Apple is launching an accelerator program for minority-owned firms that are working on clean energy solutions, and an Illinois firm near the Quad Cities is among the companies selected to the inaugural program.
Apple unveiled the 15 Black- and Brown-owned businesses in its first-ever Impact Accelerator, a program focused on environmental sustainability and part of Apple's Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, a long-term effort by the tech giant to support communities of color.
Among the companies in the inaugural cohort is Group O, a Milan, Illinois-based business that specializes in marketing, supply chain and packaging solutions. The company was founded in 1974 and is one of the largest Hispanic-owned companies in the U.S. with more than 1,200 employees.
Group O offers companies supply chain solutions that are designed to optimize operations while reducing waste. Its customers include household names like Samsung, Caterpillar, PepsiCo and Best Buy.
Group O and the 14 other companies will participate in the three-month program, receiving access to Apple's experts and customized training. At the end of the accelerator, companies will be considered for opportunities to act as suppliers to Apple, the company said. Apple has set a goal to become carbon neutral for its supply chain and products by 2030.
