Our Story: Honoring Shirley’s Legacy
The Shirley Poole Legacy Foundation was founded on August 19, 2020, in loving memory of our mother and grandmother, Ms. Shirley Poole. Known for her generosity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to community, Shirley spent her life uplifting others—supporting family, caring for elders, and giving her time and resources to those in need.
Her life was a model of service and equity. Her passing during the COVID-19 pandemic left a profound impact on everyone who knew her. The Foundation continues her spirit, creating meaningful opportunities for underserved and underrepresented entrepreneurs, ensuring Shirley’s legacy of care, empowerment, and service endures.
The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money... but rather a legacy of character and faith.
-Billy Graham
Who We Serve: Redefining Entrepreneurs
At The Shirley Poole Legacy Foundation (TSPLF), we believe entrepreneurs are more than business owners—they are visionaries, innovators, and change-makers.We define entrepreneurship inclusively: anyone launching a small business, nonprofit, or social enterprise to create opportunity, solve problems, or build community wealth is an entrepreneur in our eyes.
Our focus is on underserved and underrepresented entrepreneurs, historically excluded from access to capital, training, and professional guidance. Our programs exist to close that gap and create pathways to sustainable economic empowerment. We created pathways for entrepreneurs who have historically faced barriers to accessing quality business guidance, mentorship, and financial literacy resources. Through our programs, participants gain practical skills, confidence, and valuable networks to thrive as business and community leaders.
Our Mission
The Shirley Poole Legacy Foundation empowers underserved entrepreneurs through business training and financial education, helping to foster economic opportunity for their families, build sustainable businesses, and leave a legacy of equity and service.
Our Vision
We envision thriving communities where every entrepreneur has access to the education, tools, and support needed to succeed—bridging the wealth gap and making opportunity and entrepreneurship equitable for all.
What We Do
At the Shirley Poole Legacy Foundation, we provide comprehensive, practical support to entrepreneurs who face barriers to accessing financial and business expertise. Our programs equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to start, grow, and sustain successful ventures—whether for-profit or nonprofit.
How We Do It
Group-Based Workshops: Business & Financial Education
We offer hands-on, actionable group business training and education that demystifies core entrepreneurial skills—from filing taxes and preparing business budgets, to DIY bookkeeping, understanding business financials, creating business plans, and navigating business tax and financial compliance, as well as setting up financial systems. Our training is grounded in real-world application, designed by and for those facing the everyday challenges of entrepreneurship in under-resourced communities. Workshops are small (6–25 participants) to ensure engagement, discussion, and personalized guidance.
· Private Workshops: Customized workshops for organizations, nonprofits, churches, or community groups, delivered virtually or in-person.
· Scheduled Workshops: Open to the public or individuals can register throughout the year, providing flexible training and learning opportunities.
Income-Based Financial Support: Sliding Scale & Equitable Access Grants
Because opportunity should never be out of reach, training is offered on a sliding scale, based on income and individual circumstances. For those with the highest financial need, we provide Equitable Access Grants, which fully cover training fees to eliminate cost as a barrier to participation.
Empowerment Through Education
We don’t do the work for our participants—we teach them to do it themselves. Our approach centers on self-empowerment and capacity-building. By fostering skills, knowledge, and peer learning, we help entrepreneurs become confident, informed leaders of their own journeys.
Training & Education Rooted in Community
Our programming is delivered in group settings to encourage collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support. Workshops are developed with input from community members and subject-matter experts, ensuring the content is relevant, responsive, and aligned with the lived realities of those we serve.