2023 is already gearing up to be a busy year for award-winning artist and full-scope creative Pharrell Williams. Just weeks after announcing his new position as Louis Vuitton’s menswear creative director, Williams continues his efforts to uplift Black and brown communities through the Black Ambition project.
“We’ve accomplished so much in such a short time, and it’s been amazing to see our impact so far. Every year just gets better,” said Williams in a press release. “It’s not just about creating space for our Black, Hispanic, and HBCU entrepreneurs. It’s about equity; it’s about giving them the tools, resources, and hands-on mentorship to excel uninterrupted. I am constantly blown away by the ideas and businesses that our applicants have developed and created.”
Since its founding in 2020, Black Ambition has worked to empower Black and Hispanic innovators to excel unapologetically and without interruption by awarding approximately $6 million to 65 creative entrepreneurs. Today, the brand aims to further level the playing field, especially after a reported 45% decrease in financing for Black entrepreneurs in 2022. Through its annual Black Ambition Prize Competition, the organization offers founders across industries up to $3 million in prize money. This year, the grand prize winner will receive a $1 million prize, while at least 15 other teams will receive monetary awards ranging from $15,000 to $250,000.
In addition to the financial support, innovators in consumer products and services, media and entertainment, healthcare, technology, and Web 3.0 industries will be awarded resources and mentorship. From connections with investors to biweekly office hours with industry leaders from major companies like Snapchat and Netflix, award recipients get exclusive access to tools needed to grow as a professional, including town hall meetings with Williams, life coaching, and both…
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