In celebration of National Latina Day, PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos (Together We Grow) launched year three of its Jefa-Owned (owned by a Latina boss) campaign to recognize the economic, cultural and community contributions of Jefa-Owned businesses, particularly restaurants, bodegas and carnicerías (meat markets). The campaign aims to provide business-building resources, enhance business visibility, and build community for Latina entrepreneurs.
In partnership with actress and philanthropist Stephanie Beatriz and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), both of which are champions for Hispanic empowerment and excellence, PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos kicked off a national effort to highlight Latina entrepreneurs and encourage consumers to dine at Jefa-Owned businesses.
A new grant and mentorship program is designed to benefit women entrepreneurs. PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos will award $200,000 in grants to 20 women entrepreneurs in the food and beverage category to grow and scale their businesses. The grant application period will be open from August 20 to September 27.
Grant recipients will gain access to the Business Health Accelerator and Boost Camp. Additionally, all grant recipients will receive access to a five-week training series from PepsiCo that includes personalized consultations on delivery logistics, technology, marketing and search engine optimization (SEO). The package is valued at about $12,000 per participant.
"We launched Jefa-Owned in 2022 to shine a spotlight on Latina-owned small businesses while helping to address the unique challenges they face at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey," said Esperanza Teasdale, vice president and general manager, Hispanic Business Unit, PepsiCo Beverages North America. "Three years into this effort, PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos has supported hundreds of Jefa-Owned businesses through various programs and initiatives and remains committed to helping them thrive through financial, educational, and community-building resources."
