Pinterest Launches Black Gold Accelerator Programme

Pinterest is on a mission to bring everyone the inspiration to create a life they love. Today, Pinterest opens applications for its very first Black Gold Accelerator Programme, to nurture and amplify black-owned businesses and creators on the platform.

Creators, merchants and black-owned businesses can apply to be on the Black Gold Accelerator programme by visiting the site here. Those who are successful on application will be entered into the programme which includes:

• Access to dedicated 1-1 business mentors who are industry specialists in the field

• A budget of £5,000 towards Pinterest ads to ensure your business is seen, and heard  

• Masterclasses from business leaders of established start-ups and household names across food & drink, interiors, fashion and beauty and more

• Office space at Somerset House 

• Access to a network of like-minded founders and creators

Pinterest’s Black Gold Accelerator Programme will run for three months with dedicated support and will aim to get businesses investment-ready, by pitching to angel investors on “demo-day” - empowering them to reach the next stage of their business plan. 

Those that apply will be selected based on:

• Their potential to scale their business

• Showcasing pre-existing evidence of product sales 

• Proof that their product is purpose driven or sits within food & drink, fashion, home and interiors, beauty or health and wellbeing

As a visual discovery platform, Pinterest has an opportunity and responsibility to increase representation in the products it builds and how it supports creators. For example, product launches this year such as skin tone ranges and hair pattern search enable Pinners to refine beauty-related searches that reflect who they are individually. 

Steven Bartlett, recently voted on the power list of most influential black Britons and soon to be Dragon's Den investor says of the Black Gold Accelerator programme:

“I'm proud to use my platform to bring more black-owned businesses to a mainstream audience and hear why others find them inspirational. The launch of the Black Gold Accelerator from Pinterest is exactly the type of initiative we need to see more of. For the short term it’s inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, it’s making them visible and putting exciting black-owned businesses in front of investors. But in the long term it’s unlocking funding that allows them to scale and turn the tables of generational wealth and systemic inequality.” 

Belinda Boakye at Pinterest says, “As an inclusive platform, we have an opportunity and responsibility to increase representation, in the products we build, how we support our creators and the brands we work with. That is why we are excited to be supporting black-owned businesses, alongside our partners Cornerstone Partners, Mentor Black Business and Somerset House, to help them reach a wider audience, accelerate their growth, and get investment-ready”. 

Applications are now open and close November 30th. For businesses wanting to apply or for further information, head to the application page here.