StartOut and Vistaprint teamed to empower LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs with a $250,000 commitment

by Team Iamsafeatwork

05-10-2023

Safety

In May 2021

In the spirit of inclusivity and progress, Vistaprint, the renowned design and marketing partner for small businesses globally, has proudly announced its new year-round Platinum-level partnership with StartOut, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering, supporting, and amplifying LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. This groundbreaking partnership includes USD 100,000 for a multifaceted approach to uplifting LGBTQ+ startups and small business owners through mentorship, education, design, marketing assistance, and scholarship programs exclusively tailored for StartOut members. This partnership encompasses the sponsorship of 25 scholarships for the StartOut Acceleration Initiative. This program aims to bridge the gap of minority and gender inequality prevalent in the entrepreneurial community. Through 1-on-1 mentorship opportunities between industry experts and budding small businesses, this initiative provides invaluable guidance, paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive business landscape.

Additionally, Vistaprint has joined forces with StartOut in collaboration with 99designs, a Vistaprint company, to identify and support 10 LGBTQ+-owned small businesses through the ’99 Days of Design’ initiative. This initiative offers bespoke design support, along with provides crucial financial assistance with donations totaling USD 15,000. This support proves instrumental as these small businesses navigate the challenges emerging from the pandemic, ensuring their resilience and growth in the competitive market.

Furthermore, Vistaprint will serve as an official sponsor for StartOut’s annual Equity Virtual Summit, a cornerstone event promoting dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing within the LGBTQ+ entrepreneurial community. Additionally, Vistaprint’s support extends to NetworQ, a digital networking platform designed specifically for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, fostering connections and collaborations that can be pivotal for business success.

In a demonstration of their ongoing commitment, Vistaprint has dedicated 20 percent of the proceeds from their June 2021 sales of their newly launched line of Pride products. This diverse range includes face masks, clothing, mugs, stickers, and marketing items, providing an opportunity for both small businesses and community members to honor and celebrate pride. This not only serves as a symbol of solidarity but also as a tangible means of contributing to the LGBTQ+ community’s economic empowerment.

This significant partnership announcement follows Vistaprint’s inclusion in the Human Rights Campaign’s prestigious list of “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality”. With a perfect score of 100 on the HRC Foundation’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), Vistaprint stands as a beacon of LGBTQ+ workplace equality. This recognition underscores Vistaprint’s dedication to fostering a workplace where diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but fundamental principles shaping their corporate culture.

In conclusion, Vistaprint’s Platinum-level partnership with StartOut stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to equality, diversity, and innovation. By investing in LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, providing essential resources, and actively participating in initiatives that promote inclusivity, Vistaprint sets a commendable example for businesses worldwide. Together, Vistaprint and StartOut are not just transforming the entrepreneurial landscape; they are shaping a future where every business, regardless of its origin, can thrive, succeed, and contribute meaningfully to society.