FedEx has announced the launch of a brand-new initiative that’s helping small diverse businesses adapt to e-commerce models. An announcement from the company shares that the FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab — developed in collaboration with nonprofit organization Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF) — is a hands-on program that’s designed to help diverse small business owners create and/or expand their e-commerce operations to innovate their business models. The FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab — which is funded by a $1 million grant — was created out of a desire to help support women and people of color entrepreneurs whose businesses have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. As a result of the pandemic and social distancing rules, online shopping has become a wildly popular trend amongst consumers over the last year. However, many businesses were not equipped with a website or online shop to capitalize on this opportunity, especially Black, women and people of color-owned...

Two women-led brands are joining forces to search for the latest innovators in self-care, technology, and wellness. Kim Crawford Wines — the No. 1 Sauvignon Blanc and leading New Zealand wine brand in the U.S. — has announced a new partnership with non-profit Black Girl Ventures (BGV), the largest pitch program for Black and brown women in the world. The BGV x Kim Crawford Wines Pitch Competition is a national crowdfunding virtual pitch competition that will promote women working to bring their dreams to life while reiterating the two brands’ shared values of not only empowering female trailblazers but celebrating self-confidence every step of the way. “We’re excited to partner with Kim Crawford Wines to make this pitch competition possible,” said Shelly Bell, Founder, and CEO of Black Girl Ventures in an official news release. “This collaboration will create access to capital for Black and brown women-identifying founders, and will also connect them to community and professionals...

The Wing, the popular co-working space dedicated to women, has changed it’s membership rules to include all genders, Business Insider Reported. In September, The Wing was sued for gender discrimination by 53-year old, James E. Pietrangelo, after he was allegedly told that his application into the co-working space would be denied “because he is a man.” Pietrangelo is suing The Wing for possibly up to $12 million. The lawsuit is still ongoing; however, the company’s lawyers have responded to Pietrangelo’s claims stating that he is not committed to The Wing’s mission. The company submitted Pietrangelo’s application responses in a subsequent filing where he stated, “I have always supported and advocated for the equality of all people” when asked how he has promoted and supported the advancement of women. In March 2018, the New York Human Rights Commission began an investigation into The Wing , citing possible discriminatory membership practices. The investigation is still ongoing. The...