News

On the heels of a combined $1 million gift to Wichita State University’s Shock the World campaign in February of this year, Fidelity Bank announced an additional $1 million in community investment, with gifts aimed at accelerating entrepreneurial activity and community betterment.

Half of the additional investment has gone to establish a $500,000 Bravely Onward Fund at the Wichita Community Foundation, which provides grant funding to non-profits with programs serving current or aspiring entrepreneurs. The first Bravely Onward Fund contribution is a $25,000 grant for the Create Campaign’s newly formed Create Capital Fund, and includes the opportunity for an additional $100,000 in matching funds.

“Reclaiming Wichita’s entrepreneurial heritage is important to ensuring long-term prosperity, not just in the business sector, but for all Wichitans,” said Aaron Bastian, president of Fidelity Bank. “The journey from idea to successful business is full of challenges and our intent is to invest in resources for entrepreneurs with the courage to chart their own course.”

The Create Capital Fund was established to foster a more equitable funding landscape by offering qualified minority-owned businesses $2,500 to $25,000 loans to fund purchases of equipment, inventory and supplies. This type of financing helps business owners from socially-disadvantaged groups build financially stable enterprises which support themselves, their employees and the overall community.

“The Bravely Onward Fund’s bold alliance with the Create Campaign paves the way for innovative solutions to systemic challenges facing minority entrepreneurs,” said Christina Long, president and CEO of Create Campaign, Inc. “Together, we will empower people in our community who are ripe for resources to solidify their entrepreneurial development.”

Fidelity Bank has also provided an additional $500,000 in funding to the Fidelity Bank Foundation to dramatically increase the funds available to support arts, education, human services and community betterment non-profit organizations. Originally founded in 1961 as the Bastian Foundation, the Fidelity Bank Foundation has a long history of community support in the Wichita community.

“There is so much good in our community—organizations and initiatives creating hope for those in need and lifting our community spirit,” said Clay Bastian, president of the Fidelity Bank Foundation. “Our desire is to always do more, and that is what we will do. We hope that inspires others.”

Get more information about the Create Capital Fund.

Apply for grant funding from the Fidelity Bank Foundation or Bravely Onward Fund.