Circle of Aunts & Uncles

Our Circle of Aunts and Uncles is a philanthropic community project to provide low-interest loans and social capital to under-resourced entrepreneurs who are leading new or growing local businesses, in order to co-create a more equitable, compassionate, sustainable, and vibrant local economy within or impacting Wayne County Pennsylvania.

The Aunts and Uncles will recommend loans for the Wayne County Community Foundation to issue to selected entrepreneurs, as well as provide social capital -- enthusiastically spreading the word about the business to friends and colleagues; become customers themselves; provide marketing, management & sales advice; and/or make connections to potential buyers, agents, seasoned colleagues in the same industry, local suppliers, and/or other resources.

The Circle of Aunts and Uncles envisions a prosperous regional economy that supplies basic needs to the local population, works in harmony with our natural ecosystem, supports vibrant, joyful, and inclusive community life and has broad-based business ownership reflecting the demographics of our population.

How to Get Involved

If you are interested in becoming a “Aunt” or “Uncle” in the circle, or learning more about the project, including how entrepreneurs can apply, please visit their website.

The launch of the new program, coincided with the SEEDS Annual Meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 15. Th e event featured Judy Wicks who spoke about “Resilient Regional Economies.". For 12+ years SEEDS, the Sustainable Energy Education & Development Support (www.seedsgroup.net) based in Wayne County has promoted energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable living in our communities. The annual meeting was live streamed  via Facebook  or it can be viewed on its Youtube channel.