Board of Directors

 

Join a Mission-Driven Board
Advancing Economic Mobility Through Entrepreneurship

Who We Are
Ventures is a Seattle-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that increases well-being and economic mobility through business education, incubation, and access to capital for individuals from underrepresented communities to launch and grow sustainable businesses.

We support low-income entrepreneurs with training, coaching, microloans, financial literacy education, and opportunities to test and sell through access to incubation markets. Our vision is to make entrepreneurship attainable for all. For more information, visit www.venturesnonprofit.org.

Join the Ventures Board of Directors or Finance Committee
Ventures is seeking new members for our Board of Directors and Finance Committee who are inspired by our mission and ready to help expand economic opportunity through entrepreneurship. We intentionally seek leaders whose lived experience and leadership reflect the communities we serve.

We especially value the perspectives of women, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit and business leaders who understand the transformative power of economic opportunity and community-rooted leadership.

 

Board and committee members play a meaningful role in shaping Ventures’ future by helping strengthen organizational strategy, financial sustainability, community partnerships, and long-term impact for entrepreneurs across our region.

What You Would Do
·       Help shape the long-term vision and strategic direction of a high-impact nonprofit serving entrepreneurs across western Washington.

·       Provide financial stewardship and oversight, with Finance Committee members offering deeper support on budgets, reporting, and fiscal health.

·       Support sound governance, ethical leadership, and accountability for results.

·       Serve as an ambassador for Ventures by opening doors, building relationships, and elevating the organization’s visibility and influence.

·       Participate actively in board and committee meetings by coming prepared and contributing your lived experience, leadership perspective, and professional expertise to meaningful conversations that shape community impact.

·       Help build a board and committee roster that reflects the diversity, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit of the communities we serve.

Time Commitment
Board members serve two-year terms, attend monthly board meetings, serve on at least one committee, and participate in an annual retreat.

Finance Committee members attend monthly meetings and may be invited to participate more frequently during budgeting, audit, or planning cycles. All members are encouraged to support Ventures as donors, ambassadors, and champions of our mission.

Experience & Expertise Sought
We welcome candidates who bring leadership experience, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to economic opportunity and inclusive entrepreneurship. We especially encourage women, women of color, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, and other community leaders whose lived experience and professional expertise reflect the communities Ventures serves. Candidates with the following backgrounds are strongly encouraged to express interest.
·       Nonprofit finance and accounting

·       Small Business and CDFI lending

·       Nonprofit strategy and governance

·       A genuine commitment to Ventures’ mission and to serving entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities.

 

Committees
Ventures’ committees provide focused guidance and partnership to staff and board leadership. We are currently especially interested in recruiting Finance Committee members who can help oversee financial health, review budgets and reports, and support long-term nonprofit organizational sustainability. Participation in the Finance Committee does not require board membership.

We welcome conversations with leaders interested in learning more about board or committee service. To express interest or learn more about board or committee service, please contact Monique Valenzuela, Executive Director, at mvalenzuela@venturesnonprofit.org or Renée Martin, Chair of the Board Development Committee, at renee.martin@farestart.org .