LadderUp — Big things for Shipt. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

In an effort to boost small local businesses, specifically owned by the LGBTQ+ community and people of color, Shipt has announced a new accelerator program called LadderUp. Keep reading to learn what Shipt CEO Kamau Witherspoon plans for the new program

Leveling the economic playing field for Black and other underrepresented populations

LadderUp will level the economic field for businesses owned by LGBTQ+ people and people of color. Upon completion of the program, retailers will have in-depth industry knowledge to help them navigate and understand trends in the evolving e-commerce landscape.

“Working with small businesses to build up their capabilities is a key part of our commitment to help create healthier, more resilient and equitable communities. We recognize the unique role that we can play in both combating hunger in under-resourced communities and boosting small local retailers that are so vital to communities across our country.”
Kamau Witherspoon, CEO, Shipt

Shipt is also partnering with Shopify, a leading e-commerce company, to teach a course in the program and provide no-cost access to their platform to help retailers build an online storefront. Additionally, Shipt will provide each participating retailer who completes the LadderUp program with $5,000 to help invest in their e-commerce.

Apply now

LadderUp applications are open today, February 6, through March 6. Birmingham, AL is one of only five cities chosen for the first round of the program, the others being Atlanta, Georgia, Detroit, Michigan, Houston, Texas and Washington, DC.

Apply now.

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