As a nonprofit, San Diego Regional EDC is supported by investment from nearly 200 private organizations, companies, and public agencies. With their support, EDC provides direct services to help companies grow and thrive in San Diego, and leads initiatives to enhance the region’s recovery and resilience.
We sat down with Kim Folsom, founder, chairperson, and CEO of Founders First Capital Partners to discuss the company’s mission to provide access to the capital businesses need to unlock their economic potential. Check out the Investor Spotlight below!
Tell us about Founders First Capital Partners and its mission.
Founders First Capital Partners is building a comprehensive ecosystem through its proprietary platform to empower underrepresented founders to become leading, premium-wage job creators within their communities. The firm provides revenue-based financing, term loans, and business acceleration support to service-based small businesses outside of major capital markets.
In addition, Founders First Capital Partners focuses on supporting businesses led by women, people of color, military veterans, LGBTQIA+, businesses located in low-to-moderate income areas, and companies dedicated to inclusive hiring practices.
Why San Diego?
I came to San Diego as a young girl after my dad was stationed here. Growing up here, I loved the city and stayed to attend college at San Diego State University. I knew it was a great place to live and a growing region to do business. For these reasons and more, I decided to build all seven of my companies here.
What’s on the horizon for Founders First?
In the last seven years, we’ve grown from a company of five to more than 35, most of whom are based in San Diego. We see ourselves as a significant driver of the inclusive economy, so it’s no coincidence that we’re staying in the region.
Beyond our full suite of accelerator programs, grants, growth capital, and asynchronous tools, one of our major initiatives is leveraging our expertise and platform to help corporations and their suppliers drive increased capacity and reach. These are very exciting times for us.
Tell us about Founders First’s collaboration and partnership with San Diego Regional EDC.
EDC is a driving force in economic development and aligns with our mission of being a key driver toward an inclusive economy, which makes our focus complementary. We’re focused on not just talking the talk but walking the walk and making a real economic impact driving diverse-led premium wage jobs, profits, and returns for our investors.
Learn more: foundersfirstcapitalpartners.com
Read more about EDC’s investors in our investor spotlight blog series. Or, join Founders First Capital Partners by becoming a member of EDC.