Sage, a global finance, human resources and payroll software company, has just opened applications for a new mentorship and training program for 150 Black women entrepreneurs from any industry in Atlanta.
The program, Pathways to Success, will offer a year of hands-on support, and then three years of membership to The BOSS Network, a digital career development platform for women of color, and a program partner. Another partner is business financing company Swoop. Applications close on Feb. 5.
Sage launched the program during a time when diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are being targeted by certain conservative groups. Atlanta-based venture capital firm Fearless Fund is one of the first and most prominent targets of a renewed conservative push to dismantle affirmative action in corporate America. A lawsuit targeting a Fearless Fund grant program for women founders of color is pending in court.
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Sage said in the face of these legal challenges, they always want to follow the law. But they also want to do the right thing and break down barriers.