Business Minds. Giving Hearts.
Too many emerging businesses and leaders lack the resources to grow. We provide the support and connections that drive success.
The C9 Gives Foundation empowers those who are poised to make a difference but lack the means. Through collaboration, altruism, and intentional growth, we turn generosity into tangible impact.
Learn how you can get involved!
Our Mission
Leverage the Coalition9 Community as a force multiplier to mobilize the progress, growth, and sustainability of emerging businesses through support and resources.
The need for the C9 Gives Foundation arises from a clear challenge in the business community: many entrepreneurs and leaders face overwhelming obstacles that stifle growth and innovation. Whether it’s a lack of funding, limited access to mentorship, or insufficient resources—these barriers can feel insurmountable. The result is untapped potential, both for individuals and the broader community.
The C9 Gives Foundation—the charitable arm of Coalition9—addresses this need by leveraging the power of community to create pathways to success. Through resources, mentorships, grants, and events, it builds bridges between established leaders and those on the rise, ensuring no one is left behind.
Learn more about the Coalition9 Community:
Our Vision
Imagine a Minnesota where every entrepreneur has access to the support they need, where businesses flourish because of collective effort, and where communities grow stronger through shared purpose.
This is the future the C9 Gives Foundation is building.
By turning generosity into action, it creates opportunities that benefit individuals, businesses, and society as a whole.
Our efforts are built on three pillars:
MOBILIZE
Creating opportunities for connection and collaboration across the business community.
SUPPORT
Providing essential resources, mentorship, and encouragement to entrepreneurs and leaders.
GROW
Fostering personal and professional development that drives lasting change.
Meet the Board
The C9 Gives Foundation is guided by a dedicated board whose vision and leadership drive its mission forward.
These leaders bring diverse expertise and a shared commitment to reinvesting in Minnesota’s business community, ensuring that the C9 Gives Foundation’s mission is both focused and impactful.
Avi Olitzky
Board Chair
Becky Lewis
Director of Finance
Garrio Harrison
Director of Donor Relations
Laura Cohen
Director of Community Engagement
Aaron Eggert
Executive Director
Who We Serve
C9 Gives focuses its efforts on three key audiences:
Emerging Entrepreneurs
At its heart, the C9 Gives Foundation exists to provide critical support to entrepreneurs and leaders, offering resources, mentorship, and opportunities that make growth possible.
The Small Business Community
Members of Coalition9 are empowered to contribute meaningfully, adding value to their membership through charitable impact and deeper connections.
The Broader Business Community
By actively engaging with businesses across Minnesota, the C9 Gives Foundation demonstrates its commitment to fostering a thriving economic ecosystem.
How C9 Gives Makes an Impact
The impact of C9 Gives is reflected in its initiatives, which prioritize mobilizing the community, providing targeted support, and creating spaces for growth. Whether through convenings that unite diverse voices, mentorship programs, or direct access to human capital resources, the C9 Gives Foundation ensures that its efforts lead to lasting, meaningful outcomes.
By focusing on intentionality and collaboration, the C9 Gives Foundation creates a ripple effect: empowered leaders build stronger businesses, and stronger businesses drive thriving communities.
Request Support
The C9 Gives Foundation provides essential support to early-stage businesses ready to grow but lacking the necessary resources.
If your business has been operational for at least six months and aligns with our mission, you may be eligible for financial and service-based support.
Currently, we offer non-financial assistance in the form of the C9 Community’s expertise.
Applications are accepted quarterly, with a thorough review process that includes an interview and selection by our committee.
Charitable Services + Offerings
Coalition9 Membership Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
Mentorship
Strategic Planning
Business Focused Legal Assistance
Tax Planning + Strategy
Financial Planning + Strategy
Budget Preparation
Accounting Software / Chart of Accounts Setup
Sales Strategy
Marketing Strategy
Digital Marketing - Strategy + Development
Operational Strategy
Growth Strategy
Technology Assistance + Strategy
Technology Equipment
Product Development Strategy
Talent Acquisition + Strategy
Employee Retention Strategy
Employee Development
Leadership Development
Executive Coaching
AI and Automation Tools + Strategy
Job Search, Resume Review, + Interview Preparation
Business Coaching
Event Design + Development
Speakers/Presenters
Get Involved!
C9 Gives is more than a charitable initiative; it’s a movement of action and impact.
Whether you are a member of the business community, an expert in your field, or a business leader eager to give back, we invite you to join our mission. Together, we can mobilize resources, support growth, and create a stronger, more connected future for all.
Ways to Give
