Business

Pouring With A Purpose -- BLQK Coffee Donates 25% of Profits to Social Justice Initiatives

The recently launched BLQK Coffee is serving caffeine with a cause, having committed to pouring 25 percent of their profits into the support of social justice initiatives. Coffee lovers can now purchase the coffee online at BLQK.Coffee.

Influencer Launches Platform to Help Moms of Color Connect With National Brands

As we honor notable accomplishments of trailblazers from the past during Black History Month, it’s also important to recognize the leaders who are blazing trails today.

National Women’s Business Council Releases 2020 Roundtable Report

The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) has released its 2020 #LetsTalkBusiness Roundtable Series Report, a collection of testimonials from women entrepreneurs on current challenges and opportunities associated with access to capital, childcare, and patenting and trademark

Boys & Girls Clubs of America Names H Walker as Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Officer

Boys & Girls Clubs of America has named H Walker as its new Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Officer, underscoring the organization’s ongoing commitment and legacy of building opportunity and great futures for kids and teens. Walker will be charged with building upon the diversity, equity and inclusion strategy and creating new initiatives for Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide and key organization partnerships.

American Families’ Desire to Save For Their Children’s Future Increases During the Pandemic, According to New Research Survey

UNest, the first-of-its-kind mobile app that helps parents invest in their children’s future financial wellness, has announced the results of a survey that it commissioned focused on family savings through the pandemic. The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll and Caliber Intelligence on behalf of UNest, has shown that despite new financial strains from COVID-19, parents conclusively place their children’s future as their most pressing savings goal.

Black-owned, Education-first Kids and Family Banking App Goalsetter raises $3.9M Seed Round led by Astia

Goalsetter, a Black-owned kids and family finance app that provides a next-generation, education-first banking experience for U.S. kids and teens, recently announced its seed capital raise of $3.9 million.

Veteran Investor Damien Dwin Launches Lafayette Square with $100 Million Financing from Morgan Stanley

Damien Dwin, a Black American businessman, philanthropist and veteran investor, recently announced the official launch of Lafayette Square Holding Company (“Lafayette Square”), an impact-driven, minority owned investment platform.

New survey finds 70% of consumers improved home during COVID-19, more than half used smart devices

A new study released recently by Xiaomi, a global leader in smart devices, found that since March 2020, 70% of consumers have reported making changes in their living environment due to spending more time at home during the pandemic, and more than half (51%) have reported purchasing at least one smart device during that period.

Six Workforce Trends to Watch in 2021

The Center for State and Local Government Excellence (SLGE) helps local and state governments become knowledgeable and competitive employers so they can attract and retain a talented and committed workforce.

Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce Conference A Huge Success

The Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce (ILBCC) hosted two days of insightful symposiums and impactful workshops during its annual convention, themed “Surviving the Pandemics Virtual State Convention.” While the current climate has forced most organizations to scale down operations considerably, the Chamber has been able to continue providing services and fulfilling many of its 2020 initiatives.

PayPal Announces Additional $5 Million Grant Program for Black-Owned Businesses as COVID-19 Crisis Continues

PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL) recently announced an additional $5 million grant program that will further the company’s support for Black-owned businesses in the U.S., which have been disproportionately affected by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new grant program is an extension of the $10 million PayPal Empowerment Grant program for Black-owned businesses that PayPal announced in June as part of the company’s $530 million commitment to support Black-owned businesses, strengthen minority communities and fight economic inequality.

Ben & Jerry’s and Colin Kaepernick Unite to Change the Whirled

Ben & Jerry’s is honoring Colin Kaepernick, one of the most prominent social activists, with his very own flavor: “Change the Whirled.”

Ideabar Awards $250K of In-Kind Services to The King Center through Empowering Equality Marketing Program

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center) has been awarded $250,000 of in-kind marketing services through “Empowering Equality,” a marketing program sponsored by Ideabar, a national marketing and media agency and Cox Enterprises company.

Mutual of America Announces Five Recipients of the 2020 Community Partnership Award

Mutual of America has announced the recipients of its 2020 Community Partnership Award, marking the 25th anniversary of the prestigious national competition. This year, five nonprofit organizations were selected for their outstanding contributions to society, in partnership with public, private and other social sector organizations.

Women More Likely to Face Housing Insecurity in Pandemic-Led Recession

The pandemic-led recession is disproportionately hurting women in the workforce and is more likely to threaten their housing security.