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Sustainability and society: Fuel for Business

Fuel for Business

Addressing economic inequality by supporting underrepresented groups.

Addressing economic inequality

We know that the opportunity to start and grow a business is a proven route to economic stability and well-being. Yet billions of people worldwide lack the confidence or the financial or digital means to get started.

We’re determined to make a difference.

We're committed to supporting under-represented groups and the sectors hardest hit by global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic with business mentoring, advice and support. Our global partnerships help us address economic inequality and grow businesses in the communities we serve. Here are some of the goals we’re uniting to achieve.

The BOSS Impact Fund – investing in women of colour

Empowering Black female entrepreneurs and addressing economic inequality are top priorities for us at Sage. That’s why we’ve partnered with The BOSS Network to ensure Black women business owners have access to financial support to help their businesses thrive.

We’re delivering:

  • A $1.5 million three-year program to deliver grants and sponsored university placements for Black female entrepreneurs in the US
  • A $10k grant and a free placement worth $6k at the new BOSS Network university for women of colour running small businesses in key cities such as Chicago, Atlanta, and LA
Learn more about The BOSS Network

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE)

We’re partnering with Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) in Atlanta and North Georgia to provide low-cost loans and educational resources to business owners from disadvantaged communities.

These loans will help borrowers create and grow sustainable businesses that generate jobs. Our three-year program will provide individuals with clear advice and business support, plus help them unlock up to $1,750,000 in guaranteed and low-interest loans.

Kiva

To address economic inequality, we’ve partnered with Kiva. By supporting Kiva in providing loans to underserved communities, we can help give individuals the opportunity to start businesses.

We’re providing:

  • $300,000 capital to entrepreneurs directed through Kiva and local field partners This fund will revolve for three years for a total impact of nearly $900,000
  • $200,000 capital to social entrepreneurs and support for 24 social entrepreneurs who will benefit from loans ($50k-250k) from Kiva

Ashoka

Together Ashoka and the Sage Foundation are providing grants for leading social entrepreneurs.

We’re supporting:

  • An allowance to help leading social entrepreneurs champion innovative ideas to help the lives of millions
  • Ashoka Young Changemakers program that helps young people become changemakers within their own communities
  • 1,000 Sage colleagues to become changemakers through education and inspiration activities

Teens in AI

As part of a multi-year partnership with the Sage Foundation and Teens in AI, we're aiming to inspire the next generation of ethical artificial intelligence researchers, entrepreneurs, and leaders. The goal is to give young people early exposure to AI that is developed and deployed for social good, and focuses on two programs:

  • The 2022 and 2023 International Women’s Day Hackathon, which will be hosted in 24 countries
  • The 2022 and 2023 Summer Bootcamp Accelerator program

Sage colleagues support the program by volunteering as mentors, judges, and speakers. 

Explore our pillars

Tech for Good

Data is empowering people across the globe to run businesses, develop skills, and thrive. Learn how we’re knocking down barriers to ensure everyone has equal opportunities to access life-changing data and technology.
Read more

Protect the Planet

To tackle the climate crisis and protect the planet we're taking action on our own environmental impact and supporting SMEs to make it easier for them to do the same. 
Read more

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