Pete Du Pont Freedom Foundation Receives Grant From Barclays

Wilmington DE

19 March, 2022

3:41 AM

Description

Press release from Delaware State Chamber of Commerce: March 15, 2022 Barclays US Consumer Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation (PDFF), committing an additional $100,000 to the $300,000 already donated to the organization since 2020. The grant brings Barclays' support for PDFF's Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (E3) and Reinventing Delaware program to $400,000 over the past two years. Developed through an initial $100,000 grant from Barclays and in partnership with the Wilmington Alliance, E3 was launched in March 2020 to help ethnically diverse entrepreneurs accelerate their businesses through the negative impact of COVID-19. E3 provides a process where experienced advisers create a clear, sustainable plan that includes a customized support structure for the entrepreneurs. "Entrepreneurs are vitally important to create a vibrant and thriving local economy, which is why Barclays has been committed to the Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem," said Jenn Cho, Head of Citizenship for Barclays US Consumer Bank. "We are proud to support community partners like the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation that provide the tools and resources to support and help diverse entrepreneurs to grow." Through E3, entrepreneurs receive technical assistance and coaching from a team of experts, as well as tailored recommendations from E3's statewide and regional committees, to help grow their businesses. E3 works in tandem with PDFF's Reinventing Delaware program to provide equal access to resources, capital and mentorship for entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented communities, to create opportunities for them to grow and expand their businesses. PDFF is currently accepting applications for the next E3 cohort now through March 21. This application cycle is open to small businesses based in New Castle County. Applications will be accepted until 11:59PM on March 21. Barclays' support for this initiative is part of its citizenship strategy focused on employability and helping businesses create jobs, as well as the bank's Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) program. This press release was produced by Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author's own.