Our Commitment

 

StitchCrew believes entrepreneurship should be accessible to talented founders from all backgrounds.

 

We recognize that access to capital, networks, mentorship, information, and opportunity is not distributed equally. Our work is designed to help reduce barriers, expand access, and create opportunities for entrepreneurs to build companies, relationships, and economic mobility.

 

We are committed to fostering a community where people are treated with dignity and respect, have a meaningful opportunity to participate, and can contribute without discrimination, harassment, or intimidation.Our

 

Approach

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For StitchCrew, equity does not mean treating every person or program exactly the same. Different founders and communities may face different barriers and require different resources, programming, or approaches.

 

We seek to make thoughtful decisions about how we design programs, allocate resources, build partnerships, and create access to opportunities while maintaining clear and appropriate eligibility and selection standards.

 

Our approach is guided by the following principles:

 

Access. We work to expand access to entrepreneurial education, networks, mentorship, capital resources, and other opportunities, particularly where barriers to access exist. We seek to make information about our programs and opportunities clear and reasonably accessible so eligible entrepreneurs can understand and pursue them.

 

Fair and Consistent Selection. Program participation, awards, grants, investments, and other opportunities administered by StitchCrew may have different eligibility requirements based on their purpose, funding source, intended population, geography, stage of business, industry, or other relevant criteria. Within those parameters, we seek to apply stated eligibility and selection criteria fairly and consistently. Selection into a StitchCrew program does not guarantee selection into another program, funding opportunity, investment, or benefit.

 

Inclusive Program Design. StitchCrew may develop programs or initiatives designed to address documented gaps in access or serve specific communities of entrepreneurs. The existence of a targeted program does not mean that every StitchCrew program uses the same eligibility criteria or serves the same population. We periodically review our programs and practices to understand whom we are reaching, where barriers may exist, and where improvements may be appropriate.

 

Respect and Belonging. We want participants to be able to contribute their experiences, ideas, and perspectives without being expected to conform to a particular personal, cultural, political, or ideological viewpoint. Inclusion does not require agreement. We encourage thoughtful dialogue, constructive disagreement, curiosity, and respect across differences. Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, threats, and retaliation are addressed through the StitchCrew Code of Conduct.

 

Accessibility. StitchCrew seeks to provide reasonable access to its programs and activities.Participants who need a reasonable accommodation to participate are encouraged to contact us at info@stitchcrew.com. We will consider accommodation requests individually and in accordance with applicable law and the nature of the program or activity.

 

Partnerships and Community. StitchCrew works with funders, corporations, foundations, government entities, investors, community organizations, and other partners. We seek to work with partners that support the integrity of our programs and the communities we serve. Partner funding or involvement may create specific eligibility requirements or program objectives. When that occurs, we seek to communicate those requirements clearly to applicants and participants.

 

Non-Discrimination

 

StitchCrew is committed to providing its programs and opportunities in accordance with applicable nondiscrimination laws.

 

We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment based on characteristics protected by applicable law.

 

Our commitment to nondiscrimination works alongside our ability to develop lawful programs with specific eligibility requirements, missions, funding restrictions, or intended populations.

 

Data and Privacy

 

StitchCrew may collect demographic and other information to understand who our programs are reaching, evaluate program effectiveness, meet legitimate reporting requirements, and identify potential barriers to participation.

 

When demographic information is requested, we will seek to explain its purpose and whether providing it is required or voluntary.

 

We will handle personal information in accordance with applicable privacy requirements and our organizational policies and will not use demographic information for purposes inconsistent with the reason it was collected.

 

Raising a Concern

 

If you believe a StitchCrew policy, practice, program, or decision creates an inappropriate barrier to participation or is inconsistent with this policy, we encourage you to raise the concern.Concerns may be submitted to info@stitchcrew.com

 

Concerns involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, threats, or other individual conduct should be reported through the process established in the StitchCrew Code of Conduct.

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StitchCrew prohibits retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

 

Accountability

 

Equity and inclusion are ongoing organizational responsibilities.

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StitchCrew may periodically review program participation, selection processes, participant feedback, accessibility, partnerships, and other relevant information to identify opportunities for improvement.

 

We may update our practices as our programs, communities, funding requirements, and legal obligations evolve.

 

This policy is intended to guide StitchCrew's organizational practices and communicate our commitment to equitable and inclusive participation. It does not guarantee admission to a program, access to funding, investment, or any particular outcome.