Dwyane Wade, Rosario Dawson, Ayesha Curry, and Earn Your Leisure Partner with Square to Launch Forward - Seite 2

“Because Square succeeds when our sellers succeed, we’re fully invested in providing entrepreneurs of color with the tools they need to thrive,” said Naomi Wheeless, Global Head of Customer Success for Square. “At a time when Black and Brown entrepreneurs are opening more businesses than anyone else, Square is helping to create a space where great ideas and hard working sellers can get the support and coaching required to reach the next level. Forward is the result of a lot of hard work and dedication from talented employees across the Square organization who are committed to seeing minority-owned businesses make it past the start up stage and go on to thrive.”

Square’s recent Future of Commerce Report revealed that revenue diversification and tech automation are top of mind for businesses around the country. Square’s ecosystem gives sellers a single, easy-to-understand home for their entire business, unlocking a variety of capabilities like accessing loans through Square Banking, connecting with and staying in touch with customers through Square Marketing, and managing staff through Team Management and Square Payroll.

“I’m thankful to have access to Square’s tools to help streamline operations in my own business, allowing me to focus on growing the company and evolving the projects I care deeply about,” said Founder & CEO of Sweet July, Ayesha Curry. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with Square to launch Forward, and be able to assist deserving entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities to provide the resources and mentorship they need to build their businesses and pursue their passions.”

“Latinos open businesses at a rate about 55% higher than their white counterparts, and still have a harder time staying in business and getting the support they need to grow,” said actress and entrepreneur Rosario Dawson. “By launching Forward today, we’re eager to help entrepreneurs of color in the retail sector overcome systemic barriers and make their budding businesses grow.”

American Express will also support the Forward initiative through funding and coaching opportunities for program participants.

Applications for Forward are open now through April 1, 2023. In order to qualify, retail businesses must be a part of the clothing & accessories, health & beauty, home goods & furniture, or food & beverage sectors, based in the U.S., be within the first three years of operation, and founded by or have a current CEO who identifies as Black/African American or Latino, among other requirements. Interested applicants can review the full list of parameters and submit an application at www.squareup.com/forward.