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Capital For Change

Capital For Change

By: Phil Tower
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Do you know what it takes to turn a creative business idea into a business success story that enhances our state economy?

Birgit Klohs and Skot Welch, two of Michigan’s premier business development leaders, do – and they’re ready to share the ins and outs of the start-up business ecosystem with you.

Find out what they know and hear from start-up CEOs who have seized the opportunity to turn their dreams into business reality in the new podcast series, “Capital for Change.”

You’ll learn how the New Community Transformation Fund is connecting innovative entrepreneurs with investors and spurring new business opportunities among historically underserved populations.

Join Birgit, Skot, and host Phil Tower for “Capital for Change,” debuting May 19, 2026, on the iHeartRadio app and wherever you listen to podcasts.New Community Transformation Fund Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership Personal Finance
Episodes
  • From Shanghai to 1,100 Stores: The Hummus Goodness Success Story with Hannah Awada

    From Shanghai to 1,100 Stores: The Hummus Goodness Success Story with Hannah Awada
    30 Jun 2026
    From a Kitchen Window to Over 1,100 Stores: Hannah Awada's Journey of Purpose-Driven Growth.

    How do you grow a successful business without losing sight of what made it special?

    In the sixth and final episode of Capital for Change, host Phil Tower welcomes Hannah Awada, founder and CEO of Hummus Goodness, to share the inspiring story behind one of Michigan's fastest-growing specialty food brands.

    Hannah's story is both inspiring and impressive.

    What began with homemade hummus sold from Hannah's kitchen window in Shanghai has grown into a company whose products are now available in more than 1,100 retail locations. Throughout that journey, she's remained committed to creating clean-label, small-batch products while building a business grounded in authenticity, quality, and community.

    Hannah shares her story with us, including the challenges of launching and scaling a business, the importance of staying true to her values, and how investment from the New Community Transformation Fund helped position Hummus Goodness for its next stage of growth.

    She also reflects on leadership, entrepreneurship, and finding investment partners who share her long-term vision.

    As the inaugural season of Capital for Change comes to a close, Hannah's story is a fitting reminder that bold ideas, authentic leadership, and mission-driven investment can create lasting impact for businesses and communities alike.

    Learn more about the New Community Transformation Fund
    This is hummus the way it’s meant to be. Hummus Goodness

    Looking for insight on startups, entrepreneurship, venture capital, and economic development in Michigan?

    “Capital for Change” features business leaders Birgit Klohs and Skot Welch, joined by host Phil Tower, exploring how innovative ideas become successful companies.

    Listen on the iHeartRadio app and wherever you listen to podcasts.


    And if you enjoyed this podcast series, please share it with a friend!
    Show more Show less
    31 min
  • The Power of Purpose-Driven Investing with NCTF Managing Director Abid Ali

    The Power of Purpose-Driven Investing with NCTF Managing Director Abid Ali
    16 Jun 2026
    What does it take to identify businesses that can generate both financial returns and meaningful community impact?

    In Episode 5 of Capital for Change, host Phil Tower is joined by New Community Transformation Fund co-founders Birgit Klohs and Skot Welch for a conversation with Abid Ali, Managing Director of the New Community Transformation Fund.

    Together, they explore how strategic investments can create new pathways for entrepreneurship, economic growth, and opportunity across Michigan.

    Abid shares his delightful and surprising pathway and personal journey to the New Community Transformation Fund and offers an inside look at how the organization evaluates investment opportunities through both a business and community-impact lens.
    Abid is also a principal with Michigan Capital Network

    Their discussion highlights the fund’s recent portfolio expansion, including four new investments that bring its portfolio to ten companies led by innovative entrepreneurs committed to growth and transformation.

    Adid also shares some of the companies helping drive that impact, including Grand Rapids-based Holo Footwear, a fast-growing Latino-owned athletic footwear company that has gained national attention through partnerships with professional athletes and placement in major retail outlets.

    Abid explains what made Holo an attractive investment and why supporting founders with bold visions can create ripple effects throughout local and regional economies.

    The conversation also explores the broader portfolio of businesses supported by the fund, including companies operating in technology, workforce development, consumer products, healthcare, and financial innovation. Abid discusses how these investments align with NCTF’s mission of expanding access to capital and creating long-term opportunities for business leaders of color.

    Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, community leader, or simply interested in the future of economic development in Michigan, this episode offers valuable insights into how mission-driven capital can help build stronger businesses and more vibrant communities.

    Capital for Change is powered by the New Community Transformation Fund, a $25 million venture capital fund investing in companies owned and operated by business leaders of color located in West Michigan or committed to growing their businesses in the region.



















    Looking for insight on startups, entrepreneurship, venture capital, and economic development in Michigan?

    “Capital for Change” features business leaders Birgit Klohs and Skot Welch, joined by host Phil Tower, exploring how innovative ideas become successful companies.

    Listen on the iHeartRadio app and wherever you listen to podcasts.


    And if you enjoyed this podcast series, please share it with a friend!
    Show more Show less
    30 min
  • Music, Tech & Equity: Dre Wallace and the Bold Vision Behind Opnr

    Music, Tech & Equity: Dre Wallace and the Bold Vision Behind Opnr
    2 Jun 2026
    What happens when music, technology, and entrepreneurship collide with a mission to create more equitable opportunities for independent artists?

    In Episode 4 of Capital for Change, host Phil Tower joins New Community Transformation Fund co-founders Birgit Klohs and Skot Welch for an inspiring conversation with Andrea “Dre” Wallace, co-founder and CEO of Opnr — an innovative platform helping independent artists connect with venues and promoters through smarter booking tools and audience-driven data.

    Dre shares how her dual background as a touring musician, DJ, and technologist helped shape the vision for Opnr — and why she believes independent artists deserve better access, visibility, and opportunity within the live music ecosystem.

    The conversation explores how Opnr is using technology to solve real-world challenges for venues, promoters, and performers alike while building a more inclusive future for the music industry.
    We also discuss Dre’s connection with New Community Transformation Fund and what it means to partner with an organization focused on investing in founders of color and expanding economic opportunity in West Michigan and beyond.

    Dre shares about the importance of mission-aligned capital, the realities of entrepreneurship, and her long-term vision for creating meaningful impact through innovation.

    Plus, Dre offers candid advice for aspiring entrepreneurs — especially future founders from underrepresented backgrounds — who are working to turn bold ideas into sustainable businesses.

    Capital for Change is powered by the New Community Transformation Fund, a venture capital fund investing in companies led by business leaders of color with ties to West Michigan.



































    Looking for insight on startups, entrepreneurship, venture capital, and economic development in Michigan?

    “Capital for Change” features business leaders Birgit Klohs and Skot Welch, joined by host Phil Tower, exploring how innovative ideas become successful companies.

    Listen on the iHeartRadio app and wherever you listen to podcasts.


    And if you enjoyed this podcast series, please share it with a friend!
    Show more Show less
    32 min
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