The nation’s first deaf-led social venture fund

The CSD Social Venture Fund invests and supports innovated companies that place jobs for the deaf at the heart of their business model.

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About CSD SVF

The CSD SVF is the first and currently the only business incubator and venture capital fund focused on Deaf-led and -owned businesses. The CSD SVF is on a mission to invest in and mentor these businesses and, as a result, ensure even more opportunities for Deaf people everywhere.

Today, there are more Deaf-owned businesses than ever before. Deaf-led businesses are the best sources of opportunity-creation in terms of employment and economic empowerment for Deaf people. We at the CSD SVF want to ensure these businesses enjoy continued growth and prosperity.

As part of CSD’s overall strategy, the CSD Social Venture Fund was created to invest in Deaf-owned businesses that will in turn reap more than financial profit. We’re looking for start-ups or established businesses that seek expansion, growth, and actively cultivate opportunities for the wide range of diverse peoples that make up our Deaf community.

Through our partnerships with Deaf businesses, we create social change by showcasing living examples of success that show the world what we already know: that Deaf people offer incredible value for any businesses that hire them.

Watch the original introduction to our fund from August 2017, or read the transcript.

 

What is a business incubator?

“Business incubators are organizations geared toward speeding up the growth and success of startup and early stage companies. They’re often a good path to capital from angel investors, state governments, economic-development coalitions and other investors.” – Entrepreneur Magazine, Getting Started With Business Incubators

Beyond supporting your business with capital, the CSD SVF incubator is a holistic program that provides resources such as mentors, coaches, intensive hybrid training, and networking connections, all aimed to support the growth and success of Deaf-owned and Deaf-led businesses.

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Our Partners

Our Partners

Latest News

Mozzeria aims to amplify its mission

Mozzeria aims to amplify its mission

There are a lot of pizza joints out there, but nothing like Mozzeria, which is owned, managed and entirely staffed by people who are deaf. Located in San Francisco’s Mission District and open since 2011, it’s been designed with franchising in mind so the...

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