Courvoisier Cognac Pledges $1 Million To Help Black, Minority Small Businesses Recover From the Pandemic

Courvoisier Cognac has launched global philanthropic platform Foundation 1828, which includes a five-year $1 million financial commitment to equipping Black and small minority business owners with resources to recover from the pandemic’s impact.

This is the brand’s first formal initiative to support entrepreneurs since it was founded in 1828 by Felix Courvoisier, who created a house that supported a close-kit collective of artisans in Jarnac, France.

“Entrepreneurs come in many different forms, from all walks of life and varying income levels. Courvoisier recognizes the importance of nurturing that drive, passion, and creativity in these individuals around the globe—especially for those who may have the odds stacked against them,”Jon Potter, managing director of Maison Courvoisier said in a press release. “Foundation 1828 is designed to unify our mission and make a lasting impact by assessing the critical needs of underserved communities in our key global markets to build authentic programming that will provide long-lasting benefits to entrepreneurs for years to come.”

Last year, Courvoisier and the National Urban League formed a multi-year partnership.

The collaboration will continue at this year’s National Urban League Conference on Sept. 30. Courvoisier will be sponsor a virtual session from 4:30 to 6 p.m. as part of the Small Business Matters Entrepreneurship Day.

The virtual session, entitled “Marketing Your Business in the New Normal with Courvoisier Cognac,” will include a pitch competition where three pre-selected small Black businesses will have a chance to receive $75,000, $50,000, and $25,000. Finalists must be members of the National Urban League to participate.

The session will also include an educational marketing panel discussion focused on rebuilding after the impact of COVID-19. Topics will include marketing strategies and social media guidance.

The panelists include Courvoisier curators Chris Roy of Los Angeles, Kwabena “K. Botchey” of Atlanta, and Brooke Mackie of Chicago, and moderator Klassi Duncan, vice president, Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Urban League of Louisiana.

For more information about the virtual session, click here.