Hennessy Announces $1MM Acceleration Fund to Champion Next Generation of Black Entrepreneurs

NEW YORK, March 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hennessy, the world's best-selling cognac, today unveils the "Never Stop Never Settle Society," a comprehensive growth accelerator co-created with the Marcus Graham Project (MGP) to ensure a more equitable landscape for Black entrepreneurship. To introduce the initiative, new "Dear Destiny" creative produced by UNINTERRUPTED and featuring hip-hop legend Nas debuted on March 27th during the 52^nd NAACP Image Awards on BET, placing the spotlight on the legacy of Black Wall Street.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here:  https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8872951-hennessy-acceleration-fund-black-entrepreneurs/

"The 'Never Stop Never Settle Society' builds on Hennessy's long-standing commitment to Black communities and ongoing mission to champion cultural diversity by pushing the limits of potential for Black entrepreneurs," says Jasmin Allen, Senior Vice President, Hennessy US. "We aim to expand on that legacy in the most impactful and meaningful ways by providing access to capital and resources to those demonstrating the ability to reshape Black communities through social impact."

With respect to past models of community-built success including Tulsa's Greenwood District, the "Never Stop Never Settle Society" was instituted to provide Black entrepreneurs with high-impact funding, resources, and infrastructure to further their journeys and ultimately transform communities.

Hennessy will accept applications starting Tuesday, April 6^th, awarding a number of member benefits to qualified applicants:

• Lump sum funds in the amount of $50K will be administered to selected ventures with potential to reshape the world through social impact
• Access to The Gathering Spot Connect, a Black-owned digital hub offering networking, education, and business development resources
• Growth opportunities at the program's physical footprint and state-of-the-art office at Moët Hennessy's headquarters in New York City. Debuting late 2021, the space will offer scheduled access to a content studio, along with a compelling slate of educational programming and leadership engagement for business mentorship

Moët Hennessy USA executives and partners including the Marcus Graham Project will co-create program elements, evaluate proposals, and select the curated group of Black entrepreneurs whose visions will be accelerated. Leadership will also further aid member journeys, helping to evolve early business ventures over time.

"Some of the most powerful leaders and creators in the Black community are entrepreneurs creating jobs, rich legacies, and taking ownership of new paths. Access to capital resources to allow for authentic growth has traditionally been a barrier," says Lincoln Stephens, Co-Founder and CEO of the Marcus Graham Project (MGP). "For over a century now, Hennessy's participation in the Black community has transcended typical corporate action, and I'm excited to be part of this next chapter that substantively uplifts entrepreneurship as a means towards closing the wealth disparity."

As one of the first corporate sponsors of the NAACP, Hennessy unveiled the program during the 52^nd NAACP Image Awards, bringing its history with the organization full circle. Legendary recording artist, philanthropist, and venture capitalist Nas presented the first-ever "Never Stop, Never Settle" Award, a celebration of Black entrepreneurship, to former WNBA player-turned-owner and executive, Renee Montgomery. The evening also kicked off a cross-platform rollout for "Dear Destiny," Hennessy's new creative featuring the Grammy Award Winning artist and created and produced by UNINTERRUPTED, referencing the vision, ambition, creation, and evolution of Black Wall Street from Tulsa 1921 into the year 2021.

"A narrative about family, legacy, entrepreneurship and empowerment, Dear Destiny is a message to my daughter Destiny, and in many ways, the entire Black community. Inspired by Tulsa's hub of cultural activity and community-built success, it pays homage to the Black creativity and wealth that thrived during this time in history," says voiceover artist and Hennessy Ambassador, Nas. "Nearing the 100-year anniversary of the Tulsa Massacre, I believe the powerful spirit of Black Wall Street is still strong and can be revived with programs like Hennessy's "Never Stop Never Settle Society."

Applications for Hennessy's "Never Stop Never Settle Society" will open on Tuesday, April 6^th. For additional information on eligibility and membership benefits, please visit NeverStopNeverSettleSociety.org.

ABOUT HENNESSY
The leader in Cognac, the Maison Hennessy has shined around the world with its exceptional blends for more than 250 years. Built on founder Richard Hennessy's spirit of conquest, the brand is present in more than 160 countries. Based in the heart of the Charente region, Hennessy is also a steadfast pillar of the regional economy, the standard-bearer for a sector rich in expertise. The House's success and longevity are rooted in the excellence of its cognacs, each of which is born of a unique process of transmission from generation to generation. The first wine and spirits house to be certified ISO 14001, Hennessy unites its capacity for innovation and the support of all of its partners to protect this exceptional area. As the crown jewel of the LVMH Group, Hennessy is a major contributor to French international trade, with 99% of production sold in export, and a worldwide ambassador for the French art de vivre.

Hennessy is imported and distributed in the U.S. by Moët Hennessy USA. Hennessy distills, ages and blends spanning a full range: Hennessy V.S, V.S.O.P Privilège, Hennessy Black, X.O, Privé, Paradis, Paradis Imperial and Richard Hennessy. Imported Cognac Hennessy® 40% Alc./Vol. (80º), ©2021 Imported by Moët Hennessy USA, Inc., New York, NY.

ABOUT MARCUS GRAHAM PROJECT (MGP)
Founded nearly 15 years ago, the Marcus Graham Project (MGP) is a national organization focused on developing the next generation of diverse leaders in the advertising, media, and marketing industries through training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to ensure the industry is more inclusive to better reflect the diverse world we live in.

ABOUT UNINTERRUPTED, PART OF THE SPRINGHILL COMPANY
The SpringHill Company is a global consumer and entertainment brand created to empower greatness in every individual. The SpringHill Company unites three companies built by LeBron James and Maverick Carter: UNINTERRUPTED, the athlete empowerment media, experiences  and consumer product company, SpringHill Entertainment, the premium scripted and unscripted film and television production company and The Robot Company, the brand and culture consultancy. With a dynamic and diverse team committed to creating the most culturally inspired content, entertainment and products, The SpringHill Company is built to be the defining brand for a new generation.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Kate Kenny, BCW Global
(908) 834-5563, [email protected]
Jenay Alejandro, Hennessy
(917) 224-1377, [email protected]

SOURCE Hennessy