Hennessy Announces Second Phase of Unfinished Business Funding for Black, Asian and Latinx Companies

Hennessy announced an additional $1 million investment in Unfinished Business, an initiative introduced in June 2020 to help Black, Asian and Latinx owned small businesses with the financial and educational resources to power through the challenges of COVID-19.

Unfinished Business was established as a long-term small business program in response to the pandemic, with a goal of bolstering an equitable recovery for those of culturally diverse backgrounds.

"Unfinished Business reflects our commitment and allyship to polycultural communities nationwide," said Giles Woodyer, senior vice president, Hennessy US. "Response to the program has been tremendous and we are honored to continue supporting the resiliency of these pillars of community, during the converging health, social and economic crises, and beyond."

Earlier this year, Hennessy's first round of grant funding was met with overwhelming response and the initial contribution of more than $3 million was distributed to over 1,250 small businesses hit hardest by recent economic upheaval.

Most grant recipients stated that the funding was used to help pay for operating expenses to keep businesses running, payroll, technology upgrades, PPE, utilities and more.

Nearly eight months into the Covid-19 pandemic, small businesses nationwide remain in danger of closing for good if they do not receive financial assistance, underscoring the urgent need for additional capital.

"During the current health, economic and civil rights crises in our country, we are proud to partner with Hennessy to provide ongoing financial relief to small Black businesses throughout the nation," said Michael J. Garner, Chairman, Corporate Board, One Hundred Black Men of New York City. "Earlier this year, we provided grants to businesses in 370+ U.S. cities, towns and villages, across 36 states. We are happy to support this vision during such turbulent times and even more thrilled to distribute a second round of grants before the holidays."

To sustain momentum, a coordinated effort among partners and ambassadors – including hip-hop legend Nas – has helped deliver on the initiative's promise to replenish the small business fund.

"Putting money back into the community is important especially during these times to help small businesses continue to survive," Nas said. "Pushing forward is hard to do without resources like Unfinished Business, which is why I'm proud to contribute where I can to ensure small businesses continue to flourish."

Unfinished Business partners One Hundred Black Men, the Asian American Business Development Center, and the Hispanic Federation remain at the forefront of grant and resource distribution at the community-level. I

In addition to capital, these organizations also help to provide businesses with access to information, educational content, and other assets to safeguard business continuity.

Hennessy's second phase of funding continues with applications available at UnfinishedBusiness.US.To learn more about Hennessy's Unfinished Business grant criteria or access educational resources, please visit UnfinishedBusiness.US.