Hennessy Announces $1M Acceleration Fund for Black Entrepreneurs
Hennessy has unveiled the “Never Stop Never Settle Society,” a comprehensive growth accelerator for Black entrepreneurs. The program was co-created with the Marcus Graham Project, a national organization focused on developing the next generation of diverse leaders in the advertising, media, and marketing.
“The ‘Never Stop Never Settle Society’ builds on Hennessy’s long-standing commitment to Black communities and ongoing mission to champion cultural diversity by pushing the limits of potential for Black entrepreneurs,” says Jasmin Allen, Senior Vice President, Hennessy US. “We aim to expand on that legacy in the most impactful and meaningful ways by providing access to capital and resources to those demonstrating the ability to reshape Black communities through social impact.”
Hennessy will accept applications starting Tuesday, April 6th, awarding a number of member benefits to qualified applicants:
- Lump sum funds in the amount of $50K will be administered to selected ventures with potential to reshape the world through social impact
- Access to The Gathering Spot Connect, a Black-owned digital networking hub
- Growth opportunities at the program’s physical footprint and state-of-the-art office at Moët Hennessy’s headquarters in New York City. Debuting late 2021, the space will offer scheduled access to a content studio, along with a compelling slate of educational programming and leadership engagement for business mentorship
Moët Hennessy USA executives and partners including the Marcus Graham Project will co-create program elements, evaluate proposals, and select the curated group of Black entrepreneurs whose visions will be accelerated. Leadership will also further aid member journeys, helping to evolve early business ventures over time.
“Some of the most powerful leaders and creators in the Black community are entrepreneurs creating jobs, rich legacies, and taking ownership of new paths. Access to capital resources to allow for authentic growth has traditionally been a barrier,” says Lincoln Stephens, Co-Founder and CEO of the Marcus Graham Project (MGP). “For over a century now, Hennessy’s participation in the Black community has transcended typical corporate action, and I’m excited to be part of this next chapter that substantively uplifts entrepreneurship as a means towards closing the wealth disparity.”
For additional information on eligibility and membership benefits, visit NeverStopNeverSettle.org.
