How Roman Sledziejowski Empowers Entrepreneurs in Underserved Communities
Starting a business is a challenging endeavor, and the difficulties are amplified for entrepreneurs in economically disadvantaged communities. These individuals often face a lack of guidance and serve a clientele heavily impacted by rising inflation and increasing housing costs. Acknowledging these challenges, entrepreneur and finance expert Roman Sledziejowski established the Success Angels Foundation (SAF) to provide support and resources to these communities.
As a Polish immigrant in New York City, Sledziejowski had to overcome significant hurdles to succeed alongside his more privileged peers. His hard work and determination bore fruit when he graduated as Valedictorian of his high school and went on to study Economics at Columbia University. However, it was a part-time job during high school that truly set the course for his career, opening unexpected doors for the competitive athlete.
At the age of 17, Sledziejowski started working at the investment bank Salomon Smith Barney, a Member of Travelers Group. By 18, he became the youngest National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) licensed stockbroker in the United States and began a full-time role as an Investment Associate at Smith Barney a member of Citigroup.
In the years that followed, Sledziejowski held prominent positions, including Vice President and First Vice President of Investments at Prudential Securities, and Senior Vice President and Investment Officer at Wachovia Securities. His entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of Innovest Holdings, a New York City-based financial holding company. He later co-founded MyPlace Development, a real estate development company in Poland, and Savant Strategies, an international management consulting firm.
Through his diverse experiences in finance, real estate, and consulting, Sledziejowski gained deep insights into the elements critical for business success. Recognizing that many aspiring entrepreneurs lacked the opportunities he had, he was inspired to create the Success Angels Foundation to share his knowledge and empower others.
The Multifaceted Approach of the Success Angels Foundation
SAF is a non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and start-ups, particularly in underserved communities.
Founder Roman Sledziejowski describes these communities as “those that have been historically underrepresented in policymaking and government and private economic activities, bear a disproportionate health and environmental burden, poor educational infrastructure, are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts due to fewer resources, and are adversely impacted by rising housing costs and the resulting displacement and relocation that limits the growth of emerging communities.”
SAF’s mission is clear: to provide financial and educational resources to help start-ups thrive, thereby fostering economic growth within local communities. To achieve this, SAF offers a variety of programs and services tailored to entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey.
Mentorship
SAF pairs inexperienced entrepreneurs with seasoned professionals through a mentorship program that offers valuable guidance, advice, and support. Studies have shown that mentorship significantly boosts the likelihood of success, accelerates progress, and helps entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls.
Funding Opportunities
Qualified entrepreneurs can access grants and low-interest loans, providing crucial early-stage funding. As these businesses grow, SAF connects them with venture capitalists and angel investors to secure larger funding rounds.
Education and Training
To ensure business owners have the skills they need, SAF conducts workshops, seminars, and training programs covering business planning, marketing, financial management, legal issues, and more.
Networking
Through events like pitch competitions and networking sessions, SAF helps entrepreneurs connect with potential investors, industry experts, and peers. These interactions foster collaboration, idea-sharing, and exposure, which are essential for growth.
SAF’s initiatives not only provide hope to the entrepreneurs it supports but also create a ripple effect in the communities they serve. These businesses generate jobs, stimulate local economies, and inspire future entrepreneurs, leaving a lasting legacy.
Strengthening Communities for Long-Term Impact
Sledziejowski understands that thriving businesses can transform disadvantaged communities. Living in such areas often leads to poor social, economic, and physical health, reduced quality of life, and limited opportunities. Residents face shorter life expectancies, higher poverty rates, linguistic isolation, lower home values, and increased rates of chronic diseases.
“We look to reverse alarming trends in economically disadvantaged communities in the United States with a focus on entrepreneurship and start-up innovation by and for the benefit of historically marginalized low-income communities and communities of color,” Sledziejowski has stated. “The Success Angels Foundation is a project with tremendous potential and backed by a talented and dedicated volunteer team.”
Creating a Legacy of Shared Wealth
In addition to his role as Vice-Chairman of Savant Strategies, where he provides management consulting services to middle-market companies in Latin America, Europe, and South Africa, Sledziejowski remains committed to uplifting others. With over two decades of experience in building successful businesses, he leverages SAF to drive positive change.
Sledziejowski firmly believes in the transformative power of entrepreneurship—not only for the business owners themselves but also for the communities they impact. Through the Success Angels Foundation, he aims to uplift economically disadvantaged communities and create lasting change for generations to come.