As marcomms pros well know, the right marketing strategies and PR pushes can turn relatively unknown small businesses and startups into global success stories. These services often come with a hefty price tag, which is why many top agencies extend pro bono offerings to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ owned businesses that need their support. We rounded up five of the top agencies doing their part to boost these businesses with everything from marketing and PR to mentorship and more.
For the fifth year, ASTRSK will offer support to an early-stage, consumer facing startup with a woman, BIPOC, AAPI and/or LGBTQ+ founder. The client – who will ultimately be chosen through a pitch off to the ASTRSK executive team, journalists and VCs – will receive a full contract of free PR services for March 2022 - February 2023. Applications are currently open through February 18. Learn more and apply here.
Nike Communications created the Black Acceleration Initiative to support the next generation of impactful Black companies through a range of services. These include traditional PR, influencer marketing, social media support, mentoring and strategic counsel, access to industry contacts and more. The agency just announced the 2022 recipients, which you can check out on Instagram. Read more about the initiative here, including testimonials from the 2021 recipients.
Globally, ScienceMagic.Inc devotes 650 hours a year to pro bono work, and pledges to dedicate at least half of this time to Black-owned businesses or Black individuals. Applicants of all business categories are invited to apply, as long as they can show a clear business plan and have an annual turnover of under £0.5M (the program is open to applicants from all countries). Learn more about the organization’s pro bono work here.
Walker Drawas teamed up with design, manufacturing and distribution company DDA Holdings to launch The Brand Lab, a program designed to support BIPOC-owned brands. Services provided include marketing, press and celebrity and VIP support as well as sampling consulting, production, distribution and sales assistance. Learn more about the program here.
The Dana Agency extends its support to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ owned small businesses and organizations around the US. The team chooses a new company to represent every quarter, and offers support with PR and marketing services. In addition to this program, the agency founded a Diversity Committee to create a more diverse and inclusive environment within the team itself. Learn more about the initiatives here.
