iHeartMedia Atlanta has pledged to help 10,000 aspiring Black entrepreneurs in the Atlanta metro area launch their businesses.
The commitment is part of iHeartMedia Atlanta’s multi-year commitment to Atlanta-based Operation HOPE in April, supporting its national 1 Million Black Business Initiative (1MBB), which aims to create one million new Black businesses by 2030.
“We are excited to partner with Operation HOPE to grow Black business ownership here in Atlanta,” said Drew Lauter, President, iHeartMedia Atlanta. “Our city is the epicenter for entrepreneurial energy and we are proud to use iHeart’s considerable resources to help owners of Black businesses achieve their dreams.”
According to the US Census Bureau, there are over 2.6 million Black-owned businesses in the US. Atlanta ranks in the top five cities in the country for Black entrepreneurs.
The program will amplify the work of aspiring Black entrepreneurs. They will receive top-of-the-line coaching and educational resources and a 120-day free trial, courtesy of Shopify. iHeartMedia Atlanta will also provide social media support and advertising to a select group of entrepreneurs in the future.
“Operation HOPE is thrilled about the expanded commitment made today by iHeartMedia Atlanta to the creation of 10,000 Black-owned businesses in our great city. Atlanta is a mecca of Black culture, life, and business, and this type of private-sector leadership is slated to pave the way for future success and upward mobility,” said John Hope Bryant, Founder and CEO of Operation HOPE. “iHeart Media continues to be one of the most influential voices in media, and we’re grateful that they’re using their voice and reach to support our vision of social justice through an economic lens.”
To learn more about 1MBB or to get your business started, visit buildingblackbizATL.com or operationhope.org.
