OUR MISSION
Seneca Network's mission is to close the resource and funding gap for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs at the Friends and Family Stage through fostering connections between communities of professionals, founders and investors.
We aim to bridge the generational wealth divide experienced in Black and Latinx communities by empowering entrepreneurs from those communities with resources to catalyze change. Our core belief is that when our founders are provided the necessary means and opportunities to learn from both successes and failures, our communities thrive.
The History of Seneca
Seneca Network's origin story is deeply rooted in Seneca Village, the first community of African-American landowners in New York City. Founded in 1825 by freed African Americans, Seneca Village existed until 1856 when the land was seized under eminent domain for the creation of Central Park. In 1855, there were 2,000 African Americans in NYC, 100 of which were eligible to vote, 10 of those residents lived in Seneca Village. During this period, land ownership in Seneca Village provided a gateway to participate in the American democracy.
Seneca Network, like its namesake aims to level the playing field for Black and Latinx founders.
“People of color do not have the assets to take the risk of entrepreneurship, to quit their jobs, and bet on a new idea.”