Apple on Tuesday confirmed it has chosen 15 Black- and Brown-owned businesses for a first-of-its kind Impact Accelerator to support equity and opportunity in the environmental sector.
The move is part of Cupertino’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, aimed at combatting systematic barriers to opportunity, while also advancing innovative solutions for communities most impacted by climate change.
Apple continues to lead the technology industry when it comes to environmental policy and equality. It has been pushing for many years to increase its sustainability and transition to a completely green, carbon neutral future — and it has encouraged its suppliers to do the same.
With its new Impact Accelerator, Apple is helping other businesses — specifically those owned by Black, Brown, Native American and Indigenous people — improve their environmental footprint. And there may be opportunities to join Apple’s list of suppliers, too.
Apple kicks off new Impact Accelerator
“We are thrilled to welcome our first Impact Accelerator class, and look forward to seeing how these innovative businesses will expand their work to protect the planet and our communities,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives.
“On our journey to our 2030 carbon neutral goal for our supply chain and products, we’re determined to help create a greener and more equitable future for all people. The businesses we’re partnering with today are poised to become tomorrow’s diverse and innovative industry leaders, creating ripples of change to help communities everywhere adapt to the urgent challenges posed by climate change.”
The 15 businesses Apple has chosen are based across the United States, from Silicon Valley in California, to Detroit, Michigan, and to tribal nations across the Midwest. They are already “driving innovation in energy efficiency, solar, green chemistry, recycling, and other environmental areas,” Apple said.
Many of the businesses share a specific focus on bringing clean energy, opportunity, and vital services to vulnerable and underserved communities, and now they’re going to get Apple’s help in moving forward.
Custom training, Apple experts and more
The chosen businesses will receive customized training and access to Apple experts and the alumni community. Following the three-month virtual program, participants will be considered for opportunities to become Apple suppliers as Cupertino works toward its carbon-neutral future by 2030.
