Launching a business is notoriously challenging, and this challenge is magnified for entrepreneurs in economically disadvantaged areas. Facing limited guidance and a customer base grappling with the impacts of rising inflation and housing costs, these entrepreneurs confront significant hardships. It is against this backdrop that Roman Sledziejowski, an entrepreneur and finance expert, established the Success Angels Foundation.
As a Polish immigrant in New York City, Sledziejowski faced an uphill battle to match his more affluent peers. His relentless drive culminated in his becoming the Valedictorian of his high school class, after which he attended Columbia University to pursue Economics. However, it was a part-time job during his high school years that truly influenced his future career trajectory and opened doors in the highly competitive field of athletics.
At the age of 17, Sledziejowski started working at the investment bank Salomon Smith Barney, a member of the Travelers Group. By 18, he was the youngest stockbroker licensed by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) in the United States, eventually taking on a full-time role as an Investment Associate at Smith Barney, a Citigroup member.
Over the following years, Sledziejowski held positions as Vice President and First Vice President of Investments at Prudential Securities and later as Senior Vice President and Investment Officer at Wachovia Securities. He embarked on his entrepreneurial path thereafter, founding Innovest Holdings, a financial holding company based in New York City; co-founding MyPlace Development, Sp. Z o.o., a real estate development company in Poznan, Poland; and recently co-founded Savant Strategies, an international management consulting firm.
Through his diverse experiences in stocks, real estate development, offshore investments, and management consulting, Sledziejowski gained expertise in numerous essential business functions. Recognizing that not everyone has access to the same opportunities he had as a young man, he was inspired to launch the Success Angels Foundation (SAF) to equip aspiring entrepreneurs who lack resources and mentorship.
The Diverse Roles of Success Angels Foundation
SAF is a charitable entity founded to guide and assist aspiring entrepreneurs and start-ups, particularly those based in challenged communities.
Founder Roman Sledziejowski views 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 empower start-ups by providing essential financial and educational resources. This support enables entrepreneurs to refine their concepts, build thriving businesses, and stimulate economic growth within their communities. To fulfill this mission, SAF delivers a comprehensive suite of programs and services, designed to support entrepreneurs through every stage of their business journey.
Mentorship
SAF’s mentorship program connects emerging entrepreneurs with seasoned professionals, offering a wealth of guidance, insight, and support. Experience has shown that working with a mentor not only boosts the likelihood of success but also accelerates growth and helps avoid frequent pitfalls.
Funding Opportunities
Eligible applicants have the chance to secure grants and low-interest loans, providing crucial early-stage funding that can significantly impact entrepreneurs facing financial constraints. As businesses expand, SAF supports them in accessing larger funding rounds by fostering connections with venture capitalists and angel investors.
Education & Training
To succeed, entrepreneurs need a solid understanding of business planning, marketing, financial management, legal considerations, and beyond. SAF provides a range of workshops, seminars, and educational programs to help business owners develop the essential skills for long-term success and growth.
Networking
SAF facilitates growth by organizing events such as networking sessions and pitch competitions, where entrepreneurs can connect with fellow professionals, potential investors, and industry experts. These gatherings provide a platform for sharing ideas, showcasing businesses, and opening doors to collaboration, growth, and enhanced visibility.
SAF brings both hope and opportunity to the entrepreneurs it supports, while also enriching the communities where their businesses operate. By generating job opportunities, these ventures strengthen local economies and inspire others, creating a lasting legacy with each entrepreneur who leverages SAF’s resources.
The Far-Reaching Impact of Strengthening Communities
Sledziejowski recognizes that as businesses flourish within underserved communities, the positive effects extend deeply into residents’ lives. Living in disadvantaged areas often limits social, economic, and health outcomes, reducing overall quality of life and narrowing opportunities. These challenges include shorter life expectancies, higher poverty rates, linguistic isolation, reduced property values, and an increased prevalence of health issues like heart disease and diabetes. By supporting local business growth, these communities can begin to experience meaningful, lasting change.
“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,” Roman Sledziejowski has said. “The Success Angels Foundation is a project with tremendous potential and backed by a talented and dedicated volunteer team.”
Spreading Resources Globally
Currently, Sledziejowski holds the role of Vice-Chairman at Savant Strategies, an international consulting firm dedicated to providing management services to mid-sized companies across Latin America, Europe, and South Africa. With over 20 years of experience in building and leading highly successful businesses, he is now committed to sharing the extensive resources he has accumulated, and empowering others to thrive.
Roman Sledziejowski harnesses the Success Angels Foundation to drive meaningful global change. He has a profound belief in the life-changing impact of entrepreneurship, seeing it as a force that can uplift both business owners and the communities they serve. Through his non-profit, Success Angels Foundation, Sledziejowski aims to support economically challenged communities, fostering growth and opportunity for generations to come.