Helping community businesses hire more workers and sustain jobs is the Starbucks 'Create Jobs for USA' program. The coffee chain has partnered with Opportunity Finance Network® (OFN)to encourage people to donate money that will go toward sustaining small businesses in the United States.
According to Starbucks' CEO Howard Schultz, "We’ve got to thaw the channels of credit so that community businesses can start hiring again. Create Jobs for USA empowers Americans to help other Americans create and sustain jobs..."
The Starbucks Foundation itself will donate the first $5 million and consumers who donate at least $5 will get an 'Indivisible' wristband, which is, according to Schultz, a symbol of the country's unity. The proceeds from donations will go to OFN and be distributed to American small businesses, nonprofit organizations and affordable housing initiatives.
Employment-Augmenting Coffee Chains
Starbucks 'Create Jobs for USA' Program Strengthens Small Biz
Trend Themes
1. Community Support - The Starbucks 'Create Jobs for USA' program highlights the trend of community support in sustaining small businesses and promoting job growth.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility - Starbucks' partnership with Opportunity Finance Network® underscores the trend of corporate social responsibility in actively addressing job creation and economic sustainability.
3. Public-private Partnerships - The collaboration between Starbucks and Opportunity Finance Network® demonstrates the trend of public-private partnerships in leveraging resources to support small businesses and job opportunities.
Industry Implications
1. Coffee Chains - The Starbucks 'Create Jobs for USA' program presents an opportunity for coffee chains to invest in community support initiatives, which can enhance their brand image and generate positive social impact.
2. Nonprofit Organizations - The partnership between Starbucks and Opportunity Finance Network® offers an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to collaborate with corporate entities in promoting job growth and economic stability.
3. Affordable Housing - The proceeds from donations to the 'Create Jobs for USA' program can potentially fund affordable housing initiatives, presenting an opportunity for the affordable housing industry to access additional resources and support.