At Hello Alice, our mission is to help all owners launch and grow their businesses through resources, mentorship, and other business opportunities. But we can’t achieve this mission alone.
That’s why Hello Alice establishes partnerships with business support organizations to amplify a shared message and connect owners, especially New Majority ones, with more tools and resources to succeed.
As part of the Business for All grant program launched in partnership with Verizon, Hello Alice is proud to extend $10,000 grants to three outstanding organizations to help continue their mission in supporting New Majority small business owners.
Each recipient was first nominated by founders applying for the Business for All grant program. Ten organizations with the highest number of nominations were then evaluated by the Business for All panel based on the degree of assistance provided to founders. The three organizations with the greatest impact to owners were chosen as recipients.
Below, get to know the three business support organizations receiving the Business for All Grant.
1. DivInc
DivInc bridges the gap between underrepresented entrepreneurs and the resources they need to build successful businesses. The organization supports New Majority owners through programs, connecting them with investors, mentoring, and resources.
Hello Alice partnered with DivInc to amplify New Majority owners through initiatives such as the “The Impact of COVID-19 On Black Business Owners,” a data report providing insights into the challenges facing Black founders and actionable steps we can take to eliminate these barriers.
Together, we are able to expand support for underrepresented owners and provide more opportunities for entrepreneurial growth.
“What I love about the Hello Alice team is their authenticity, passion and commitment to go against the tide and make a positive difference in this country for people of color and women entrepreneurs,” says DivInc co-founder and CEO Preston James. “They don’t claim to know it all, but that they are in this fight with us to eliminate disparities and create equitable opportunities for underrepresented founders in the entrepreneur ecosystem.”
2. Bunker Labs
There are 2.5 million veteran-owned businesses in the U.S., contributing about $1 trillion to the economy. But military-connected businesses, including all branches of the U.S. military, active and reserve component members, military spouses, and veterans, face unique challenges: The work outside of their industry and multiple relocations sets them behind to build generational wealth.
Organizations like Bunker Labs, however, are building a network of veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs, providing the tools they need to grow their businesses. Hello Alice partnered with Bunker Labs to provide business resources to support military-connected entrepreneurs through the pandemic.
Bunker Labs plans to use the grant to continue their efforts in supporting veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs.
“Hello Alice has been at the forefront of driving innovation, collaboration, and access for entrepreneurs across the U.S., wanting to connect into the right resources and networks to bring their ideas to life,” says Todd Connor, founder and CEO of Bunker Labs. “As an early adopter of Hello Alice, we have seen the impact of their platform, and now as a Business for All grantee, we will be able to invest even further in connecting with and supporting military-connected entrepreneurs.”
3. National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
NGLCC is the largest global advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBTQ+ founders. The organization also offers a certification program for LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs).
“As the business voice of the LGBT community, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce leads the fight for equity and opportunity for America’s 1.4 million LGBT business owners and the more than $1.7 trillion they add to the US economy,” says Justin Nelson, co-founder and president of NGLCC. “To help them succeed and tear down the barriers of discrimination that get in their way, we need experienced and passionate allies.”
Hello Alice partnered with NGLCC to strengthen support for LGBTQ+ business owners through initiatives such as “The Impact of COVID-19 on LGBTQ+ Businesses,” a data report showing the obstacles confronting LGBTGQ+ founders and the recommended actions to support them.
“Collaborating together on the ‘The Impact of COVID-19 on LGBTQ+ Businesses’ report helped elevate the needs of our innovative, diverse entrepreneurs during this most difficult year,” Nelson says. “With the generous grant they have provided, Hello Alice has demonstrated a commitment to helping small businesses in our community — and all communities — now and always. Together, we can ensure a more level playing field and better access to the tools needed to help ensure the American Dream is open to every American.”
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