2020 has been one the most disruptive years of our time. From one of the worst pandemics in history, unemployment at an all time high, and the continuous outrage caused by systemic racism and social injustices taking place specifically within the Black community.

Many individuals, companies, and organizations are stepping up to the plate to not only be advocates and allies but to also provide financial backing to communities and people in need during these unprecedented times… and one of those company’s is WeWork.

On June 2nd, 2020, in response to the unfortunate deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, WeWork made a commitment to help foster change by directing $2M in business grants for Black-owned WeWork member businesses:

Eradicating the enormous obstacles of structural racism and systemic bias in business is no small task. But as the country comes to grips with its deep-rooted inequities, many Americans are looking toward big solutions.  WeWork aims to be a part of that shift, and recently announced a major grant program that will award a total of $2 million in funding to Black small business owners who operate out of WeWork locations around the country. – WeWork, Black Owned Business Grant Program

We are happy to announce that Surthrive has been selected as one of the 200 Black-owned businesses that received a $10k grant to further our initiatives in pushing society forward!

These funds will go towards expanding Square One Startup School, our virtual training program for first-time founders, specifically by hiring a part-time Program Manager and designating scholarships to underrepresented founders looking to participate in our next cohort.

WeWork has been a long time partner and client of Surthrive’s since 2017 from Block Parties to workshops & panels but now with their help, we will be able to continue our mission of building an inclusive ecosystem that provides equal access to education, mentorship, and resources to underserved communities.

Learn more about Square One Startup School at www.squareoneschool.com.