The Announcement is an expansion of iHeart Atlanta’s Multi-Year Commitment to Operation HOPE’s 1 Million Black Business Initiative
ATLANTA – June 29, 2021 – Today, iHeartMedia Atlanta announced its newest commitment to helping 10,000 aspiring Black entrepreneurs in the Atlanta metro area launch their businesses. The announcement comes on the heels of iHeartMedia Atlanta’s multi-year commitment to Atlanta-based Operation HOPE in April, in support of Operation Hope’s its national 1 Million Black Business Initiative (1MBB), which aims to create one million new Black businesses by 2030. iHeartMedia Atlanta is committed to fostering the creation of new Black businesses in the Atlanta metro area.
There are over 2.6 Million Black owned businesses in the U.S. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, with Atlanta landing in the top 5 cities for Black entrepreneurs. This expanded commitment will continue to amplify the work of aspiring Black entrepreneurs, providing them with top-of-the-line coaching and educational resources, and a 120-day free trial, courtesy of Shopify. iHeartMedia Atlanta will also provide social media support and advertising to a select group of entrepreneurs in the future, with more exciting activations to come.
“We are excited to partner with Operation HOPE to grow Black business ownership here in Atlanta,” said Drew Lauter, President, iHeartMedia Atlanta. “Our city is the epicenter for entrepreneurial energy and we are proud to use iHeart’s considerable resources to help owners of Black businesses achieve their dreams.”
“Operation HOPE is thrilled about the expanded commitment made today by iHeartMedia Atlanta to the creation of 10,000 Black-owned businesses in our great city. Atlanta is a mecca of Black culture, life, and business, and this type of private sector leadership is slated to pave the way for future success and upward mobility,” said John Hope Bryant, Founder and CEO of Operation HOPE. “iHeart Media continues to be one of the most influential voices in media, and we’re grateful that they’re using their voice and reach to support our vision of social justice through an economic lens.”
Launched in October 2020 with founding partner Shopify, 1MBB aims to remove traditional hurdles to Black entrepreneurship and encourage more aspiring Black business owners to start — and scale— by providing them with the tools, resources, and education needed to succeed. To level the playing field, 1MBB will focus on critical tools for business growth such as technology and resources, educational programs, and the opportunity to access capital. Through this program, Black business owners can sign up for Operation HOPE’s award-winning model of community uplift, financial literacy and education, with access to tailored tools and resources upon graduation.
To learn more about 1MBB or to get your business started, visit, buildingblackbizATL.com or operationhope.org.