What’s new: UPS is launching UPS Ignite and a partnership with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs to elevate underrepresented founders and the businesses they lead nationwide. Through a $1.25 million investment from UPS and The UPS Foundation, these efforts will reach more than 250 small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) over the next three years.
Why it matters: Many talented entrepreneurs don’t have access to the knowledge, capital and networks they need to succeed. UPS Ignite provides them with resources and tools to help – and also furthers the company’s focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Ignite program has four focus areas:
- Capital through the Accion Opportunity Fund
- Self-paced, online training on a UPS-branded platform in collaboration with The Lonely Entrepreneur and its Black Entrepreneur Initiative
- Classes through the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University
- Business coaching through The Lonely Entrepreneur and Beyond CEO Coaching
Watch the video below to learn about UPS Ignite.