Online printing company, Vistaprint, has partnered with non-profit organisation, StartOut, to empower LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs with a $250,000 commitment.
As part of the global initiative, Vistaprint Australia is working with StartOut and its local partners to support deserving LGBTQ+ people, especially minority and female-identifying entrepreneurs, that need help in accessing its comprehensive programs and services.
StartOut is a non-profit dedicated to empowering, supporting and amplifying LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.
The StartOut Acceleration Initiative was created in 2017 to help bridge the minority and gender inequality that exists in the entrepreneurial community, and is aims to create a level playing field for all LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who need a hand up in making a business dream a reality.
Each scholarship recipient will be onboarded to the StartOut services and introduced to the various programs.
Depending on the entrepreneur’s needs, StartOut will match them with potential mentors to guide them through the process and make introductions as needed for their business and stage from growth, fundraising, HR, legal and marketing, or all of the above.
Vistaprint Australia CEO Marcus Marchant said, “We’re excited to be working with StartOut to empower LGBTQ+ small businesses through mentorship, financial donations, design transformations and storytelling.
“We look forward to sharing these small business stories and helping launch them into their next stage with the power of design. We also know how valuable mentorship can be for both budding entrepreneurs and those gearing up for growth, so are proud to be supporting the long-term success of these small business.”
StartOut executive director Andres Wydler said the organisation is grateful for Vistaprint’s passion and support of the whole community and thrilled to have Vistaprint join the StartOut family.
“With each of our relationships, we aim to support our LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs directly. This partnership is a powerful statement both for Vistaprint’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and the importance of their cost-effective products and services for our growth entrepreneurs who have what it takes to succeed with the right resources,” he added.
Vistaprint, also recently announced that it is offering six businesses in Australia the chance to receive a refreshed brand identity and marketing materials, plus a $15,000 donation to help their businesses.
The campaign is part of a Vistaprint global initiative, 99 days of design, to empower 99 small businesses with financial support and refreshed design identities after what has been a very challenging year.
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