WeWork opens registrations for the third edition of BlackLab, its program to encourage black entrepreneurship that has already included five companies and had another 60 companies registered. Interested parties can register for free until December 11th.
“We are committed to strengthening communities, which is our core. In the third edition of BlackLab, we reinforce our contribution to black entrepreneurship through our flexible, collaborative and creative workspaces”, comments Bruna Neves, from WeWork in Brazil. “We are more committed than ever to connecting physical spaces, people and ideas, promoting an environment even more conducive to entrepreneurial growth and diversity”, he adds.
In the first phase, all applicants will be evaluated by WeWork’s racial diversity collective, We Of Color, based on the following criteria: the company’s corporate structure must have at least one self-declared black or brown person; companies with up to ten employees; have teams in São Paulo, Alphaville, São Bernardo do Campo, São José dos Campos, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte and Porto Alegre (locations with their own WeWork units); Use technology as the basis of your solution and solve a latent problem; and ability to positively impact Brazilian society through this solution. In total, 10 companies will be announced for the second phase on January 14, 2025.
At this stage, they will have the opportunity to present their highlights and the viability of their solution to the evaluation committee, formed by Ricardo Silvestre, CEO and founder of Black Influence, Daniele Mattos, CEO and co-founder of Indique uma Preta, Nathalia Henrique , Creator of Black Home Office and Bruna Neves general director of WeWork Brasil, in a hybrid event held at WeWork, which will analyze the company’s short- to long-term growth potential, innovation and impact. There will be 3 companies included, announced on January 30, 2025.
This is the third program aimed at promoting black entrepreneurship at WeWork. The company had a beta version in December 2020, reformulated for a new version in 2024. Among those selected for the second edition, the evaluation committee selected Complete Magazine, Fazer Orçamento and Indique Uma Preta as the winners.
“The start of 2024 was a little slow, but winning Black Lab was a shot in the arm. The award allowed us to use the WeWork network throughout Brazil, supporting our hybrid and flexible team, generating engagement and interaction between members, facilitating meetings with strategic clients and boosting our growth”, says Daniele Mattos, co-founding partner of Indicate a Black. “I recommend it to other businesses looking to expand and strengthen. It was a truly enriching partnership for us.”
“Since the announcement of our selection, Black Lab has been enriching. Connecting with other startups and participants opened new doors, and receiving a space at WeWork was transformative for our company, especially for our team. More than a workplace, WeWork has become an environment to welcome clients, hold meetings and boost business. The visibility of the award attracted the attention of investors and customers, validating our work”, says Caíque Nucci, founder and CEO of Complete Magazine. “For our team of eight people, having a fixed base at WeWork made the routine and work dynamics easier. Mentoring, especially with Raul Assumpção, WeWork’s PR specialist, in communication and storytelling, was essential to strengthen our brand. We hope to extend this partnership and reap even more fruits”, concludes Nucci.
To register and access more information, simply access the website.
