Creating a New Normal for Business, With Your Help

Before Kreyol Essence won on Shark Tank, they were winners of the foundation’s UnDreamed Of Award

 

Dear Untours family, 

Guess what? We’re still here! Brian Taussig-Lux and the Untours team are keeping the home fires burning planning for Untours’ future while I, along with our Board, have been working with our entrepreneurs helping them reach the other side of COVID-19. What a year we are all having, right? Whew!  

Our foundation is actively working to create a new “normal” as we emerge from the COVID-induced economic challenges, one that includes a healing planet, racial justice, more thoughtful travel, and greater support of small businesses that are solving big problems. As always, we are putting our money where our mouth is by investing our funds NOT in Wall Street but in awesome Main Street businesses.

This pandemic year, we opted to bolster our current businesses and not add new ones to our portfolio. Several of our businesses are in the balance while others, like Knotty Tie and tonlé, have re-tooled and are doing better than ever. Two even won deals on Shark Tank this spring: Yellow Leaf Hammocks and our last “UnDreamed of Award” winner, Kreyol Essence. Yes, it’s been a year of surprises!

I am thrilled to share that we just added a kindred spirit to stand at the helm of the foundation with me and increase our impact. Jonathan Coleman has worked in Latin America, Africa, and beyond; has recently led a sister organization based in the US; and even has his own travel company that aligns with Untours! He brings critical skills to our work. You’ll be hearing more from Jonathan in the future, so keep an eye out for updates!

We are building an inclusive, healthy, fair economy — around and through the pandemic. Please consider making a donation to support this critical work and help us build a better world.

Wishing you health, calm, strength, and joy for this holiday season and coming year. 

With love and gratitude,
Elizabeth Killough
Co-CEO