Positive Planet US launched in July of 2020 with only one volunteer in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of February 2022, we have over 90 committed and passionate volunteers working to empower under-resourced groups and communities around the world, we have launched three Accelerator Hub Cohorts for minority entrepreneurs, and we have supported the launch of over 50 new businesses. Despite living in a challenging time, we are well on our way to making a monumental difference in people’s lives.
As we look towards the rest of 2022, I am confident that we will continue to create a positive planet together. I am incredibly thankful about working alongside such engaged and talented volunteers. I am inspired by you daily and want to show my appreciation on behalf of the Board of Directors and myself. We begin 2022 on a great note, with the launch of our third cohort sponsored by the highly esteemed organization, Capgemini. That never would have happened without the contribution of each and every one of you. Please join me, as we cover the highlights of 2021 and look ahead to 2022.
Third Accelerator Hub
We’ve just finished accepting applications for our third Accelerator Hub, which is a 12-week partnership with Capgemini. These entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to learn how to start and grow a business, sell their product or service, leverage social media and other marketing tools, apply for a business loan, and more customization for small business owners. Participants will also be offered access to special bonus sessions presented by key industry experts from exclusive partnerships.
Second Accelerator Hub
In July 2021, we accepted 26 woman-owned minority businesses for an intensive 10-week program supported by project partners Genpact, a global professional services firm focused on delivering digital transformation. The second Accelerator Hub included weekly coaching sessions to help create and master business plans and provide a knowledge base for startups, finance, sales, and marketing. We were able to provide each business that participated in the program with a $1,000 grant over the winter holidays.
A Positive Voice
Launched in 2021, our podcast, A Positive Voice, includes 16 episodes where we interviewed underrepresented entrepreneurs from around the world. We were able to add an entire page of content about our new podcasts and their features on Apple Podcast and Spotify. Here are some highlights from 2021:
*New Q&A live sessions for LinkedIn and Facebook were launched in November 2021.
*Hardware and software upgrades to improve our content.
*A new digital marketing strategy was created for our podcast and adapted.
*New SEO principles were put into place to increase the rankings on top podcast platforms.
We welcome you to listen to our entrepreneurs’ unique stories and hear about the social impact they’re making locally and globally.
HR
In 2021, we conducted 310+ interviews, onboarded around 150+ new volunteers, and filled critical leadership roles for fundraising, marketing, and finance. We are so grateful to all of you for donating your time and expertise to our mission and hope you’ll join us for our next Town Hall this Friday, February 25, 2022 at 12PM EST.