Eight Black founders have been chosen for Apple’s third Impact Accelerator, aimed at supporting entrepreneurs on the cutting edge of green technology and clean energy.

Helping businesses scale, the program is part of Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative — a global effort to expand equity and opportunity for Black and Brown communities.

“With the third cohort of our Impact Accelerator, we’re honoured to support businesses whose innovations are paving the way to a greener, more equitable future,” Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of environment, policy, and social initiatives, said in a statement. “From renewable energy to recycling and more, these diverse leaders are serving their communities, expanding opportunity, and pioneering new solutions in the fight against climate change. We’re proud to support their journeys — and we can’t wait to see what they’ll come up with next.”

The new cohort will be a part of a 12-week program that includes specialized training, executive coaching, opportunities for skill development, one-on-one mentoring, and access to Apple subject-matter experts from throughout the company. Alums will receive ongoing career support after graduation, including access to Apple specialists and an expansive network through Apple's Supplier Success community. As Apple aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire manufacturing supply chain by 2030, businesses will also be considered for commercial prospects.

A total of 12 Black, Latinx, and Indigenous-owned business owners were chosen to join the 2023 cohort. Click to see the full list of participants. See the eight entrepreneurs below:

COI Energy’s SaLisa Berrien, Brooklyn, New York

COI Energy’s technology aims to optimize energy performance and minimizes energy demand, allowing companies to meet emissions goals, comply with rising energy-efficiency standards, and make and save money. Moreover, the company uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to eliminate energy waste in buildings and repurpose the waste for good.

SEEL’s E’Lois Thomas, Detroit

Among other services, SEEL, LLC provides energy-efficiency education and energy-saving consultations, appliance recycling, and direct installation of energy-saving products. From energy audits and weatherization, recycling and incentive programs, call centre services, solar management, electric vehicle maintenance, and support, SEEL designs and implements community-informed turnkey energy solutions to help utilities and partners reach their clean energy goals.

GridChain’s Christopher Johnson, Atlanta

GridChain seeks to eliminate waste in energy and water resources and reduce carbon emissions by leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Moreover, GridChain’s SaaS solutions platform identifies and alerts owners, operators, and maintenance personnel to anomalies jeopardizing operations, readiness, and expected investment returns.

TSP Solutions’ Charles McGregor, Florence, Kentucky

TSP Solutions, LLC is a full-service provider of inks and coatings. Its offerings include commercialized inks and coatings that integrate plant-based, biodegradable, and renewable raw materials, reducing the environmental impacts of traditional printing processes. TSP also manufactures and distributes commodity, specialty, and security inks and coatings for various commercial printing and packaging applications.

Green Earth Sustainable Solution’s Aaron Phillips, San Jose, California

Green Earth Sustainable Solution is a recycling company specializing in waste-minimization programs that reduce environmental impact. The company also offers services to assist its clients in developing and implementing customized sustainable business practices focusing on waste management, landfill diversion, and zero waste certification.

RIFE International’s Kwabena Osei-Sarpong, Bethesda, Maryland

RIFE International is driven by a fundamental purpose: to propel energy efficiency, renewable energy solutions, electro-mobility infrastructure, and climate technology. Additionally, RIFE impacts advanced economies and facilitates attainable adoption within developing nations.

Superior Innovative Solutions’ Wendy Turner Miller, Detroit

Superior Innovative Solutions, LLC delivers sustainable environmental solutions for its customers, focusing on recycling oils and coolants and incorporating environmentally friendly cleaning materials into its processes. A full-service industrial cleaning, waste management, and janitorial company, SIS develops and implements specialized service plans and provides industrial management and waste solutions.

Alard Engineering’s Osei Appiagyei, Gardena, California

Alard Engineering invests in sustainable manufacturing practices that minimize its environmental impact, including metal chip recycling, coolant optimization, and chemical treatment. With its in-house design, engineering, and program management skill sets, the company also supports system development from concept to completion and prototype to production.