adidas is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Community Lab cohort, building upon its mission to uplift Black and Latino/a/e social entrepreneurs as they embark on their hero journeys to drive real change and advance equity in sports for their communities.
adidas Community Lab is expanding its footprint this year, accepting applicants from Toronto and Houston in addition to original key cities of Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York. Black Ambition will also join the program as a new partner, teaming up with adidas and returning collaborators Impact Hub and i.e. (Industry Education) to co-create customized programming designed to elevate participants’ clear visions into impactful futures. Elements include:
Mentorship
Expert pitch training
Exclusive access to workshops, community connections and fireside chats
Networking opportunities with adidas executives and top industry leaders
This year, the adidas Community Lab class size will increase to 10 members. Outside access to eight months of intensive programming, each participant will also receive $75,000 in grant funding to put their new education into practice and generate growth for their business.
“As Community Lab enters its third year, we are thrilled to cultivate a larger cohort of social entrepreneurs who share our vision of removing barriers to accessing sport for the communities we collectively serve,” said Ayesha Martin, Senior Director adidas Purpose. “Alongside Black Ambition and our existing partners, together we are ushering in a sustainable ecosystem of change and a more equitable future.”
“Black Ambition was founded to create the space, bespoke opportunities and relationships needed for underrepresented founders to excel, uninterrupted. We are excited to partner with adidas Purpose to extend elements of our renowned, global founder support model to social impact entrepreneurs positively transforming their communities through sports and wellness” said Jermeen Sherman, Managing Director Black Ambition.
“Impact Hub is thrilled to partner and support this third iteration of adidas Community Lab, empowering visionary leaders who are advancing SDG 3 —Good Health and Wellbeing — and SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities,” said Michelle Avalos, Co-Founder Impact Hub Houston. Together, we’re helping entrepreneurs create equitable access to sports and foster healthier, more inclusive communities for all.”
Applications will be accepted through September 232 on https://impacthub.net/works/adidas-community-lab/. For more information on adidas Community initiatives visit adidas.com/community.
