Unlock the Power of AI with the Fifteen Percent Pledge!
Fifteen Percent Pledge is thrilled to launch the AI Illumination Grant, in partnership with the a16z Cultural Leadership Fund (CLF) and Hartbeat Ventures. The AI Illumination Grant is a program designed to educate Black-owned businesses on how AI can be a game-changing tool for growth and innovation. We know AI can seem intimidating, but these dynamic webinars will break it down and empower you to embrace this powerful technology with confidence. Following the educational programming, attendees will be invited to apply for a first-of-its-kind grant. Two applicants will win a share of a $35,000 total grant pool to supercharge their businesses. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform the unknown into fuel for success!
AI Illumination Grant Awards:
- Winner will receive $20,000
- Runner-Up will receive $15,000
Eligibility Criteria
- Attend a minimum of 1 of 2 webinars
- Member of the Fifteen Percent Pledge's Business Equity Community
- E-commerce business in any category selling a unique physical product
- Black-owned: At least one self-identifying Black person with 50% or more equity in the company
- Between 1-15 employees, including the founder
- There is no minimum revenue requirement for this grant
Selection Criteria
- Has high potential for growth
- Has a sustainable competitive advantage
- Led by a strong management team with deep industry knowledge
- Has a strong use case for AI tools and grant dollars to manage growth challenges and scale for the future
- Fosters inclusivity and showcases community impact
Process and Timeline
Applicants must create, update, or complete their business profile in our Business Equity Community in order to be eligible for this program and grant. You can find the sign up link in the top right hand corner of our site, click “join our community” and follow the prompts.
Webinar #1: Leveraging AI for Seamless Storytelling:
This webinar will introduce attendees to an AI tool, Gamma, to help Black-owned businesses create impactful brand presentations with ease.
Register Now
Webinar #2: Generative AI for Product Design:
Continue empowering attendees by introducing Raspberry AI, a platform designed to streamline product design and fuel creativity for Black-owned businesses.
Register Now
AI Illumination Grant:
The grant application will be open to webinar attendees. 2 finalists will be selected for (1) $20,000 grant and (1) $15,000 grant.
February 26
Webinar Registration Opens
Webinar Registration Opens
March 13, 3 - 4pm ET
Webinar #1: Leveraging AI for Seamless Storytelling with Gamma
Webinar #1: Leveraging AI for Seamless Storytelling with Gamma
March 21, 3 - 4pm ET
Webinar #2: Generative AI for Product Design with Raspberry AI
Webinar #2: Generative AI for Product Design with Raspberry AI
April 1
Grant Applications Open
Grant Applications Open
May 2
Grant Applications Close
Grant Applications Close
Early June
Winners Announced
Winners Announced
About the Fifteen Percent Pledge
The Fifteen Percent Pledge is a racial equity and economic justice non-profit organization addressing the inequities that exist throughout the American consumer economy and working towards closing the racial wealth gap. In recognition that Black people in the U.S. compromise nearly 15% of the population, the Fifteen Percent Pledge calls on major retailers and corporations to commit a minimum of 15% of their shelf space, sales revenue, and annual spend to support Black-owned businesses. In 2022, the Pledge was the recipient of Fast Company's Most Innovative Company of the Year Award.
For more than four years, Fifteen Percent Pledge has been working alongside major corporations to re-evaluate their organizational structures, funding streams, and supply chains, in order to create new economic opportunities and greater equity for Black businesses.
To date, more than 30 corporate partners have helped us create the potential to shift $14B to Black businesses. Despite this progress, there is still so much work to do to ensure an inclusive economy and an equitable future for Black entrepreneurs.
About CLF + Hartbeat Ventures
Hartbeat Ventures is at the forefront of bridging the significant financial gap between cultural innovation and mainstream America. By leveraging strategic investments and fostering partnerships, Hartbeat Ventures works to create opportunities that champion diversity and equity in entrepreneurship. Our initiatives aim to unlock untapped potential in underrepresented communities, ultimately driving growth, innovation, and cultural impact.
The a16z Cultural Leadership Fund (CLF) is Silicon Valley’s first venture capital fund consisting exclusively of Black cultural leaders and organizations committed to Black wealth generation. CLF connects the world's greatest cultural leaders with the best new technology companies and enables more African American talent to enter the technology industry.
Donations
Are you are a founder, venture capitalist, corporate employee, or other leader who wants to invest or contribute to funding a grant for a Black business owner?
Individuals can also donate here to support the Pledge's general operations and long-term organizational growth.