining qualified employees. By providing a range of support services, including mentorship, coaching, and access to capital, we help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that create jobs and wealth in their communities and inspire others to create work environments that are culturally aware and responsive to individual needs.  

At the heart of our vision is the belief that by working together and leveraging our collective resources and expertise, we can create a more equitable and just society for all. Our focus on cultural competency, restoring the dignity of work, and creating avenues to enjoy the fruits of our labor is rooted in the long history of the labor movement and the struggle for workers' rights, especially for African Americans and immigrants to America from the Diaspora.

As we continue to build and grow Village Micro Fund, we remain committed to the principles of solidarity, community, and innovation that have defined May Day and the labor movement for more than a century. Together, we can create a better future for ourselves, our communities, and our country by protecting workers rights and the autonomy of the business owner.