• BLACK ACCELERATION INITIATIVE
    BLACK ACCELERATION INITIATIVE
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    BLACK ACCELERATION INITIATIVE 2025



    At Nike Communications, we are committed to a sustained approach to racial justice and equality, especially as it relates to the PR and marketing industry. We recognize the disparities and lack of equity black entrepreneurs face on a daily basis and are dedicated to showing our long-term support to the advancement of black businesses. This is why we created the Black Acceleration Initiative. The goal of the program is to accelerate opportunities for the next generation of impactful black companies on the rise. 

    Through the Nike Communications Black Acceleration Initiative eligible companies will be able to receive the following services: 
    • Traditional PR, Influencer Marketing and Social Media support
    • A dedicated team of agency members who will provide everything from mentoring and strategic counsel to reporting of program results
    • One on one mentorship with an executive team member
    • Access to agency network of editors, influencers, industry contacts, celebrities, and other relevant talent
    • Opportunity for brand partnerships with current agency clients where applicable

    TIMING

    The duration of the pro bono work occurs in 2025 and will be dependent upon the business’s needs and will be agreed upon between both parties.

    ELIGIBILITY 

    To be eligible for Nike Communications Black Acceleration Initiative, you and your business must meet all of the following criteria:

    • You are eighteen (18) years of age or older as of the date the application is submitted
    • You identify as Black or African American
    • You are an owner of the business 
    • At least 51% of the business must be owned, controlled or operated and managed by Black owners
    • Business must be based in the United States and incorporated as a legal entity under the laws of any state within the United States; and 
    • Business qualifies under one of the following categories:
      • Early Stage Business: Your business has launched in the past 12 months and you are working to grow a customer base
      • Mid-Stage Business: Your business has been operating for at least 2 years, you have a solid customer base and you are looking to scale your business
      • Growth Stage Business: Your business has been operating for at least 5 years, has a solid customer base and at least 10 full-time employees and/or has raised at least $500K in funding to support the launch of your business

    Nike Communications will determine, at its sole discretion, whether an applicant meets the eligibility criteria to participate in the pro bono program or to qualify for a particular category. Agency may, at its discretion, reclassify an applicant to a different category if applicable. Agency’s decisions regarding eligibility are final and binding.

    HOW RECIPIENTS ARE DETERMINED

    Eligible applications will be reviewed by members of Nike Communications’ Diversity & Inclusion Board. Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:


    • Your Brand: How your business positions itself in its respective space and what differentiates it from other businesses in the same category
    • Your Plan: Your business plan for launch and/or growth and how the Agency’s services will help to achieve your business goals
    • Your Needs: What services do you and your business primarily need? Please specify if it’s PR and digital services, mentorship, etc.

    TO APPLY

    Applications for the 2025 program are now closed. Check back with us in Fall 2025 when we reopen applications for the 2026 program. 
     


    QUESTIONS

    Should you have any questions about the Nike Communications Black Acceleration Initiative, please reach out to blackacceleration@nikecomm.com