Social Change Fund United Announces Los Angeles Initiative
The initiative, co-founded by Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul, has announced a collaborative effort with Stackwell and the National Basketball Players Association Foundation (NBPA Foundation)
For the first time, the Southern California Financial Union (SCFU) has joined forces with a fintech platform, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to support local communities. This collaboration is with Stackwell, a digital investment platform dedicated to increasing financial empowerment and equity. Together, they are launching an initiative aimed at promoting financial health and longevity among small businesses in Los Angeles.
At the heart of this partnership is the Visionary Ventures Program, a new effort designed to uplift and sustain minority-owned and community-based businesses. The program leverages Stackwell’s proven financial tools and technology, equipping business owners with the knowledge and resources necessary to build long-term stability and generational wealth.
Visionary Ventures has garnered notable support from the sports world. High-profile NBA players CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton, alongside WNBA stars Natasha Cloud and Candace Parker, have lent their voices and resources to back the initiative. Their involvement reflects a growing trend of athletes using their platforms to effect meaningful social change beyond the court.
An experienced executive team is also providing strategic guidance. Creative Arts Agency (CAA) executives Callie Curry and Hillary Thomas serve on the program’s advisory board, bringing deep expertise in branding, entertainment, and community engagement. Their leadership is helping shape Visionary Ventures into a scalable model for future community investment initiatives.
Small business owners in the greater Los Angeles area are encouraged to explore the benefits of this new program. By downloading the Stackwell App and visiting the Community Hub, they can access a wealth of information, including eligibility criteria and how to get started. The digital platform makes it easy for users to begin their financial journey from anywhere, at any time.
The Stackwell App is designed to simplify the investment process and make financial literacy more accessible. It provides tools and educational resources that guide users in building investment portfolios aligned with their goals. This is especially valuable for small business owners who often struggle to find time or resources for financial planning.
Trevor Rozier-Byrd, the founder and CEO of Stackwell, emphasized the significance of this partnership during a recent statement. “This is a critical moment for LA,” he said. “When we show up for LA small business owners, they can show up for their community.” His message highlights the interconnectedness between strong businesses and strong neighborhoods.
Rozier-Byrd further explained that the Visionary Ventures Program is a natural extension of Stackwell’s mission. “We’ve built this program using Stackwell’s program-building playbook, which has proven to drive incredible results,” he noted. This model has already seen success in other communities and is now being customized for the unique needs of Los Angeles.
What sets Stackwell apart from traditional investment platforms is its community-first mindset. Rather than focusing solely on returns, Stackwell’s programs aim to educate, empower, and inspire users to take control of their financial futures. Through partnerships like this one with SCFU, the company is expanding its impact at a grassroots level.
The partnership also reflects a growing awareness among financial institutions about the importance of equity-driven models. SCFU’s decision to partner with a fintech company focused on underserved communities demonstrates a commitment to innovation and inclusivity in financial services. It’s a step toward closing the racial wealth gap and supporting entrepreneurship where it’s needed most.
Looking ahead, the SCFU and Stackwell teams envision Visionary Ventures as more than just a local project. With support from athlete ambassadors, entertainment industry leaders, and financial experts, they see the potential for national expansion. The success of the Los Angeles launch could serve as a blueprint for bringing similar programs to other major cities.
Ultimately, the Visionary Ventures Program is about empowerment — equipping small businesses with tools, knowledge, and support to thrive. By connecting technology, financial education, and community-driven leadership, SCFU and Stackwell are creating a powerful new ecosystem for sustainable business growth in Los Angeles and beyond.
