Georgia State University and the World Business Angel Investment Forum have come together in a collaborative effort to promote global innovation and financial inclusion. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marks a significant milestone in their partnership, reflecting a shared dedication to enhancing entrepreneurship on a worldwide scale.
[USA] This landmark collaboration aims to augment and amplify the missions of both institutions, reflecting a mutual commitment to strengthening entrepreneurship and financial inclusion on a global scale. The core of this alliance is a joint commitment to advancing justice, diversity, and financial inclusion within the global entrepreneurial ecosystem. Envisioning a future where every aspiring entrepreneur, regardless of background, can realize their dreams, the partnership signifies more than a mere agreement on paper. It symbolizes the power of collaboration and a collective pursuit of knowledge.
Dr. Brian Blake, President of Georgia State University, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to partner with the World Business Angel Investment Forum, leveraging their global audience and angel investing resources alongside our own domestic and international programs and mentorship. This collaboration creates a compelling opportunity for both organizations.”
Baybars Altuntas, Executive Chairman of the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), emphasized the transformative impact this collaboration aims to achieve. “With a focus on financial inclusion for young people, the MOU between WBAF and Georgia State University aims to create a profound impact on the lives of students and faculty alike,” he said.
The MOU signing ceremony involved key representatives from both institutions, including Dr. Ingrid Vasiliu-Feltes, WBAF USA Country Director and Senior Senator WBAF, Lisa Armistead, Dean Graduate School of Business, Nicolle Parsons-Pollard, Ph.D., Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs;; L. Jared Abramson, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer; Rich Phillips, Ph.D., Dean, J. Mack Robinson College of Business; Ann-Margaret Esnard, Ph.D., Interim Dean, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies; Jian-Dong Li, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Institute for Biomedical Sciences; Brennen Dicker, Executive Director, Creative Media Industries Institute; David Forquer, Assistant Dean for Executive Programs, J. Mack Robinson College of Business; Bill, Hercules, Advisory Board Member, WBAF; Terence Mills, Advisory Board Member, WBAF and Chuck Brooks , Advisory Board Member, WBAF.
Together, they expressed a commitment to harmonizing their efforts, fueling innovation, and accelerating economic growth. The goal is to foster a dynamic ecosystem where visionary ideas evolve into thriving businesses, generating employment opportunities and driving overall prosperity.
About Georgia State University:
As a top research university at the epicenter of Atlanta’s bustling corporate and governmental hub, Georgia State University (GSU) proudly stands as the sole R1 institution in the United States to bear the esteemed mantle of a primarily Black institution (PBI). This unique confluence of excellence positions our university community as visionary leaders, poised to ignite a transformative journey in diversifying and redefining the landscape of entrepreneurship. Offering degrees from the associate through the doctoral levels across twelve colleges/schools, GSU brings a range of entrepreneurship opportunities to our students. Our J. Mack Robinson College of Business is extending perspectives and capabilities into new areas – computer science, statistics, engineering, science and technology – and integrating them with the core activities of the business school.
About the World Business Angel Investment Forum’s Financial Inclusion Center:
WBAF, an international organization dedicated to facilitating access to finance for businesses ranging from startups to scale-ups, has an overarching mission to generate more jobs and promote global social justice. It endeavors to collaborate globally, creating innovative financial instruments that benefit innovators, startups, and SMEs. WBAF’s engagement spans various sectors, including business and politics, emphasizing the paramount importance of the public interest. The WBAF Financial Inclusion Center, an integral part of WBAF, plays a pivotal role in realizing these goals.
Please view the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Ceremony: www.id.wbaforum.org
