Google has long been recognized as a technology leader. However, the tech giant is also leading the way in fostering inclusiveness within the ever-evolving realm of digital innovation. From groundbreaking products to visionary initiatives, Google stands as a paragon of diversity and a catalyst for change, embracing voices from all corners of the globe to shape the technological landscape of the future. Tech Equity Collective (TEC) is one of Google’s latest initiatives you may not have heard about, yet further cements it as a technology trailblazer. TEC is designed to drive innovation by creating a tech ecosystem consisting of programs, community and industry partnerships that unlock opportunities for aspiring and emerging Black tech professionals. What Makes TEC Special TEC is unique in its approach to raising awareness within the Black tech community, encouraging both aspiring and emerging tech professionals to join the collective. TEC is available for individuals at different...

Jrue and Lauren Holiday have announced the third round of funding for Black-owned businesses that totals $1 million in a press release. It is a continuation of NBA Champion Jrue Holiday’s pledge during the 2019-2020 season to donate a portion of his salary to the JLH Social Impact Fund. As previously reported by AfroTech, the JLH Social Impact Fund was created by the couple to serve as support for underrepresented communities not only through monetary resources but mentorship and other services that are needed to scale a business. “We are so excited to announce our third round of grant funding to these very deserving Black-owned businesses and nonprofits, who are helping their communities thrive,” said Jrue and Lauren Holiday in a statement. “Every year we grow our extended JLH family with the hope of shining a light on the need, but also to be an example of how real change occurs when you invest directly in the communities and the people who are underserved.”

The NAACP has sealed a partnership with Hello Alice, and it’s a pinnacle moment for Black entrepreneurs. In hopes of creating a new future for Black businesses, the civil rights organization will be acquiring an ownership stake in one of the world’s leading platforms to spur development and growth for small Black-owned businesses. “To champion true racial equity, we need to address the long-standing economic inequality that has left Black communities underfunded and undervalued for centuries,” NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson said in a press release. “According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, today there are an estimated 2.6 million Black-owned businesses, and this first-of-its-kind partnership is a pivotal step towards putting Black business at the forefront of our economy and as a result, building generational wealth and economic power for Black communities.” Before the NAACP’s investment, they tapped Hello Alice to launch the Black-owned Business Resources to...

If your household — or your business — either has trouble paying for or otherwise has no access to broadband Internet, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has some connectivity aid for you. According to TechCrunch, the $10 billion initiative to give access to broadband Internet — thus putting it one step closer to having the Internet recognized as an essential utility — has begun after months of deliberation. The outlet is also reporting that if you qualify, you can get some much-needed connectivity aid through one of two programs. The first program is called the Connectivity Fund. According to the acting chairwoman of the FCC, this fund is designed to “close the homework gap.” That means that if your child, specifically, had difficulty accessing their virtual classes (or anything else related to their schoolwork) because you didn’t have broadband Internet in your house, this connectivity aid program is designed to help you. Wi-Fi hot spots, tablets, and laptops are also...

Alcohol beverage company, Constellation Brands, Inc. has announced they will be investing $10 million into the Clear Vision Impact Fund, an investment fund for minority-owned businesses. According to Global News Wire, this newly-formed investment vehicle was founded by the only U.S. investment bank certified as a women and minority-owned enterprise, Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC. Constellation Brands’ president and CEO, Bill Newlands says the underrepresentation and barriers within the alcoholic beverage industry have existed for far too long. “We remain committed to doing our part to help remove such barriers and we’re proud to partner with Siebert Williams Shank & Co. and other companies that have joined this effort,” he said. “Working together, we can provide greater access to capital and opportunity for minority-owned businesses as well as the employees and communities they support.” The mission of the Clear Vision Impact Fund is to foster inclusive growth for businesses...

Beyoncé’s nonprofit organization BEYGOOD and the NAACP partnered this summer to launch their ow n Black-Owned Small Business Impact Fund. Now after over 17,000 entrepreneurs have applied for the grant program, one lucky business has announced themselves as one of the recipients. In an announcement via Instagram, The Gift — a natural health and wellness company that was founded in 2018 — received a grant value of $10,000 from BEYGOOD and the NAACP’s joint venture. The wellness company shared the news in an Instagram Post where they explained how the generous grant will help them grow and expand their business.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Gift (@completelygifted) “We are so humbled and grateful to be selected out of 17,000 applicants for a grant from the Queen Bee herself, Beyoncé and BeyGOOD in partnership with the NAACP!” the post stated. “The grant is helping us re-launch our new sustainable packaging, launch a new website, and our education platform...

Serena Williams has committed to assisting Black-owned businesses , NewsOne reports . In a joint effort with the Opportunity Fund, the Olympic athlete will donate 100 percent of proceeds from her jewelry line’s UNSTOPPABLE capsule collection to Opportunity Fund’s Small Business Relief Fund . “I am so excited about the @serenawilliamsjewelry UNSTOPPABLE capsule collection,” she announced on Instagram. “It represents serenity and unity, and is a reminder that your optimism and strength are unstoppable ❤️ Now through August 5th, we’re donating all net proceeds from the Unstoppable Collection to the Opportunity Fund’s Small Business Relief Fund to provide support directly to Black small-business owners.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) The UNSTOPPABLE collection includes a sterling silver necklace and bracelet. Both feature a diamond and signature S logo for a polished, sophisticated look. “No matter how much good we do there is always so...

Broadband internet access has become a public health battle in underserved communities across the country and calls into question how it is used for healthcare purposes. Morris Clark — a former treasurer of Marathon Oil — and Otis Ellis — a former JPMorgan Chase executive — both teamed up to develop an infrastructure fund called the Epiphany Community Impact Fund to help communities in rural and urban states gain more access to broadband. To invest in these underserved communities and assist them in getting the resources they need to thrive, Clark and Ellis are attempting to bridge the U.S. digital gap. “The recent problems due to COVID-19 and the social unrest highlighting police brutality and racial discrimination has only augmented the deficiencies in urban and rural communities,” Ellis said, according to Black Enterprise . The newly launched fund arrives as COVID-19 has tremendously increased the need for major broadband legislation, exposing the lack of high-speed internet...