PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator Program to accelerate sustainable innovations is providing US$20,000 grants – plus five months of mentorship for startups – for Hispanic-owned businesses in the US. The initiative is designed to help them meet the challenges of the dynamic food and beverage landscape.
The ‘Juntos Crecemos’ programme – which translates as ‘Together We Grow – marks the significant role Hispanic-owned businesses play in the US economy.
Beyond financial support, the programme supports circular and inclusive value chains. The most promising business will land up to US$100,000 and the benefits of ongoing collaboration with PepsiCo.
PepsiCo empowering Hispanic entrepreneurs
According to data from the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Latino businesses contribute US$800bn to the US economy annually. The Greenhouse Accelerator Program provides essential resources and training to businesses, in a bid to further increase this contribution
Daniel Schwarz, CEO of fruit-drinks producer, CHUZA – a previous program winner – says: “PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator Program transformed my business globally.
“The financial and strategic support it provided propelled our brand to new heights.”
PepsiCo is now inviting all Hispanic entrepreneurs to help it fuel transformative growth in the food and beverages sector.
PepsiCo Positive: nurturing growth and innovation
On the programme’s commitment to building a circular and inclusive value chain, Esperanza Teasdale – VP & General Manager of the Hispanic Business Unit at PepsiCo Beverages North America – said: “Last year’s success witnessed a vibrant exchange of ideas, and led to reciprocal learning between mentors and mentees. It also fostered innovation within PepsiCo.”
As well as the US, PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator programs span regions including the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa (ESSA), and the Asia Pacific (APAC).
The initiative, now in its ninth year, supports entrepreneurial growth and suppliers worldwide.
Since 2017, the scheme has included 50 companies and more than 90 mentors across multiple continents and focus areas.
