iBud Foundation

The iBud (International Black Urban Development) Foundation is a private foundation established to aid in funding and providing resources to but not exclusively to black-owned businesses in urban cities and communities around the world.

Dr. Kathy Amos, Founder/President struggled and fought as an entrepreneur and small black-owned businesswoman with little to no support. For many years her success was won at rock bottom and her faith in God. Having witnessed many small black-owned businesses struggle to obtain startup capital, business development resources, proper branding to become incorporated and legally established as a thriving business in their community was all too familiar.

Kathy had the privilege of coaching many black women who were filled with aspirations of owning their own businesses and becoming successful entrepreneurs. Some were desperate enough to leave their secular jobs to start their new venture but oftentimes they simply couldn’t afford to quit.

Our vision for iBud is to incubate and nurture small businesses for one to three years until they’re fully able to function as an upright business in good standing with their community and their state. The iBud Foundation will offer the following:
1. New Business Startup Capital through Grants & Scholarships
2. New Business Startup Coaching & Training
3. A Branding Program
4. Grant writing Classes
5. Computer Classes
6. New Business Startup Formation
7. Business Proposal Classes
8. 5 & 10 Year Vision Planning and Goal Setting Program
And more

We’re in stage one of laying a good foundation for iBud and are currently not open to giving or accepting grants or scholarships. We will keep you updated when funding becomes available and to what cities and states they’re available.
We have started our fundraising journey to accrue funding for new startups. Our projected goal is $40 million by the end of 2022. One of the ways you can partner with us is to go to purchase a ticket to the upcoming gala. The proceeds of these events go to The iBud Foundation.

You can also become an iBud Partner by helping us towards our $40 million dollar goal. We solicit your financial support as we move into a time of rebuilding the walls of black urban communities around the world and other minority-owned business leaders. For more information, email us at iBUDFoundation@gmail.com.

Dr. Kathy Amos is known to many as a woman of integrity, leadership, and honor. Dr. Kathy wears many crowns. Dr. Kathy is also a certified coach, speaker, and trainer with The John Maxwell Team as well as a licensed and ordained minister. Kathy is the Founder/CEO at Business Empowered Mississippi Chamber of Commerce for the state of Mississippi. Her leadership and influence have made a global impact on countless business and ministry leaders. The Chamber is currently represented by partners in eight states including international partnerships in Ghana Africa and Trinidad and Tobago.

Because of Dr. Kathy’s mission to empower others through the vehicles of compassion, education, and honor, she is the CEO of The Best of Mississippi Awards, LLC where she takes pride in honoring individuals, businesses, and ministries across the state for their exemplary leadership and service to the corporate efforts of a progressive and positive Mississippi. She is also the President of the iBud (International Black Urban Development) Foundation which provides, SOMA Coaching & Consulting, LLC and SafeHouse Emporium, an online store that was created to give a portion of its proceeds back to the community. Kathy is a prolific teacher and trainer in the areas of personal growth and development, leadership, and professional development.

Dr. Kathy is the author of several literary works including “The Heart of a First Lady” A 21 Day Journal from Struggle to Freedom and Vision 2020 Workbook Journal, Space Where Passion & Purpose Turns Dreams into Success Stories. Dr. Kathy co-authors “Make It Happen” with Kearn Cherry and “Live Your Faith Out Loud” with Dorothy Wilson. Dr. Kathy is the content creator for many self-development and leadership development programs for women, young girls, and teens in general.

 Kathy has been recognized by the City of Canton, Mississippi’s Mayor and Board of Aldermen for her outstanding leadership and community service. She and her husband started a city transformation movement called “Blessing Canton Week” which is an annual event where they pitched a huge tent in the center of the Canton Courtyard Square and not only blessed the city with a free lunch daily but they brought revival where city officials, community leaders, and pastors partnered to see city transformation. This movement was also implemented in Jackson, MS by other pastors in the community.

She was awarded by Toastmasters for her vision in Chartering the Empowering Progressive Toastmasters Club in Jackson, MS. Kathy has received various other awards and recognition across the years.

One of Kathy's greatest passions is to train and develop strong leaders to walk in their purpose and calling, do the work of ministry, work effectively alongside others in the marketplace and impact their community for city transformation. She along with her team has honored over 400 men and women across the state of Mississippi in the past five years.  She is known for her heart of compassion, her passion to educate others, and the mantle of honor that rests on her life.