Neighbor News
Starz & Cloudz Selected for New ‘Business Growth Visibility Campaign'
Transportation services provider receives support from recently-formed Business Growth Task Force to spark accelerated, equitable growth
TEWKSBURY, MA – Starz & Cloudz, a world-class transportation services provider based in Tewksbury MA, has been selected as part of the newly-launched ‘Business Growth Visibility Campaign’ to help level the playing field for entrepreneurs from traditionally underserved communities.
The selection provides them with individualized public relations and media services, business-to-business (B2B) purchasing, and partnerships with supplier diversity programs during the 2024 program.
The campaign is the brainchild of the recently formed Business Growth Task Force -- founded by Eastern Bank Foundation and comprised of 19 community partners -- to focus on creating visibility and business opportunities, increased access to contracts and relationship building to spur growth for diverse businesses.
Starz & Cloudz’ selection, along with 10 other companies in Cohort 1 of the campaign, was announced during a press conference at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
“Entrepreneurs of color, as well as women and LGBTQ-owned businesses, have been historically stifled in the small business ecosystem because of inherent bias and systemic ‘isms,’” said Nancy Huntington Stager, President and CEO of Eastern Bank Foundation. “This innovative campaign seeks to address these challenges by building awareness, connections, and opportunity for business expansion. We are proud to support the efforts of the Business Growth Task Force and the dynamic small businesses they work with as part of our strategy to help advance economic inclusion and mobility.”
“The transportation industry has long been dominated by affluent powerbrokers,” said Nguidjoi Pierre, CEO of Starz & Cloudz. “As a formerly-homeless individual who started a company from the ground up, I couldn’t be more proud to be included in this campaign, and hope to show other entrepreneurs of color what's possible if you hit the pavement running, with the right support.”
Campaign seed-funding was provided by Eastern Bank Foundation and is expected to assist 25 businesses this year, with plans to include other funders for cohorts in future years.
About Starz & Cloudz:
Starz & Cloudz provides world-class transportations services, including truck-load, moving, international, intermodal freight, warehousing and final mile deliveries of goods for our customers. We organize all transportation, customs clearance and other logistical services, providing the highest level of expertise, exceptional service, and the latest technology. Visit www.starzcloudzinc.com to learn how we can help you solve your transportation needs.
Starzs & Cloudz joins the group of 11 initial firms selected for the Business Growth Visibility Campaign, including: Waku, Nüssli118°, Emmaty, KT & T Distributors, City Sealcoating, Mass Signal Service, Tanuk dba Meal Mantra, Back to Home Healthcare Services, Nicoya Construction, and Seaport Consulting.
Members of the Business Growth Task Force include: Asian Business Empowerment Council, Associated Industries of Massachusetts, BDC Community Capital, Black Economic Council of MA, Builders of Color Coalition, Center for Women & Enterprise, Commonwealth Kitchen, Emerald Cities Collaborative, Foundation for Business Equity/MCCI, Interise, Lawyers for Civil Rights Boston, LEAF, LISC Boston, MA LGBT Chamber of Commerce, New Majority Capital, Pacesetters, Small Business Strong, Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, Women Of Color Entrepreneurs (WOCE), and Eastern Bank Foundation as founder.
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