Apple has announced today that they have selected 15 companies owned by Black and Brown founders that will become part of its very first Impact Accelerator project.
The announcement comes as part of the tech giant’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative program that aims to “help to combat systemic barriers to opportunity, while also advancing innovative solutions for communities most impacted by climate change.”
The 15 businesses are located all over the United States – from Silicon Valley in California, to Michigan, Detroit, to tribal nations across the Midwest – and working on innovation in green chemistry, energy efficiency, solar, recycling and other environmental applications. Most of them share a specific focus on “bringing clean energy, opportunity, and vital services to vulnerable and underserved communities.”
Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson said, “We are thrilled to welcome our first Impact Accelerator class, and look forward to seeing how these innovative businesses will expand their work to protect the planet and our communities. On our journey to our 2030 carbon neutral goal for our supply chain and products, we’re determined to help create a greener and more equitable future for all people. The businesses we’re partnering with today are poised to become tomorrow’s diverse and innovative industry leaders, creating ripples of change to help communities everywhere adapt to the urgent challenges posed by climate change.”
The chosen companies will be participating in customized training and will be given access to Apple experts and an alumni community. The Impact Accelerator is designed to support businesses owned by those with Black, Brown, Native American and Indigenous backgrounds that share Apple’s focus on innovation and commitment to the environment as they attain their next stage of development.
After a three-month virtual program, the companies will be considered for opportunities to become suppliers to Apple as it aims to realize its goal of being carbon neutral for its supply chain and products by the year 2030.