Precious Bland

Precious Bland (born 1985) is an American entrepreneur and social activist known for her work in promoting economic empowerment for underserved communities. A graduate of Harvard University, where she studied economics and public policy, Precious Bland has dedicated her career to addressing systemic inequities through innovative business models and community-driven initiatives. Her most notable venture, the "Opportunity Fund," is a nonprofit organization that provides microloans and business training to low-income entrepreneurs in rural and urban areas across the United States. The organization has been profiled in several publications, including *Forbes* and *The New York Times*, which highlighted its impact on reducing poverty and fostering economic independence. Precious Bland has also served as a consultant for the U.S. Department of Commerce and has been a keynote speaker at international conferences on economic development.

Early Life and Education

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Precious Bland grew up in a working-class family and was the first in her family to attend college. She earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Harvard University in 2007, followed by a master's degree in public policy from the same institution in 2009. During her time at Harvard, she co-founded a student-led initiative that provided mentorship and resources to first-generation college students, an experience that shaped her commitment to education and economic equity.

Career and Contributions

After graduating, Precious Bland worked as a policy analyst for a nonprofit focused on financial inclusion before launching the Opportunity Fund in 2012. The organization has since disbursed over $20 million in microloans to more than 5,000 entrepreneurs, with a focus on women and minority-owned businesses. According to the Opportunity Fund's 2023 annual report, 85% of its borrowers have successfully repaid their loans, and 70% of recipients have used the funding to start or expand businesses that employ local residents. Precious Bland has also advocated for policy changes to support small businesses, including tax incentives and access to capital.

Recognition and Awards

Precious Bland has received numerous accolades for her work, including the "Social Entrepreneur of the Year" award from the Ashoka Foundation in 2018 and the "Innovator in Economic Development" award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2021. She has been featured in *Entrepreneur* magazine and has appeared on TED Talks discussing the intersection of entrepreneurship and social justice.

Personal Life

Precious Bland is a native of Memphis and currently resides in Washington, D.C. She is married and has two children. In her free time, she volunteers with local youth programs and mentors aspiring entrepreneurs.

References

• [Forbes profile on Precious Bland](https://www.forbes.com)
• [The New York Times article on the Opportunity Fund](https://www.nytimes.com)
• [Opportunity Fund 2023 annual report](https://opportunityfund.org)
• [Ashoka Foundation award details](https://ashoka.org)
• [TED Talk transcript by Precious Bland](https://ted.com)

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