Marsha Guerrier’s Mission To Get More Capital In The Hands Of Black Women

Marsha Guerrier and others HerSuite Spot
Marsha Guerrier understands the obstacles women of color must overcome when starting their own businesses. They face restricted funding opportunities and insufficient mentorship making business ownership seem out of reach. Marsha established HerSuiteSpot as a way to deliver essential business resources, funding and leadership guidance to women who want to start and scale their career or business.

Since its founding in 2014 HerSuiteSpot has helped more than 14,000 female business owners and provided grants exceeding $500,000. Guerrier demonstrates that women of color can build lasting business legacies when provided with the proper resources like the HerRise Microgrant program.

In this interview Guerrier explains the motivation behind her work while emphasizing financial literacy’s significance for Black women and discussing both obstacles and possibilities for building intergenerational wealth.

Marsha And event goers HerSuite Spot
HerSuiteSpot’s Vision & Impact
Stephanie Tharpe: What inspired you to create HerSuiteSpot, and how has its mission evolved since its inception?

Marsha Guerrier: What inspired me to create HerSuiteSpot was the lack of representation of women in the C-Suite in corporate America. After being overlooked and underpromoted, I wanted to not only create my own C-Suite position but also support other women in doing the same through entrepreneurship. As I advanced in my career, I saw the challenges women, especially women of color, face in business. I created HerSuiteSpot to provide women with the resources, mentorship, and strategies they need to rise to leadership roles and scale tech-enabled businesses.

Since its inception, HerSuiteSpot’s mission has evolved to meet the needs of women of color entrepreneurs, many of whom are starting businesses with no prior experience. I’ve expanded our focus to offer structured mentorship, access to capital, and programs that empower women to scale successfully. My goal today is to create a lasting movement where women of color lead the charge in redefining success in entrepreneurship and technology.

Stephanie Tharpe: HerSuiteSpot has empowered over 14,000 women and distributed more than $500,000 in grants. What key factors have contributed to the platform’s success?
Marsha Guerrier: The success of HerSuiteSpot is rooted in my commitment to community, empowerment, and providing real solutions. Our focus on women of color entrepreneurs sets us apart. As a woman of color, I understand the challenges we face, so I created a platform that offers not only resources but also mentorship and a strong sense of community.
Strategic partnerships and funding have been key to our success. The grants and capital we’ve secured help women at all stages—from startup to scaling—access the tools and knowledge they need to grow.
Our community-driven approach is at the heart of our success. Through workshops, networking, and group coaching, women learn from each other, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. The feedback we receive helps us continuously evolve and meet the needs of our members.
HerSuiteSpot’s success reflects the passion and drive of the women we serve, and our commitment to providing the resources, guidance, and community they need to flourish.
Stephanie Tharpe: What are some of the biggest challenges women entrepreneurs, particularly women of color, face today, and how does HerSuiteSpot help them overcome these obstacles?
Marsha Guerrier: While things have improved somewhat over the years, women of color entrepreneurs still face many of the same challenges today that they’ve been dealing with since I started HerSuiteSpot in 2014. One of the biggest challenges is access to capital. Systemic biases and the lack of networks often block opportunities for funding. On top of that, the lack of representation in leadership roles makes it harder for women of color to see themselves in those spaces, or find mentors who understand the unique challenges they face.
At HerSuiteSpot, we focus on more than just providing resources. We bring in experts who guide our community through our 4 Pillars of Success framework: Mindset, Money, Marketing, and Media. It’s not just about increasing revenue—it’s about preparing for the bigger opportunities when they arise. Whether that’s through grant and proposal writing, pitch competitions, crowdfunding, or investor pitching, we make sure our members are equipped to step into those spaces and secure the capital they need.
Because of my background in software development, I’m able to help our members see their businesses beyond just a product or service, but as tech or tech-enabled businesses. In today’s digital age, it’s critical for entrepreneurs to not only keep up with tech trends but to understand how to use them to scale. I want to give women the language and mindset they need to position themselves as leaders in the tech space. By doing so, we’re helping them compete globally and ensure they’re seen as viable leaders.
We also engage with funders who are particularly interested in supporting women, including women of color. We’ve worked hard to build relationships with partners who understand the value of investing in our community. That way, when our members are ready to pitch, they have access to the right people and the support they need to secure funding.
Through workshops, group coaching, and expert-led training, we make sure that women are not just growing their businesses—they’re building them strategically. We focus on mindset, financial literacy, marketing strategies, and media training, making sure they can amplify their brand and tell their story in a way that attracts investors and customers alike.
Ultimately, we’re not just preparing women to overcome the obstacles they face today; we’re empowering them to seize opportunities that will propel their businesses forward. HerSuiteSpot is here to support women of color entrepreneurs in every aspect of their journey—from mindset to fundraising and beyond.
Stephanie Tharpe: What success stories from HerSuiteSpot stand out to you, and how do they reflect the platform’s impact?
Marsha Guerrier: There have been so many success stories that stand out, but a few really highlight the heart and impact of what we’re doing at HerSuiteSpot. One of the most memorable is Dr. Shelley Cooper, the founder of a telehealth tech company. When she came to us, she was facing significant challenges working with her developer. Through our sessions, I was able to point out a couple of red flags that made her realize her developer wasn’t actually building the app she had contracted him to design. Armed with that knowledge, she was able to terminate the contract and move forward with a new development team. We also ensured she had a strong understanding of the software development lifecycle, which allowed her to restart the project with confidence.
From there, Dr. Cooper went on to not only relaunch her app with a capable team but also to gain access to capital. Through pitch practice reviews during our BoardRoom sessions, she honed her pitch and eventually won several pitch competitions. She’s now secured over $100k in non-dilutive grants, a huge milestone for her business. Dr. Shelley has also launched a new tech company for the Real Estate Industry called Remodel Relief.
Another inspiring story is Lauren Wells, the founder of a wellness app for women called Hervival. When Lauren first joined HerSuiteSpot, she didn’t see herself as a tech founder. She didn’t have the language or confidence to navigate a space she thought she didn’t feel qualified to be in. Through coaching and building her mindset, Lauren learned how to confidently pitch her business as a tech company. Not only did she gain the language and knowledge to position her business in the tech space, but she also secured $25K in funding.
Both of these stories embody the core of what HerSuiteSpot is all about—empowering women to embrace their full potential, providing them with the skills and confidence to lead tech-enabled businesses, and giving them the tools to secure the capital they need to thrive. These women started with doubt and challenges but left with the expertise, mindset, and support to succeed at the highest levels.Marsha and HerRise Microgrant recipientHerSuite Spot
The HerRise Microgrant & Closing the Leadership Gap
Stephanie Tharpe: The HerRise Microgrant has become a symbol of faith in women entrepreneurs. What do you look for in recipients, and how do these grants help create long-term business success?
Marsha Guerrier: When selecting recipients for the HerRise Microgrant, I’m looking for clear and concise answers that truly reflect an understanding of the opportunity. The application is simple: we ask entrepreneurs to tell us about their business and how they would use the funds. But what stands out is when applicants tailor their responses specifically to the $1,000 opportunity. Often, we can tell when applicants are simply pasting generic answers rather than providing thoughtful, specific responses. I can tell you that funders for larger amounts, like venture capitalists or other grantors, are likely picking up on this too.
What we’re really looking for is a short, clear elevator pitch that shows a deep understanding of the problem their business solves and how they plan to use the funds to drive their business forward. The goal is to demonstrate both the immediate need for the grant and the long-term potential of the business. The HerRise Microgrant isn’t just about getting a one-time boost—it’s about building a foundation for sustained growth. Entrepreneurs who take the time to be thoughtful and specific about how the grant will be used are showing that they have the business acumen needed to be successful in the long term.
The HerRise MicroGrant plants seeds of hope and helps create long-term success by giving women the financial flexibility to invest in key areas that will directly support their growth, such as product development, marketing, website optimization, or streamlining operations. But more importantly, it helps them refine their pitch and gain confidence in presenting their business to funders, which is a critical skill for future fundraising opportunities.
Stephanie Tharpe: Many women-led businesses struggle with scaling due to a lack of funding and mentorship. How does HerSuiteSpot bridge this gap beyond financial support?
Marsha Guerrier: At HerSuiteSpot, we bridge the gap by providing a strong network of mentorship, expert guidance, and community support. Beyond funding, we offer personalized coaching, workshops on scaling strategies, and access to industry experts who help women build the skills and confidence needed to grow their businesses. We focus on the 4 Pillars of Success—Mindset, Money, Marketing, and Media—ensuring that women have the tools to navigate the challenges of scaling and position themselves for sustainable success.
Stephanie Tharpe: What advice do you give to women seeking funding but facing systemic barriers?
Marsha Guerrier: My advice is to focus on building a strong, clear narrative around your business. Understand the problem you’re solving and the impact you’re making. Focus on customer growth and retention, as this demonstrates your business’s credibility and potential to investors. Be persistent—keep honing your pitch, leverage your network, and seek out mentors who understand your unique challenges. Most importantly, don’t shy away from positioning your business as a tech-enabled or scalable opportunity. The right funding is out there, but you have to be prepared and confident in telling your story.
Diversity, Representation & Systemic Change
Stephanie Tharpe: You’re deeply committed to diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship. How do you see representation—or the lack thereof—shaping business opportunities for women of color?
Marsha Guerrier: Representation plays a critical role in shaping business opportunities for women of color. When we don’t see ourselves in leadership positions or in the rooms where decisions are made, it becomes harder to envision our own success. Lack of representation limits access to networks, mentorship, and funding. It sends a message that opportunities are not for us, reinforcing barriers that have historically held us back. On the other hand, when we do see women of color leading successful businesses or sitting at decision-making tables, it opens up new pathways for others to follow, creating a ripple effect that challenges systemic biases and creates opportunities for everyone.
Representation also shapes business opportunities by allowing women of color to showcase their unique strengths. Our lived experiences bring valuable perspectives that help address underserved markets and meet the needs of diverse customers. When women of color are seen as capable leaders, it shifts how the business world views our potential. It opens doors for us to build stronger networks, gain access to capital, and collaborate with people who truly see the value in what we bring to the table. This visibility empowers us to break through the barriers that limit our growth and forces the business world to rethink its traditional standards.
Representation is more than just visibility—it’s about creating a culture where women of color have the opportunity to thrive. It shapes not only how we are perceived but also how we can leverage those perceptions to unlock new opportunities and build businesses that can stand the test of time.
Stephanie Tharpe: What are some of the most persistent biases that impact women of color in business, and how can institutions and investors work to dismantle them?
Marsha Guerrier: Some of the most persistent biases that women of color face in business include being overlooked for leadership roles, undervalued for our expertise, and often dealing with stereotypes that limit our potential. These biases are reflected in the challenges we face accessing funding, networks, and mentorship, which are crucial for business success. Additionally, there’s a tendency for our counterparts—often white men—to be seen as more capable or deserving of support, even when we bring equal or more value to the table.
Institutions and investors can help dismantle these biases by partnering with organizations led by women of color, like HerSuiteSpot, that specifically serve women of color entrepreneurs. The feedback I receive from new members is that when they see me—another woman of color—as the founder, and learn about the strong corporate partnerships we’ve built, it gives them hope that one day they can do the same for their own businesses. They realize that they, too, can access the resources and support they need. The smiles I see when I give advice rooted in my lived experience—advice shaped by overcoming many of the same challenges they face—are a reminder of why representation matters. Knowing that I’m still navigating some of those challenges while offering high-quality, reflective support inspires them to believe they can overcome their obstacles as well.
Stephanie Tharpe: If you could implement one major systemic change today to level the playing field for marginalized entrepreneurs, what would it be and why?
Marsha Guerrier: If I could implement one major systemic change, it would be to ensure equitable access to capital for marginalized entrepreneurs. Funding is the most significant barrier to business growth, and without access to capital, even the most innovative ideas can’t scale. We need to create a more inclusive funding ecosystem that supports women of color and other underrepresented groups, not just through grants but also through venture capital, loans, and investments. By democratizing access to funding, we can help marginalized entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the broader economy, ultimately leveling the playing field for everyone.
Stephanie Tharpe: How can corporations and investors better support women entrepreneurs beyond just financial contributions?
Marsha Guerrier: Corporations and investors can better support women entrepreneurs by offering mentorship, strategic partnerships, and access to networks that go beyond just financial backing. This is especially important for early-stage businesses with little traction but a founder with great capabilities. Small businesses are the bridge to larger corporations contributing to the global economy, and when these businesses thrive, the entire market benefits. By partnering with organizations like HerSuiteSpot, where our community knows, likes, and trusts the partnerships we bring to them, corporations and investors can create lasting, meaningful connections that empower women entrepreneurs. Providing platforms for visibility, sharing resources, and offering skill-building opportunities such as leadership training or business development workshops can also help women scale. By investing time, knowledge, and connections, corporations and investors can support the long-term success of women entrepreneurs in ways that go beyond just writing a check.
Future of Women Entrepreneurship & HerSuiteSpot’s Next Steps
Stephanie Tharpe: What industries or sectors do you see as ripe for disruption by women entrepreneurs in the next five years?
Marsha Guerrier: I believe industries like technology, healthcare, and finance are ripe for disruption by women entrepreneurs in the next five years. In tech, women are already leading innovative companies that address unmet needs, and there’s immense potential for more women to shape the future of AI, software development, and cybersecurity. Healthcare, especially in telehealth and wellness, is also evolving rapidly, with women entrepreneurs bringing fresh perspectives to patient care, mental health, and preventative solutions. In finance, women are increasingly challenging traditional systems with fintech solutions, offering more inclusive access to capital, financial education, and services tailored to underserved communities. As more women enter these sectors, we’ll see businesses that not only challenge the status quo but also create more equitable, sustainable solutions for everyone.
Stephanie Tharpe: With the rise of AI and digital tools, how can women entrepreneurs leverage technology to scale their businesses and gain visibility?
Marsha Guerrier: Women entrepreneurs can leverage AI and digital tools like Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and other AI-powered platforms to streamline operations, automate repetitive tasks, and gain valuable insights into customer behavior. Google Gemini, for example, can help with data-driven marketing strategies by analyzing customer trends and improving targeting, ensuring that marketing efforts reach the right audience with personalized content. AI tools like ChatGPT can also automate customer service, providing instant support to customers and freeing up time for entrepreneurs to focus on scaling.
For scaling, platforms like HubSpot and Mailchimp, which integrate AI, can help optimize email campaigns, segment audiences, and personalize messaging, all of which drive engagement and sales. Additionally, social media tools powered by AI, such as Hootsuite or Buffer, allow women entrepreneurs to schedule posts, track performance, and engage with customers, all while analyzing social media trends to improve visibility. By using these technologies, women entrepreneurs can position their businesses to compete globally, attract new customers, and increase brand presence without adding significant overhead.
Stephanie Tharpe: What’s next for HerSuiteSpot? Are there any upcoming initiatives, partnerships, or expansions we should be excited about?
Marsha Guerrier: Next, we’re launching the HerRise to Capital Pre-Accelerator, an 8-week program designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to secure funding and scale. Enrollment will open in April. Participants will complete the program with a Capital Ready Toolkit, including a fundable business plan, investor pitch deck, and strategic marketing plan. The program focuses on integrating technology for scalability, crafting a compelling brand story, and mastering financial documents like cash flow statements and projections.
Additionally, the program provides direct opportunities for investor engagement, giving participants valuable feedback and a pathway to secure funding. We’re excited for this initiative to help women entrepreneurs build a solid foundation for long-term success.
Stephanie Tharpe: What message do you want to leave with aspiring women entrepreneurs who may be hesitant to take the leap into business ownership?
Marsha Guerrier: I want to remind aspiring women entrepreneurs that investing in your future is the most powerful decision you can make. It’s normal to feel hesitant, but every successful entrepreneur started with uncertainty. The key is to take that first step—whether it’s building your business plan, seeking mentorship, or just taking action. You don’t have to have everything figured out, but you do need to believe in your vision and your ability to learn and grow. At HerSuiteSpot, we’re here to help you navigate the challenges, and by investing in your business now, you’re investing in a future where you can create the success you deserve. The time is now—don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start building your legacy today!

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