Starting a business is a challenge in itself, but for entrepreneurs in economically disadvantaged areas, the hurdles are even steeper. Limited guidance, coupled with a clientele deeply impacted by inflation and rising housing costs, amplifies the struggles of these small business owners. Recognizing these challenges, Roman Sledziejowski—a seasoned entrepreneur and finance professional—founded the Success Angels Foundation to provide much-needed support.
As a Polish immigrant in New York City, Sledziejowski’s journey was far from easy. Competing with more privileged peers, he worked relentlessly to succeed. His hard work paid off—after graduating as his high school’s Valedictorian, he pursued Economics at Columbia University. However, a part-time job during high school marked a pivotal turning point.
At just 17, he began working at Salomon Smith Barney, Member of Travelers Group, and became the youngest licensed stockbroker under the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) at age 18. He soon transitioned to a full-time role as an Investment Associate at Smith Barney, Member of Citigroup.
In the years that followed, Roman Sledziejowski held leadership positions at top firms like Prudential Securities and Wachovia Securities before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey. He founded Innovest Holdings, a New York-based financial holding company, co-founded MyPlace Development, a real estate venture in Poland, and most recently, co-founded Savant Strategies, an international management consulting firm.
Through his extensive experience in finance, real estate, and consulting, Sledziejowski realized that many aspiring entrepreneurs lacked access to the opportunities he had. This realization led him to establish the Success Angels Foundation (SAF)—a platform to share his expertise and support those without similar resources.
The Mission of Success Angels Foundation
The Success Angels Foundation (SAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring and supporting entrepreneurs, particularly those in marginalized and underrepresented communities.
Sledziejowski describes these communities as those that “bear a disproportionate health and environmental burden, poor educational infrastructure, and are adversely impacted by rising housing costs and displacement.” SAF’s goal is to empower these areas by providing financial and educational support to budding entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth within their localities.
To achieve this, SAF offers a comprehensive range of programs tailored to meet the unique needs of entrepreneurs at different stages of their business journey:
- Mentorship
SAF pairs inexperienced entrepreneurs with seasoned professionals. This mentorship model provides guidance, fosters confidence, and helps avoid common pitfalls, significantly boosting the likelihood of success. - Funding Opportunities
Through grants and low-interest loans, SAF helps entrepreneurs access early-stage funding. For businesses ready to scale, SAF connects them with venture capitalists and angel investors to secure larger funding rounds. - Education & Training
From workshops to seminars, SAF equips entrepreneurs with essential knowledge in areas like marketing, financial management, and legal compliance. This training ensures they’re prepared to navigate challenges and achieve long-term growth. - Networking
SAF organizes networking events, pitch competitions, and other initiatives, enabling entrepreneurs to connect with industry experts, potential investors, and peers. These opportunities foster collaboration and expand business reach.
Beyond supporting individual entrepreneurs, SAF’s efforts leave a lasting impact on the communities where these businesses operate. By creating job opportunities and promoting local economic growth, SAF transforms communities while inspiring future entrepreneurs.
Strengthening Communities, Transforming Lives
Sledziejowski understands that the growth of businesses in disadvantaged areas has far-reaching benefits. Such communities often face severe challenges, including limited economic opportunities, poor health outcomes, and reduced life expectancies. These issues are compounded by factors like poverty, linguistic isolation, and inadequate resources.
Through SAF, Sledziejowski aims to reverse these trends. “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,” he explains.
Backed by a dedicated volunteer team, SAF is driving meaningful change by empowering individuals to build thriving businesses that uplift entire communities.
Sharing Resources, Building Futures
Currently serving as Vice-Chairman of Savant Strategies, Sledziejowski leverages over two decades of business expertise to enact positive change. His belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship is unwavering.
Through the Success Angels Foundation, Sledziejowski is bridging the gap for entrepreneurs in underserved communities, providing them with tools and resources to succeed. By empowering business owners, he is not only transforming individual lives but also creating a ripple effect of economic growth and inspiration.
With the Success Angels Foundation, Roman Sledziejowski is ensuring that economically disadvantaged communities have a chance to thrive—one entrepreneur at a time.