NBA Legends Team Up with Stackwell to Launch Visionary Ventures Program for LA Small Businesses

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• NBA icons Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul are backing a new small business support program in Los Angeles.
• The Visionary Ventures Program will deliver financial education, grant support, and business development tools via fintech platform Stackwell.
• This is SCFU’s first collaboration with a fintech company, with the goal to scale the program nationally.
• The program is supported by athletes including CJ McCollum, Khris Middleton, Natasha Cloud, and Candace Parker.
• Applications are open now through the Stackwell app for eligible small businesses in Los Angeles.

Social Change Fund United (SCFU), the nonprofit founded by NBA legends Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul — has announced a major partnership with Stackwell, a fintech startup focused on democratizing access to investing and financial wellness tools. Their joint initiative, the Visionary Ventures Program, aims to empower small businesses in historically underserved areas, starting with a pilot in Los Angeles.

The project is also supported by the NBPA Foundation, the charitable arm of the National Basketball Players Association, and marks a unique collaboration between the sports, tech, and finance sectors to tackle racial and economic inequities.

“This program represents our commitment to creating change in underserved communities,” said Anthony, Paul, and Wade in a joint statement. “With Stackwell, we’re offering the financial and educational tools businesses need to thrive.”

Why now? Los Angeles has been facing tough times, particularly with recent wildfire-related setbacks. This initiative provides local businesses with grants, financial education, and long-term development tools, using Stackwell’s proven fintech platform. The goal: help these businesses become more resilient, sustainable, and wealth-building.

Who’s Involved?

Stackwell’s founder and CEO Trevor Rozier-Byrd called this a “critical moment” for LA. “When we show up for LA small business owners, they can show up for their communities,” he said.

The program is further powered by a diverse Executive Council and Advisory Board that includes:

• NBA players: CJ McCollum, Khris Middleton
• WNBA stars: Natasha Cloud, Candace Parker
• CAA Executives: Callie Curry, Hillary Thomas

What’s Next?

This is just the beginning. SCFU and Stackwell plan to expand the Visionary Ventures Program to other U.S. cities, building on the pilot’s results. Small business owners in Los Angeles can apply now by downloading the Stackwell app, where they’ll find eligibility info, community resources, and tools to grow their business.

Learn More & Apply:

• Visit: Stackwell Financial
• Follow: @StackwellCap and @thenbpa on social media for updates

About the Partners

Social Change Fund United (SCFU) – Founded in 2020, SCFU advances equity and social justice by investing in education, criminal justice reform, and community empowerment.

Stackwell – A fintech company focused on financial empowerment through simplified investing and community programs.

NBPA Foundation – The charitable wing of the NBA players' union, supporting players' community impact and philanthropy worldwide.