Impact Hub Houston Celebra su Sexto Aniversario con Resultados Excepcionales Durante el Primer Año del Innovador Programa MBDA Capital Readiness “Greater Houston Support Stack
PARA SU PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA
HOUSTON, TX – Impact Hub Houston, una organización líder dedicada a acelerar los ecosistemas de emprendimiento e innovación equitativos, se complace en invitar a todos los emprendedores y grupos de interés del ecosistema empresarial a la celebración de su sexto aniversario el viernes 11 de Octubre en su nueva sede ubicada en el Edificio Esperson, en el centro de Houston, para el lanzamiento público del Greater Houston Support Stack, una iniciativa fundada gracias al apoyo del Departamento del Tesoro de los EE.UU. y el premio del Programa de Preparación de Capital de MBDA (CRP, por sus siglas en inglés). Impact Hub Houston fue una de las dos únicas organizaciones en el estado de Texas, y 43 a nivel nacional, en recibir este premio, marcando un hito para MBDA tras la promulgación de la agencia como una agencia federal permanente a través de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura. “El Programa de Preparación de Capital representa la mayor inversión en la historia del Departamento de Comercio para apoyar a empresarios y negocios desatendidos,” dijo la Secretaria de Comercio de EE.UU., Gina Raimondo.
Grace Rodriguez, Cofundadora y Directora Ejecutiva de Impact Hub Houston, declaró: “Nosotros y nuestros socios del Support Stack — Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC), Houston Area Urban League, Houston Business Development, Inc. (HBDI), United4Change Center, Goodspero, y The Pivot Partner — estamos encantados de haber recibido este premio de MBDA para lanzar el Greater Houston Support Stack, y estamos aún más emocionados de compartir públicamente su éxito y el impulso para brindar apoyo coordinado a los emprendedores de nuestra región. Esta iniciativa representa un cambio de paradigma en cómo colaboramos como un verdadero ecosistema para ayudar a los emprendedores desatendidos a navegar por los recursos y oportunidades de nuestra región. Gracias al financiamiento de MBDA y a la dedicación de nuestros socios, el Support Stack está ayudando a las empresas a desarrollar capacidades, contactos, contratos y capital para prosperar, teniendo un impacto significativo en las vidas, familias y comunidades de miles de personas en el área metropolitana de Houston.”
“Nuestro enfoque para el crecimiento y desarrollo de negocios minoritarios implica trabajar estrechamente con nuestras organizaciones asociadas estratégicas para aprovechar nuestros recursos colectivos y crear una ventanilla única para nuestras pequeñas empresas. Esto garantiza que las empresas de propiedad diversa tengan acceso a los abundantes recursos que ofrecemos y a los servicios de nuestros socios,” dijo Ingrid Robinson, Presidenta y CEO de HMSDC.
“Impact Hub Houston es una fuerza impulsora en el fomento de la innovación y el crecimiento emprendedor en nuestra vibrante ciudad. Su liderazgo visionario está creando nuevas oportunidades para todos, y en United4Change Center (U4C) nos enorgullece colaborar con una organización tan dinámica y con toda la red del Support Stack. Juntos, estamos empoderando a las empresarias hispanas y ampliando el acceso a oportunidades económicas para la creciente y diversa población de Houston. Nuestra alianza es esencial para avanzar en nuestra misión compartida de construir resiliencia y prosperidad en nuestra comunidad,” dijo Ximena Murillo, CEO de United4Change Center.
Inspirado por el concepto de un “stack tecnológico” sobre la cual las startups construyen sus soluciones, el Greater Houston Support Stack ofrece una base sólida para que los emprendedores hagan crecer sus negocios. Su red de organizaciones de apoyo a emprendedores y empresas, incubadoras, aceleradores, Instituciones Financieras de Desarrollo Comunitario (CDFI), instituciones al servicio de las minorías (MSI) y grupos de desarrollo económico aprovechan su experiencia única para proporcionar una estrategia coordinada, una estructura clara y un conjunto integral de programas, servicios y apoyo, que incluye:
Compartir conocimientos y “mejores prácticas” de forma proactiva
Evaluación de necesidades
Programas y servicios relevantes para cada etapa
Referencias oportunas
Monitoreo de progreso colectivo
Con este enfoque, el Support Stack ha demostrado un impacto significativo en su primer año:
Más de 3,000 personas se han conectado y construido sus redes profesionales
406 emprendedores han completado programas de aceleración y capacitación
159 emprendedores han presentado sus proyectos a proveedores de capital y clientes empresariales
74 empresas han recibido más de $46,321,000 en capital no dilutivo y contratos
“Estos resultados subrayan el poder de la colaboración y el apoyo específico para emprendedores desatendidos,” agregó Rodriguez. “Estamos emocionados de construir sobre este impulso y continuar expandiendo nuestro alcance e impacto.”
Jessica Bolaños, CEO de Goodspero, el socio encargado de contar la historia del Support Stack, añadió: “Es inspirador capturar el trabajo transformador de Impact Hub Houston y del Support Stack, destacando las trayectorias de los diversos emprendedores en el área metropolitana de Houston. Con alrededor del 20% de las pequeñas empresas en EE.UU. fallando en su primer año y un 50% para el quinto, los emprendedores de Houston enfrentan desafíos similares, incluyendo el acceso al capital y la competencia. Nuestro objetivo es mostrar la resiliencia, el apoyo y los recursos que impulsan su éxito.”
Para agosto de 2027, se proyecta que el Greater Houston Support Stack habrá ayudado a más de 8,000 emprendedores en el área metropolitana de Houston, el condado de Harris, el condado de Fort Bend y las comunidades rurales circundantes a desarrollar capacidades, redes y capital para que puedan crecer y acceder a la Iniciativa Estatal de Crédito para Pequeñas Empresas (SSBCI, por sus siglas en inglés) y otros programas federales y oportunidades de financiamiento que faciliten la expansión.
Únete al Support Stack
Los emprendedores, innovadores y grupos de interés del ecosistema empresarial pueden registrarse en https://celebrateourimpact.eventbrite.com para asistir a la celebración y al lanzamiento.
Los innovadores, emprendedores y propietarios de negocios elegibles están invitados a aplicar para recibir asistencia y participar en los programas del Support Stack en https://bit.ly/supportstackintakeform.
Las organizaciones de apoyo a emprendedores interesadas en unirse al Support Stack y recibir referencias, o aquellas que deseen obtener más información sobre el programa o Impact Hub Houston, por favor contacten a Grace Rodriguez en [email protected].
Sobre Impact Hub Houston, MBDA y HMSDC
Impact Hub Houston es una organización sin fines de lucro dedicada a inspirar, conectar y empoderar a diversos emprendedores y empresas de impacto. Como parte de una red global de más de 120 Impact Hubs en 68 países y seis continentes, Impact Hub Houston cataliza soluciones innovadoras, emprendimientos equitativos y el desarrollo de ecosistemas transformadores para un mundo más justo y sostenible.
La Agencia de Desarrollo de Negocios para Minorías (MBDA) promueve el crecimiento y la competitividad global de las Empresas Propiedad de Minorías (MBE, por sus siglas en inglés) con el fin de desbloquear el potencial económico completo del país. La MBDA fue establecida el 5 de marzo de 1969 por el Presidente Richard M. Nixon bajo el nombre de Oficina de Negocios para Minorías. El Programa de Preparación de Capital (CRP) de la MBDA está financiado por la Iniciativa Estatal de Crédito para Pequeñas Empresas (SSBCI) del Departamento del Tesoro y fue reautorizado bajo la Ley del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense de 2021. El CRP es un programa de asistencia técnica de $125 millones destinado a ayudar a los empresarios de minorías y otros empresarios desatendidos a hacer crecer y escalar sus negocios. El lanzamiento del Programa de Preparación de Capital marca un hito monumental para la MBDA, tras la promulgación de la Agencia como una Agencia Federal permanente en noviembre de 2021 como parte de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura del Presidente Biden.
El Consejo de Desarrollo de Proveedores Minoritarios de Houston (HMSDC) forma parte de una red nacional de 23 consejos regionales que representan a más de 17,000 empresas de propiedad minoritaria y más de 900 corporaciones importantes, incluidas la mayoría de las empresas de Fortune 500. HMSDC involucra activamente a sus miembros en esfuerzos para aumentar y expandir las oportunidades comerciales y el crecimiento de las Empresas Propiedad de Minorías (MBE, por sus siglas en inglés) y promover la excelencia en la diversidad y desarrollo de proveedores. HMSDC ofrece a los emprendedores de minorías la oportunidad de conectarse con muchas de las instituciones públicas y empresas privadas más grandes de América. Más información
Contactos: Consultas en Español: María Burgos, Coordinadora de Programa de Impact Hub Houston [email protected]
Consultas en Inglés: Grace Rodriguez, CEO/Directora Ejecutiva de Impact Hub Houston [email protected]
adidas and Impact Hub expand Community Lab Program to Houston
Calling for Local Social Entrepreneurs and Impact Ventures Working at the Intersection of Access and Equity in Sport
Houston, TX — Building upon its mission to uplift Black and Latino/a/e social entrepreneurs on their journeys to drive real change and advance equity in sports for their communities, adidas has opened applications for the 2024-2025 Community Lab cohort to Houston area entrepreneurs! From now through September 23, 2024, potential participants are invited to learn more and apply at https://impacthub.net/works/adidas-community-lab/.
In partnership with a team comprising leaders at Impact Hub Houston, Impact Hub New York, and the global Impact Hub network, the adidas Community Lab is expanding its footprint and accepting applicants from Houston, Toronto, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York. adidas and collaborators Impact Hub, i.e. (Industry Education), and Black Ambition will co-create programming that helps elevate participants’ clear visions into impactful futures.
This year, the adidas Community Lab cohort will select entrepreneurs to receive eight months of intensive programming and $75,000 in grant funding to put their learnings into practice and generate growth for their business. Community Lab support elements include:
Mentorship
Expert pitch training
Exclusive access to workshops, community connections and fireside chats
Networking opportunities with adidas executives and top industry leaders
“As Community Lab enters its third year, we are thrilled to cultivate a larger cohort of social entrepreneurs who share our vision of removing barriers to accessing sport for the communities we collectively serve,” said Ayesha Martin, Senior Director of adidas Purpose.
Michelle Avalos, Co-Founder of Impact Hub Houston, shared: “Impact Hub is thrilled to partner and support this third iteration of adidas Community Lab, empowering visionary leaders who are advancing SDG3 —Good Health and Wellbeing — and SDG10 — Reduced Inequalities. Together, we’re helping entrepreneurs create equitable access to sports and foster healthier, more inclusive communities for all.”
“Black Ambition was founded to create the space, bespoke opportunities and relationships needed for underrepresented founders to excel, uninterrupted. We are excited to partner with adidas Purpose to extend elements of our renowned, global founder support model to social impact entrepreneurs positively transforming their communities through sports and wellness,” added Jermeen Sherman, Managing Director Black Ambition.
adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany, the company employs more than 59,000 people across the globe and generated sales of € 22.5 billion in 2022.
About Impact Hub & Impact Hub Houston
Impact Hub leads the charge in creating communities for impact-driven entrepreneurs. Its diverse network of over 120 Impact Hubs in 69 countries around the world help people build better businesses, design impactful solutions, and reimagine the future with resources and support from local and regional ecosystems. Part of this network and Regional Lead for North America, Impact Hub Houston inspires, connects, and empowers entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into impact, build strong innovation and startup foundations, leverage diverse professional networks, and access new capital strategies and resources.
About Industry Education
This year programming is further enhanced by a bespoke leadership module by i.e. i.e. (Industry Education) is a startup venture enabling diverse creatives an accessible pathway to turn their dreams into meaningful professional careers through an apprenticeship network and leadership development series offered in partnership with leading corporations. i.e. founder and CEO Jessica Smith is an expert in leadership education and co-founder of adidas S.E.E.D.
About Black Ambition
Black Ambition is a non-profit organization founded by Pharrell Williams working to close the opportunity and wealth gap through entrepreneurship. They invest capital and resources in high-growth startups founded by Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. They believe entrepreneurs historically left out of traditional investment funnels are building the companies of tomorrow. To date, they have mentored more than 1,000 underrepresented founders and awarded more than $10m to 101 dynamic entrepreneurs. They will support adidas Community Lab with specific programming sessions and an immersive network cultivation experience.
As we kick off the vibrant month of Pride, I want to take a moment to express our unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community. At Impact Hub Houston, we firmly believe in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion as fundamental values that shape our work. We are committed to fostering an environment where all individuals can thrive, inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
We understand that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is ongoing, and that discrimination, hate crimes, and systemic barriers persist. We must do more, and do better. As an organization dedicated to supporting solutions and startups for positive social and environmental impact, we recognize the profound importance of being an ally to people from marginalized communities. Their diverse perspectives and experiences are essential for sparking creativity, driving innovation, and developing sustainable solutions to the complex challenges we all face. By embracing the LGBTQ+ community, we not only honor their tremendous contributions and talents, but we also enrich our Greater Houston community by fostering a culture of acceptance, respect, and empathy for all.
As the Human Rights Campaign says: Every person has their own journey in understanding what it means to support LGBTQ+ people, whether you’re LGBTQ+ or not. We encourage you to visit their “Being an LGBTQ+ Ally” guide to help you begin that journey: https://reports.hrc.org/being-an-lgbtq-ally
Being an ally means actively listening, learning, and advocating for the rights and well-being of others. It means creating safe spaces where individuals can bring their whole selves to the table, free from discrimination, fear, or prejudice. We are committed to using our platform to raise awareness, challenge bias, and advocate for policies and practices that promote equality and inclusion. We will work non-stop to inspire, connect, and empower all individuals, inclusive of their ethnicity, culture, age, ability, whom they love, and how they express themselves.
This Pride Month, let us come together as a community, united in our dedication to justice and equality. Let us celebrate the victories achieved, amplify the voices that have been silenced or suppressed, and recommit ourselves to the work ahead. Together, we can create a future where everyone is seen, heard, valued, and welcomed for who they are.
Happy Pride Month!
Grace Rodriguez
Executive Director
Impact Hub Houston
In Spring 2022, adidas announced its partnership with Impact Hub and Blavity.org to launch a new program called Cultivate & B.L.O.O.M. (Building Legacies Out of Movements), an accelerator program for social entrepreneurs of color.
Through knowledge sharing and funding, the program cultivates a thriving ecosystem for changemakers to accelerate impact and deliver initiatives at the intersection of sport, equity and creativity for Black and Latinx communities.
Earlier this year, adidas announced its newest program, Cultivate & B.L.O.O.M., designed to equip entrepreneurs of color with tools and resources to enable them to accelerate growth and maximize impact. As part of adidas’ United Against Racism commitments and celebration of boundary-breaking Black women, Cultivate & B.L.O.O.M. is further closing the opportunity gap that exists for Black and Latinx social entrepreneurs by elevating, co-creating with and funding entrepreneurs creating change in their communities.
17% OF BLACK WOMEN ARE IN THE PROCESS OF STARTING OR RUNNING NEW BUSINESSES, COMPARED TO 10% OF WHITE WOMEN, AND 15% OF WHITE MEN. DESPITE THIS EARLY LEAD, ONLY 3% OF BLACK WOMEN ARE RUNNING MATURE BUSINESSES. Harvard Business Review, May 2021
Through an intentional selection process, eight Black women social entrepreneurs were identified to participate in the first-ever Cultivate & B.L.O.O.M. cohort. The first cohort kicked off in July 2022 and will graduate in March 2023.
Throughout their nine months in the program, entrepreneurs have access to a tailored portfolio of resources and opportunities from within and outside of the adidas ecosystems that will serve to accelerate their impact. These resources include funding, access to industry experts, mentorship, workshops, fireside chats and visibility into adidas’ networks.
Funding: adidas awards each entrepreneur $100,000 to apply to the growth and development of their organization.
Mentorship: Entrepreneurs are assigned mentors from a talented pool of women of color across adidas who hold positions on its product, retail, marketing, creative and digital teams, and meet with them once a month.
‘Office Hours’ Workshops: Each month, entrepreneurs attend workshops led by experts from adidas’ internal and external networks. The workshops cover key topics meant to aid in business development.
Fireside Chats: Cultivate & B.L.O.O.M. welcomes powerful women of color to hold monthly conversations on topics like innovation, networking and self-care. Speakers have included Black Ambition CEO and author Felecia Hatcher, Parkwoods Philanthropy Director Ivy McGregor, actress, producer, screenwriter Lena Waithe and yoga and healing justice facilitator Alli Simon.
Tools: Participants are given a one-year subscription to Ureeka, a small business growth engine, and are plugged into the adidas Community platform where they learn from and interact with leaders in business, sport and creative industries. They are also connected to the many resources Impact Hub offer.
After graduating from the program, participants become a partner in the “Innovation Network”, a network of social impact partners that seek to drive forward change within their communities and organizations. This portfolio of partners will enable adidas to continue strengthening the diversity of our partnership network, increase our reach within key markets and deepen our relationships over time.
Ayesha Martin, Director of Global Purpose at adidas said: “At adidas, we are committed to changing lives through sport, and are excited about the opportunity to– through Cultivate & B.L.O.O.M.– start to address and remove systemic barriers Black & Latinx community change-makers on the rise face. This is just the beginning, with so much more to do.”
Join us in celebrating our first Cultivate & B.L.O.O.M. cohort of powerful women entrepreneurs who are having far-reaching impact on their communities.
Annya Santana, Hood Health: Hood Health’s the first media platform and lifestyle brand at the intersection of health, wellness and culture. A rare space that focuses on inclusive, practical, functional wellness of people of color through thoughtful, educational, entertaining content where nutritional, physical, mindful wellbeing and culture collide. IG: @hood_health
Briana Thompson, Spiked Spin & Wellness Co: Briana launched Spiked Spin & Wellness Co in 2016 to diversify the state of health and wellness by creating classes and resources for Black women and allies to feel seen and supported. Spiked Spin has since grown its ridership to over 4,000 people in NYC and offers indoor cycling, Pilates, yoga, nutrition guides and monthly group mental check-in sessions with licensed therapists and psychologists. IG: @spikedwellness
Corinne Milien, WRK: Corinne founded WRK, a talent sourcing firm specializing in connecting sports, media and entertainment companies with a community of qualified talent, to eliminate bias and barriers for those historically excluded from traditional hiring practices. Her infectious energy towards “doing good” for others and ultimately paying it forward is helping to level the playing field for all. IG: @lets.do.wrk
Elisa Shankle, HealHaus: Elisa merged her passion for integrated mindful and holistic approaches to wellness with her passion for design to create HealHaus, a one stop shop for diverse healing services, available at its Brooklyn flagship location or through an online subscription-based membership or workplace program. IG: @healhaus
Jasmyne Spencer, The Black Women’s Players Collective: Serving on the executive board of BWPC, a nonprofit created by the Black players in the National Women’s Soccer League to advance opportunities for Black girls in sport and beyond, Jasmyne helps elevate the image, value and representation of Black women as athletes and leaders across industries. IG: @blackwplayercollective
Lauren Spearman, R&B Yoga: Noticing a lack of diversity in the yoga community she was so passionate about, Lauren created R&B Yoga to break down barriers to yoga for those who’ve previously not felt included in the community. By blending upbeat, modern music with beginner-friendly techniques, the classes encourage body positivity and make fitness accessible to all in a welcoming, lighthearted and fun environment. IG: @rnbyoga
Sinikiwe Dhliwayo, Naaya: Sinikiwe is committed to using wellness as a means to make society more equitable and just, which led her to found Naaya. By highlighting practitioners and instructors of diverse backgrounds and bodies, Naaya is disrupting the status quo of the wellness industry, helping change the wellness narrative from exclusive to inclusive and creating safe spaces for BIPOC folks to exist as the fullest expression of their humanity. IG: @naaya.wellness
Wanda Jones, The Ahmaud Arbery Foundation: Committed to honoring her son, Ahmaud Arbery, she created the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation to empower, serve and affirm Black boys on their journeys towards mental wellness. IG: @ahmaudarberyfoundation
The next cohort, which will focus on equipping and empowering Latinx social entrepreneurs, will kick off in 2023, with the cohort application opening in June. To participate, entrepreneurs must be at a company or organization:
Based in Portland, Oregon – home to adidas’ North America head office
Within early-stage development (first 1-3 years)
With at least one Black and/or Latinx founder
Whose purpose is aligned to removing barriers of access to and safety in sport at the intersection of community, equity and creativity.
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About adidas
adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany, the company employs more than 61,000 people across the globe and generated sales of € 21.2 billion in 2021.
About Impact Hub
Impact Hub is a global network catalyzing entrepreneurial action and business for good. With 108+ locations across 60+ countries and 25,000+ people driving change, they connect entrepreneurs and innovators to large organizations, investors, and the public sector. Why? To enable inclusive and sustainable innovation – at scale.
About Blavity.org
Blavity.org is a new racial equity and social impact organization created by the founders of Blavity Inc. Blavity.org Foundation is not-for-profit group to drive Black economic advancement forward through entrepreneurial fellowship programs featuring grants, education, and sponsorship. A groundbreaking social-cause organization, Blavity.org’s Foundation has been created by Blavity Inc., the leading media company for Black culture and millennials. Blavity.org was built to further Blavity Inc.’s social impact through the development of digital programs designed to advance economic progress and racial equity for Black entrepreneurs. Blavity.org understands the need of a foundation to drive, support, and amplify Black economic achievement and mobility.
Review Voter ID Requirements – Voter ID requirements can frequently change, so double check your state’s Voter ID Laws to ensure you have what you need before you head to the polls.
Practice COVID-19 Safety – Continue to follow essential COVID-19 health tips including wearing a mask, sanitize/wash your hands before and after voting, and maintain social distancing while waiting in line. Select your state to view COVID-19 election information.
VOTE! – Make sure your voice is heard on November 3. Vote early to avoid longer wait times on Election Day. Make a voting plan and check in with your friends to make sure they are ready to snag a snazzy “I Voted” sticker, too.
To find your voter eligibility and your closest polling locations, visit voteamerica.com.
To protect your rights as a voter, get to know what they are and what you’re able to do about them at vote.org’s Election Protection Guide. If you encounter any issues when trying to vote, call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-687-8683.
Now share this with your friends and family, and make your plan to get to the polls on Tuesday, November 3rd!
We are proud to announce our support to champion diverse businesses in underserved and rural communities as a member of the Page 30 Coalition. The coalition aims to push a legislative and regulatory agenda by working with partners around the country to ensure that the critical constituencies recognized on Page 30 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act receive the prioritization that Congress intended. With hundreds of billions already deployed and billions more likely to be released through subsequent COVID-19 packages, Page 30 Coalition is fighting to ensure more is done for these at-risk and underserved businesses.
The Page 30 Coalition was named for the section of the CARES Act from late March of 2020, that reads:
It is the sense of the Senate that the Administrator should issue guidance to lenders and agents to ensure that the processing and disbursement of covered loans prioritizes small business concerns and entities in underserved and rural markets, including veterans and members of the military community, small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, women and businesses in operations for less than 2 years.
To ensure this prioritization is realized, the Page 30 Coalition has formed a national alliance of industry-leading-organizations to shape America’s legislative and regulatory small business landscape by aggressively advocating for equitable policy solutions that bolsters growth for underserved firms in the years ahead.
Our priorities include:
Expand the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) through December 31, 2020
Eliminate the PPP “first come, first serve” rule and provide prioritization to underserved communities
Extend covered period for PPP loan forgiveness
Expand economic resources for small businesses with 10 employees or less
Dedicate additional aid to America’s most vulnerable small businesses, particularly women, minority, rural, veteran, and start-ups
Call for participating lending entities to provide greater transparency on federal loan disbursement data
We will start sharing updates through our social media accounts on the coalition’s work to support diverse entrepreneurs through non-partisan policy advocacy.
To connect with the coalition, you can contact Jamon Phenix, the Coalition Manager, at [email protected].
Support for the coalition, from some of its national members:
Asian/ Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship
“COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the more than 2 million AAPI businesses in the U.S. Federal relief programs, while welcome and necessary, are only as good as their accessibility. Our community continues to lack federally mandated in-language resources, and many eligible applicants continue to be turned away from participating lenders. We must prioritize our vulnerable populations, which is why the Asian & Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) is proud to be a founding member of the Page 30 Coalition.”
– Chiling Tong, President & CEO, National ACE
U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
“The pandemic is taking a devastating toll on Black-owned businesses. As the voice of Black business owners, we’re calling on Congress to enforce a triage approach to helping small businesses recover from the pandemic. A first come first served approach is utterly unacceptable. Small businesses deserve more, too often aid funding goes to the fastest and savviest, when in fact, those who are hit the hardest deserve to be treated first.”
– Ron Busby, President & CEO, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
“Small business is big business for us at the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. We know our economic power and we will exert our influence for many years to come to provide a strong advocacy voice to the benefit of small, Hispanic and minority-owned businesses.”
-Ramiro A. Cavazos, President & CEO, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Association for Enterprise Opportunity
“While some initially believed the pandemic would act as ‘the great equalizer,’ the truth is that COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting businesses and communities that were already at an economic disadvantage. To reverse this course, policy makers must take rapid and decisive action now. The coronavirus economic relief packages are overlooking millions of micro and MainStreet businesses, which represent more than 90 percent of all businesses in the U.S. For the sake of our nation’s economy, we must ensure that the spirit and intention of the CARES act is carried out by prioritizing businesses that are most vulnerable—those that are owned by people of color, veterans, immigrants and others who operate in low and moderate income communities.”
-Connie Evans, President & CEO of Association for Enterprise Opportunity.
Association of Women’s Business Centers
“AWBC is pleased to participate in the Page 30 coalition and help raise awareness about CARES Act priority in aiding underserved businesses, including women-owned businesses, as outlined by page 30 of the bill.”
– Corinne Hodges, CEO of Association of Women’s Business Centers.
Aura
“The Page 30 Coalition has come together in support of Latinx and minority-owned small businesses and independent workers that have been left behind in this crisis. We need to provide lasting and equitable relief for these businesses and workers, especially through the development of institutions and infrastructure to deploy capital to hard-to-reach, underbanked communities. Page 30 is focused on developing these institutions and ensuring that Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) can fill this void, especially for micro-small businesses and their essential workers.”
-James Gutierrez, CEO & Co-Founder of Aura.
Gusto
“Small businesses make up nearly 50% of our GDP and 50% of our labor market. They are essential to our communities, our economy, and our lives. Gusto data shows that those who can least afford it are being the hardest hit by COVID layoffs. We must prioritize delivering aid to the businesses that need it the most.”
– Lexi Reese, Chief Operating Officer of Gusto.
Prosperity Now
“The millions of small businesses owned and operated by people of color and other traditionally underserved populations in this country are the primary source of jobs and incomes for their communities and provide critical services. Despite their importance, they are not getting the stimulus dollars they need to help them stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mainstream banks in charge of distributing this relief too often overlook these businesses and should not be the primary vehicles responsible for lending out this money. Instead, stimulus dollars should be set aside for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and other financial entities that are best equipped to support them. The mission of CDFIs is to provide financial products and services to underserved communities like minority-owned small businesses, and they are uniquely positioned to do so. These businesses are a lifeline for these communities and need to be saved during this crisis so they can continue to contribute and thrive, rather than be left to fend for themselves.”
– Gary Cunningham, President & CEO of Prosperity Now.
