Black women-owned businesses are vital to the economy and are among the hardest hit by the impacts of the pandemic. Mastercard is announcing the Strivers Initiative, a consumer-facing platform, elevating the visibility of Black female business owners overcoming obstacles to maintain and grow their business, as role models for the community and future generations. The initiative kicks off with this national Mastercard spot featuring Black women business owners from across the U.S. and Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Jennifer Hudson.
In the commercial–directed by Child and produced by female-owned production house Little Minx for agency McCann XBC–Hudson’s rendition of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” produced by will.i.am, serves as an anthem for Black women business owners across the country who are paving their Path to Priceless and whose businesses serve as pillars for their communities.
The initiative will include a grant program in partnership with Fearless Fund, a VC fund built by women of color for women of color. This will be complemented by a multi-city educational road show driving awareness of the state of women and minority-owned business in cities across the U.S. and providing insights into progressive actions cities can take to foster an equitable business climate.
