Goodie Nation Announces CULTIVATE: Hack the Wealth Gap Powered by AARP Innovation Labs

Initiative Features a Pitch Competition and Support Program to Bolster BIPOC Founders Working to Reduce Wealth Inequality

CULTIVATE: Hack the Wealth Gap powered by AARP Innovation Labs, an initiative to identify and support the top BIPOC founders working on early-stage innovative solutions that are reducing wealth inequality in the U.S.

According to the Brookings Institute, a close examination of wealth in the U.S. finds evidence of staggering racial disparities. Gaps in wealth between Black and White households reveal the effects of accumulated inequality and discrimination, as well as differences in opportunity that can be traced back to this nation’s inception.

“The racial wealth gap reflects a society that has not and does not afford equality of opportunity to all its citizens,” said Joey Womack, CEO of Goodie Nation. “We need creative answers to close the gap faster. We’re honored to have the support of AARP as we work to extend the runway of resources, broaden the network of relationships and access to funding and move the ball forward for these founders making an impact.”

CULTIVATE: Hack the Wealth Gap powered by AARP Innovation Labs is a three-month initiative to support eight BIPOC-led tech startups working to reduce wealth inequality in the U.S. Highlighted by a pitch competition with cash prizes of $10,000 and $2,500 to be awarded to the first and second place finishers, the initiative also features support from AARP Innovation Labs as well as admittance into our Intentionally Good program. Key dates are as follows:

Thursday, April 15: Pitch Competition Overview Session, 4pm EST via livestream across social channels
Monday, April 19: Applications Open
Friday, May 21: Applications Close

Tuesday, May 25: Semi-Finalists Selected
Wednesday, June 3: Finalists Selected
Week of June 14: Pitch Coaching for Finalists
Tuesday, June 29: Final Round Pitch Competition for Finalists
July – September: Finalists supported by Goodie Nation’s Intentionally Good Program

“Doors are currently opening in new ways, causing people to pay attention to disparities and lean into creating change,” said Jacqueline M. Baker, VP of Startup Programming for AARP. “Now is the time to be intentional and actively allocate resources in the areas where it’s needed most. We’re excited for a meaningful collaboration with Goodie Nation as we work together to build access and close the wealth gap.”

Hack the Wealth Gap follows in the footsteps of previous Goodie Nation programs Hack Gentrification, Hack the Violence and Hack Cancer. Visit the website www.GoodieNation.org/hackthewealthgap, to learn more and apply for the competition.

About Goodie Nation
Goodie Nation was founded in 2014. Since then, Goodie Nation has been on a mission to address the relationship gap that exists for social entrepreneurs and diverse founders. The organization is dedicated to helping founders accelerate success by providing access to capital, pilot opportunities and best practices through mentorship and connections. Today, more than 100 founders have the support of Goodie Nation to drive their business. To learn more, follow Goodie Nation on Instagram @goodnation or visit https://goodienation.org/.

About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.