Partner Profile: The Marigold Effect

“I'm a woman and I identify as an investor.” 

We sat down with one of Bridging Virginia’s newest investors, Pooja Mehta, Founder of the Marigold Effect to hear more about her story as a community investor. The Marigold Effect joined Bridging Virginia as an investor and partner in 2023 and is an advocate for strengthening the small business ecosystem both in her home in Washington D.C. and other local communities.  

The daughter of immigrants and entrepreneurs herself, Pooja understands the barriers that small businesses face, especially when owned by people with underrepresented identities. After closing part of her family’s business Pooja decided to reinvest that money into small businesses and the organizations that support them.   

Pooja’s investment in Bridging Virginia is one part of her work to promote justice, diversity, and equity in the investment and business spheres. Her larger goal through the Marigold Effect is to use the tools of legal advising, business consulting, and impact investing to help social justice-focused organizations grow and achieve their goal.  

Pooja also hopes to demystify community investing, inspiring others to invest locally.  

"There's so many people I know that when they make choices with their money,  they care about a lot of things that matter about our planet, about their communities. So I want to keep the conversation going that we all are investors- everyone can use their money to invest locally and in the things they care about.” 

Marigolds are known as companion flowers that enhance the growth of neighboring plants, and this truly captures the heart of Pooja’s mission. We are honored to have The Marigold Effect as an investor in Bridging Virginia to support and uplift Virginia communities.  

“Two of our top priorities at The Marigold Effect are reducing wealth disparities and promoting impact investing. Bridging Virginia is doing both of these by providing affordable capital and custom support to small businesses and local nonprofits. I’m excited to be a part of the BVA community and I look forward to the results we will achieve together. “