On August 1, 2024, NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown launched Boston XChange (BXC), a nonprofit enterprise and long-term commitment founded by Brown to build generational wealth and foster cultural innovation in underserved and underrepresented communities. Roxbury Community College (RCC) was announced as a resource partner for BXC’s Creator Incubator & Accelerator, along with MIT's Martin Trust Center and Harvard Business School.
BXC aims to generate $5 billion in new net wealth for historically marginalized communities through strategic investments and partnerships that provide access to capital, bespoke coaching from professional champions, as well as workspaces and tools for creators.
“True systemic change requires collaboration, shared vision, and collective impact. By working with community partners, thought leaders, and cultural influencers, we can create a powerful network of support and innovation. This collective effort will empower underserved communities, drive sustainable economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for everyone in Boston,” said Jaylen Brown. “The launch of Boston XChange is a key component of this strategy, providing a dynamic hub for these collaborative efforts. Together, we can close the wealth gap and transform Boston’s economic landscape, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”
To gain a deeper understanding of challenges, BXC convened partners, including MIT's Martin Trust Center, RCC and Harvard, as well as other community organizations and advocates working on the frontlines to build a more equitable future. BXC’s fresh, holistic approach and focus on reaching a creative class stems from the enterprise's belief that investing in the creator and culture economy fuels innovation, the arts, infrastructure, and produces a generation of intellectual property that pays dividends for communities while uplifting entire cities.
BXC will drive solutions for better cities, starting with The Boston Creator Incubator & Accelerator. This program, in collaboration with Jrue and Lauren Holiday’s JLH Social Impact Fund, will equip visionary creators from underrepresented communities with business resources to successfully prototype, produce, and launch their projects. Partnering with institutions like MIT’s Martin Trust Center and DesignX, Harvard Business School, and Roxbury Community College, The program offers up to $100,000 in grant funding, work and maker spaces, and business services valued at over $150,000. Creators will also receive three years of coaching to accelerate their ventures in industries such as design, arts, media, entertainment, fashion, and culinary arts.
“Roxbury Community College (RCC) is thrilled to partner with Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday’s Creator Incubator & Accelerator to increase RCC’s support of entrepreneurs in Greater Roxbury,” said Luciano Ramos, Executive Director of the Center for Economic and Social Justice (CESJ). “The CESJ and Business Innovation Center (BIC) at RCC were established to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed for success. This new and exciting partnership positions RCC to reach and assist the best, brightest and most innovative minds in Boston. We look forward to collaborating on work that makes a real and immediate financial impact on our community.”
“I’m excited for Jaylen to launch Boston Xchange. He started his work for many of the same reasons Lauren and I started the JLH Fund. We both want to make a positive social impact in communities that have been historically underserved and underinvested,” said Jrue Holiday. “Social impact is really a team sport. The issues are big and complex, and we all have a role to play. I’m excited for our foundations to collaborate. It’s a winning partnership on the court. Now we get to see what type of impact we can make in the Boston community.”
Applications for The Boston Creator Incubator & Accelerator are open until August 15, 2024. Entrepreneurs with for-profit businesses based in Greater Boston that contribute to underserved communities can apply here: www.bxchange.org/apply.
To keep up with the latest, follow BXC on Instagram, and X, TikTok and Spill @BostonXChange.
In May, The JLH Fund hosted an event at RCC, where Jrue and Lauren Holiday announced
the addition of Boston as a JLH Fund target city.
Founded by Jaylen Brown, Boston XChange (BXC) is a nonprofit enterprise focused on building generational wealth and fostering cultural innovation in underserved and underrepresented communities. BXC empowers creators and entrepreneurs by providing the resources, support and opportunities needed to thrive. By fostering a vibrant ecosystem that integrates business and culture, it will cultivate a more inclusive and sustainable creator economy across the arts, technology, financial services, health & wellness, real estate & infrastructure, sports, media & entertainment, and education. Visit www.bxchange.org and follow us on Instagram, and X, TikTok and Spill @BostonXChange.
Media contact: BXC@berlinrosen.com
The Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund (JLH Fund) was founded in 2020 when Jrue pledged the remainder of his 2020 NBA salary to combat the systemic racism and socioeconomic inequality brought to light after George Floyd's passing.
Through the JLH Fund, underinvested businesses and non-profits are selected to receive financial awards, resources, and education. Since its inception, the JLH Fund has granted awards to over 191 recipients, amounting to over $5.3 million in grant funding.
For questions regarding the JLH Social Impact Fund please contact: info@jlhfund.org.
