- Ford Motor Company and its philanthropic arm, Ford Motor Company Fund, are launching a new initiative to provide access to capital, educational resources and networking opportunities for Latina entrepreneurs impacted by COVID-19
- Ford Driving Dreams Latina Entrepreneurs program will provide more than $400,000 in grants and resources to Latina small-business owners nationwide
- Training and business development webinars will provide critical support to Latina entrepreneurs—helping them overcome current challenges and develop plans for future growth
- The Ford Driving Dreams Latina Entrepreneurs program is an extension of Ford Fund's signature Ford Driving Dreams initiative that has delivered more than $10 million in scholarships and educational resources for over 200,000 middle and high school students across the United States, Puerto Rico, Latin America and Europe
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 27, 2020 — Ford and Ford Motor Company Fund, the company's philanthropic arm, are investing more than $400,000 to strengthen and support Latina small business owners as they battle challenges posed by COVID-19.
Beginning today, Latina small-business owners nationwide can apply for a $5,000 grant through the Ford Driving Dreams Latina Entrepreneurs program. In addition, monthly webinars are being planned for early 2021 to provide critical educational resources, networking opportunities and other business development tools for Latina entrepreneurs as they weather the global pandemic.
"Minority and women-owned small businesses have been especially hard hit during COVID-19," said Mary Culler, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. "Our goal is to provide much-needed resources to help minimize the economic uncertainty that many Latina small-business owners, their families, employees and surrounding communities are all experiencing during these unprecedented times."
The Latina Entrepreneurs program was announced during a virtual event, "Juntas Podemos: How to Adapt to Changes and Market Trends." The event, which featured a panel of entrepreneurs that shared advice for Latina small-business owners, was the first of many online events that will be offered as part of the new initiative.
Throughout the first quarter of 2021, several online trainings and webinars will be offered, covering topics such as financial planning, funding opportunities, branding, technology and communications tools, among others. Webinars will be offered for Ford Driving Dreams Latina Entrepreneurs grant recipients and will be accessible to the public, as well.
The Ford Driving Dreams Latina Entrepreneurs initiative is being implemented in collaboration with eMerge Americas and the National Development Council. To apply, interested small-business owners can visit www.FordDrivingDreams.com to complete an online grant application and view program guidelines, timing and details. Winners will be announced in early December.
The Ford Driving Dreams Latina Entrepreneurs initiative adds to Ford Fund's long-standing commitment to driving socio-economic mobility in Latino communities across the U.S. and Latin America. The new program is an extension of Ford Fund's signature Ford Driving Dreams initiative that has delivered more than $10 million in scholarships and educational resources for over 200,000 middle and high school students across the United States, Puerto Rico, Latin America and Europe.
The new Latina Entrepreneurs program is the latest example of how Ford Fund is providing assistance during the global pandemic. To date, Ford Fund has contributed nearly $3 million to assist nonprofits and community organizations helping people manage challenges related to COVID-19, including more than $1.1 million raised by employees and others through its COVID-19 Donation Match program. To learn more about Ford Fund's response to COVID-19, visit www.fordfund.org/covid19.
About Ford Motor Company Fund
As the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, Ford Fund's mission is to strengthen communities and help make people's lives better. Working with dealers and nonprofit partners in more than 50 countries, Ford Fund provides access to opportunities and resources that help people reach their full potential. Since 1949, Ford Fund has invested more than $2 billion in programs that support education, promote safe driving, enrich community life and encourage employee volunteering. For more information, visit www.fordfund.org or join us at @FordFund on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services. Ford employs approximately 188,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.