Houston, TX – January 9, 2026 – Impact Hub Houston is proud to announce a new partnership with the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (or “UPBI,” housed within the McKenna Center for Human Development and Global Business at the University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs) to launch “Build Equity,” a program designed to break systemic barriers and empower emerging entrepreneurs from low-income backgrounds to achieve upward mobility and uplift communities across Greater Houston.
Impact Hub Houston’s new projects have been made possible by its partnership with the UPBI, which has joined forces with The Coca-Cola Company to empower entrepreneurs nationwide. Coca-Cola, inspired by the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26™, is supporting community groups around the country to drive economic growth and inclusion, help the next generation of leaders unlock their potential, and make positive and long-lasting contributions to local communities.
“We’re excited for this opportunity to uplift the next generation of business owners and leaders,” said Grace Rodriguez, Executive Director of Impact Hub Houston. “Research shows that social capital—or ‘economic connectedness’—has a strong impact on upward mobility, unlocking economic ladders that give lower-income individuals access to opportunities, jobs, and resources. Together, we’re equipping emerging entrepreneurs with the tools they need to unlock their potential and build connections, capacity, and confidence for long-term success, so they, their families, and their communities can thrive.”
With “Build Equity,” Impact Hub Houston leverages UPBI’s curriculum to help aspiring entrepreneurs develop the mindset, skills, assets, and confidence to launch revenue-generating businesses. Participants receive applied education, mentorship, consulting, network connections, and capital readiness preparation through a six-week hands-on bootcamp followed by four months of personalized mentorship and four months of ongoing support.
Coca-Cola’s support reflects its broader mission to empower local economies and inspire the next generation through targeted investments in communities, colleges, and youth leadership programs. By focusing on economic mobility, inclusion, and community-driven opportunity, Coca-Cola is building a legacy of connection that extends beyond the tournament.
Applications are open now until February 23, 2026. Impact Hub Houston invites individuals to learn more about the program and apply at https://bit.ly/applytobe.
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Program Partners:
Impact Hub Houston is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers entrepreneurs to build solutions for a more just and sustainable world. As part of a global network of 130+ Impact Hubs and 24,000+ members across 69 countries, we connect creative, committed changemakers and partner with organizations across sectors to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems, inspire collaboration, and scale impact aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Grace Rodriguez
CEO, Impact Hub Houston
📧 [email protected]
🌐 houston.impacthub.net
The Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (or “UPBI,” housed within the McKenna Center for Human Development and Global Business at the University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs) is a network of universities and non-profit organizations dedicated to facilitating business growth among America’s lowest income neighborhoods. Grounded in more than 25 years of hands-on experience and research, the UPBI model is uniquely tailored to address the challenges among low-income and disadvantaged individuals as they navigate the entrepreneurial process.
The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship (Rice Alliance) is Rice University’s nationally recognized initiative devoted to the support of technology commercialization, entrepreneurship education, and the launch of technology companies. The Rice Alliance leads programming and activation at the Ion, Houston’s HQ for Innovation. The Ion anchors the Ion District, a 16-acre innovation hub in Houston’s Midtown, developed by Rice University. Since 2001, 3,714 companies have participated in Rice Alliance programs—and those companies raised more than $31.46B+ in capital.
