NEW YORK, October 19, 2023 – Trident, a buyout private equity firm with a value investor discipline and technology-driven approach, is doubling down on its investment in American small businesses, the lifeblood of U.S. economic growth.
Trident launched the Trident American Dreams Fellowship this year as a philanthropic effort to advance wealth creation for minority professionals and independent sponsors and operating partners (or ISOPs).
The fellowship program awarded five $50,000 grants to entrepreneurs to accelerate their upskilling and small business acquisition efforts, said Eric Taylor, founder, CEO and CIO of Trident.
“The lack of diversity in the financial services sector has long plagued the industry,” Taylor said.
Trident invests in American small businesses in the consumer, industrial and healthcare space, with revenues ranging from $10 million to $100 million, and EBITDA of $2 million to $20 million.
“These businesses are the employers of communities in the heartland of this country,” Taylor said. “Unfortunately, less than 1% of all private equity assets under management focus on small business buyout.”
Thirteen participants in the American Dreams program were put through a rigorous four-month educational curriculum to enhance their knowledge of private equity and small business acquisitions. They were provided with access to Trident’s network of partners to accelerate their growth within the industry.
Overall, the program’s objectives include helping participants further develop their experience and practical expertise to be successfully rated as an investable ISOP in the private equity and small business acquisition landscape as well as helping them develop relevant networks. Participants connect with other entrepreneurs and specialists, such as accountants and legal professionals, to assist in producing high-caliber deal packages to pitch to potential investors. The program also helps participants secure productive assets that may contribute to becoming an ISOP or advance small business acquisitions.
Trident is in the development phase of creating a multiyear alumni support program for the fellowship, which will be announced at the end of year, Taylor said.
The fellowship is supported by JPMorgan Chase, the educational curriculum was administered by ViableEdu and the fiscal agent was ImpactAssets.
