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Sustainability & Society: Fuel for Business

Fuel for Business

Tackling economic inequality by supporting underrepresented groups.

Tackling 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, financial or digital means to get started.

We’re determined to make a difference.

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

The BOSS Impact Fund – investing in women of color

Empowering black female entrepreneurs and tackling economic inequality are top priorities for us at Sage. That’s why we’ve partnered with The BOSS Network to ensure black women who own businesses have access to the financial support that will help their businesses thrive.

We’re delivering:

  • A $1.5m three-year program to deliver grants and sponsored university places for black female entrepreneurs in the US
  • A $10k grant and a free spot at the new BOSS Network university (worth $6k) for women of color 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 ACE in Atlanta and North Georgia to provide low-cost loans and educational resources for disadvantaged business owners.

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

Kiva

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

We’re providing:

  • $300,000 capital to entrepreneurs directed through Kiva and local field partners. This three-year revolving fund will have a total impact of nearly $900,000
  • $200,000 of 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:

  • A stipend to help leading social entrepreneurs champion innovative ideas to improve the lives of millions
  • The Ashoka Young Changemakers program that helps young people become changemakers within their own communities
  • 1000 Sage employees to become changemakers through education and inspirational 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 which focuses on two programs:

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

Sage employees 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.
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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. 
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