Today, Hennessy, the world's best-selling Cognac and Official Spirit of the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, and USA Basketball, announced that it will award $2.5 million dollars, given in $7,500 awards to nearly 350 Black, Asian, and Latinx-owned small businesses across the country.
These businesses, which have been disproportionality affected by the pandemic, will receive funding through Hennessy's Unfinished Business program, in partnership with the NBA and select NBA teams. In addition, Hennessy has teamed up with Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, Gary Payton, who will, over the course of the rest of the season, help spotlight 75 Unfinished Business recipients that are making a heroic impact in their communities.
Jasmin Allen, Senior Vice President, Hennessy US:
The NBA has been at the forefront of culture for the past 75 years and truly embodies Hennessy's 'Never stop. Never settle.' ethos, driving the game's global influence and impacting communities around the world. We're honored to collaborate with the NBA to expand our long-term Unfinished Business initiative and work together to provide meaningful support and direct resources to small businesses that continue to define and shape the culture of local communities."
NBA legend Gary Payton:
"Small businesses are critically important to the culture of their communities, but these business owners have faced so many barriers, particularly in recent years. I'm honored to partner with Hennessy to help address some of the systemic inequities our BIPOC small business owners face and showcase the impact these businesses have in their communities."
By working with the NBA, Hennessy is extending the reach of its Unfinished Business initiative, channeling invaluable support from the league, teams, and players. To date, over $5MM in funding has been distributed in conjunction with partner organizations including the Hispanic Federation, One Hundred Black Men, and the Asian American Business Development Center, to small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by systemic inequality. In this round, a minimum of three eligible business will be selected within 100 miles of certain metropolitan regions.
Applications are now open and will remain open for one week. Eligible small business owners can apply via https://www.hennessy.com/en-us/unfinished-business.