Giant sporting goods chain, ADIDAS originally announced their collaboration with Impact Hub and Blavity.org to create a major initiative called, Cultivate & B.L.O.O.M. (Building Legacies Out of Movements) in Spring 2022.

As the end of the year is approaching, ADIDAS is proud to announce the success that it has had regarding the program in giving a helping hand to entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds.

The goal is to close the racial gap for Black and Latino entrepreneurs by gaining valuable tools, such as gifting a grant of $100,000, access to mentors, and advice from CEOs and other business leaders of color.

Upon graduating from the course, leaders will then be a part of ADIDAS, “Innovation Network,” a membership of leaders and entrepreneurs who will then have the proper tools and resources to succeed in their future endeavors.

Ayesha Martin, Senior Director of Purpose, Communities and Social Impact at Adidas,  stated how vital it is to introduce diverse voices as role models for future leaders.

“At Adidas, we are committed to changing lives through sport, and are excited about the opportunity to – through Cultivate & B.L.O.O.M.– start to address and remove systemic barriers Black & Latinx community change-makers on the rise face. This is just the beginning, with so much more to do.”

Some of the members involved in the ADIDAS program include:

Annya Santana, the owner and founder of Hood Health, a lifestyle brand focused on creating a platform for Black and Brown individuals who are focused on health and wellness.

Lauren Spearman, R&BYoga a popup studio located in Los Angeles. She wanted to create a safe space for all ethnicities and body types.

Wanda Jones, the founder of The Ahmaud Arbery Foundation, dedicated to her son, Ahmaud Arbery. Jones founded the organization to support the mental health of young Black men and children.

The program will be ending in March 2023, however. It is focusing on its next second course sometime in Spring 2023 and will continue to focus on Black and Latinx social entrepreneurs.