Vice Media Group and the National Urban League Introduce 'Black+' Initiative To Support Black Owned Businesses
Through pro bono marketing, creative services and mentorship, Black+ is a long-term commitment to closing the racial wealth gap by supporting Black entrepreneurs.
February 23, 2021-- Today, Vice Media Group and The National Urban League announced the launch of Black+, a sustainable initiative dedicated to supporting Black-owned businesses and closing the Black entrepreneurship gap. From pro bono marketing and creative services to mentorship and business consultation, Black+ will offer assistance to 12 Black-owned businesses within the United States annually. This partnership comes as VMG recently released its second annual DEI report, outlining the ongoing commitment to bettering DEI practices, both internally and externally.
Black entrepreneurs have long faced systemic barriers to building and growing businesses, anchored by their lack of access to capital and loans. This has been compounded by COVID-19, which has disproportionately harmed Black-owned small businesses. At a time when these businesses are struggling to stay afloat and move their operations online, Vice Media Group aims to utilize their digital expertise to bolster and set them up for success.
Through an application site that went live today, Black entrepreneurs can now apply to be a part of Black+. To be eligible for the initiative, the business must be for-profit, at least 51% Black-owned, in operation for more than 6 months, have a shoppable website, and the ability to sell and/or distribute its products and/or services throughout the United States.
For each of the 12 businesses chosen in collaboration with The National Urban League, Vice Media Group will commit to providing free advertising across its owned and operated websites including VICE, Refinery29 and i-D. Vice Media Group and its creative agency Virtue will also consult with each business on creative services such as, but not limited to marketing material creation, branding, and social media.
"We’re proud to partner with The National Urban League to further our long term commitment of supporting and collaborating with Black-owned businesses by providing access to business-strengthening services bespoke to their specific needs,” says Nancy Dubuc, CEO of Vice Media Group. "With Vice Media Group’s digital and creative prowess and The National Urban League's network and deep knowledge of the small Black-owned business environment, we hope that Black+ will propel these businesses and communities forward."
The National Urban League will further the reach and relevance of Black+ by tapping into their network of Black businesses and providing mentorship and business consulting services to each of the selected businesses, helping to give them tools and resources for continued success and growth. In addition to consultation, The National Urban League will sit on the approval board of Black+, aiding in the selection of businesses and advising on program structure to ensure compliance and best practices.
"Black-owned businesses are the economic backbone of urban communities but they have always struggled to access the same opportunities as white entrepreneurs," National Urban League President and CEO, Marc Morial, said. "Innovative public-private partnerships like Black+ that recognize the power of diversity and inclusion, are a vital tool in rebuilding a post-pandemic economy that is equitable, robust and resilient."
In order to fine tune the process and logistics for Black+, Vice Media Group ran a pilot campaign in Q4 of 2020 with Black-owned natural skincare brand Pholk Beauty selected by Unbothered, Refinery29’s community for and by Black women. For the pilot campaign, VMG offered pro-bono media and creative services as well as custom content across VICE and Refinery29. “Refinery29’s Unbothered was one of our highest drivers of ecommerce sales throughout the year,” says Niambi Campbell, Founder of Pholk Beauty. “I think the Black+ campaign really pushed us over the finish line.” With Black+, Vice Media Group and The National Urban League hope to make a longstanding impact by supporting, uplifting and amplifying Black business owners.
For additional information or to apply, learn more about Black+ here.
ABOUT VICE MEDIA GROUP
VICE Media Group is the world’s largest independent youth media company. Launched in 1994, VICE has offices in 35 cities across the globe with a focus on five key businesses: VICE.com, an award-winning international network of digital content; VICE STUDIOS, a feature film and television production studio; VICE TV, an Emmy-winning international television network; a Peabody award-winning NEWS division with the most Emmy-awarded nightly news broadcast; and VIRTUE, a global, full-service creative agency with 25 offices around the world. VICE Media Group’s portfolio includes Refinery29, the leading global media and entertainment company focused on women; PULSE Films, a London-based next-generation production studio with outposts in Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Berlin; and i-D, a global digital and bimonthly magazine defining fashion and contemporary culture.
ABOUT NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE
The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its 90 local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people annually nationwide. Visit www.nul.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @NatUrbanLeague.