Apple’s new Impact Accelerator for Black- and Brown-owned businesses is now open to applications. The program will provide access to targeted training, Apple experts, executive training to succeed as a supplier, and mentorship through an alumni network.
Eligible companies must be headquartered in the U.S. and be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by an African American, Hispanic American/Latinx, or Indigenous American individual.
The Impact Accelerator is part of Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative to ensure more positive outcomes for communities of color. In January Apple committed $100 million to the effort. The Impact Accelerator also ties into the company’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
“This program is an ideal opportunity for tech entrepreneurs in our local ecosystem,” said Plug In South LA Founder Derek Smith. “We support Apple’s efforts to bring Black and Brown founders into their supply chain.”
Submissions are being accepted from eligible businesses that offer environmental solutions and services in:
- Climate Change
- Energy efficiency
- Renewable energy
- Direct emissions abatement
- Carbon removal
- Resources and Renewable Materials
- Automation
- Recycling innovation
- Water stewardship
- Zero waste
- Smarter Chemistry
- Product chemistry
- Protecting people and the environment through green chemistry
There is no cost to participate and applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm Pacific on April 30, 2021. Apple plans to notify finalists in late June with selected participants starting the program in August.
Photo Credit: Apple Inc.