6495 Foundation
Email – [email protected]
IG – @6495foundation
Program Overview
The 6495 Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering minority entrepreneurs and preserving cultural heritage through education, resource support, and community engagement. By celebrating the rich history, cuisine, music, and storytelling of the I-64 and I-95 corridors, the foundation fosters an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that uplifts minority-owned businesses, promotes tourism, and strengthens community ties.
Our two core programs, General Assembly on Broad and the Student Engagement Experience (S.E.E.), serve as pillars of economic empowerment and educational advancement, creating opportunities for minority business owners and students in Richmond.
General Assembly on Broad
Located at 300 E. Broad St. in Richmond, VA, General Assembly on Broad is a minority-focused coworking space designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and economic equity. The space provides critical resources, infrastructure, and business services to help minority entrepreneurs grow and sustain their ventures.
- Five dedicated office spaces for minority business owners
- Drop-in day passes for flexible workspace access
- Business services including WiFi, printing, copying, mail service, ATM, and fractional administrative support
- Podcast studio for content creation and brand development
- Conference space for workshops, meetings, and networking events
- Support Minority Entrepreneurs – Provide a professional, collaborative space for business growth.
- Enhance Resource Accessibility – Reduce operational barriers through essential business services.
- Facilitate Collaboration – Foster networking, mentorship, and idea exchange within the minority business community.
- Provide Educational Opportunities – Offer workshops and training to empower minority entrepreneurs.
- Advance Racial Equity – Address systemic disparities by creating pathways for economic success.
By addressing the challenges of limited access to capital, professional networks, and infrastructure, General Assembly on Broad provides an affordable and supportive environment where minority business owners can connect, innovate, and thrive.
Student Engagement Experience (S.E.E.)
The Student Engagement Experience (S.E.E.) program empowers Richmond Public School students by providing access to entrepreneurship, education, and career development opportunities. Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and direct engagement with business leaders, students gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue their aspirations.
S.E.E. is an annual initiative designed to connect students with local entrepreneurs, professionals, and changemakers through mentorship and real-world exposure. By providing career readiness training, business education, and interactive learning experiences, the program inspires students to explore future opportunities and take actionable steps toward success.
- Expose students to diverse career pathways through hands-on learning experiences.
- Connect students with community mentors who provide guidance and support.
- Encourage entrepreneurial thinking by showcasing success stories from local business leaders.
- Foster leadership development and empower students to take ownership of their futures.
By seeing leadership in action, students gain inspiration, build meaningful relationships, and develop the skills necessary to envision and achieve their goals. S.E.E. is a direct investment in the next generation of leaders, strengthening the pipeline of future entrepreneurs and professionals in Richmond.