BREAKING NEWS: Group O today announced that it has been selected to join the Apple Impact Accelerator, a new program for minority-owned businesses that are creating environmental solutions focused on climate change, resource conservation and smarter chemistry. Group O is one of 15 businesses selected for Apple’s first Impact Accelerator cohort.

“Like Apple, Group O recognizes the importance of environmental sustainability and advancing equality and economic prosperity,” said

Group O CEO Gregg Ontiveros. “We continuously work toward reducing our carbon footprint and that of our many business partners through waste reduction efforts, efficiency programs, automation, and technology. This provides us the opportunity to expand into new markets and in turn, create more jobs for people of color.”

Founded in 1974 as a small Midwest packaging distributor, Group O has grown into one of the largest Latino-owned businesses in the United States. As an end-to-end business process outsourcer serving some of the world’s largest brands, Group O specializes in integrated supply chain solutions designed to optimize operations while reducing waste. They are committed to environmental stewardship through several programs and policies that reduce not only their own carbon footprint, but that of their clients. As a certified MBE, Group O is dedicated to building a diverse workforce in addition to working with and mentoring other minority-owned businesses and suppliers.

As part of the three-month Impact Accelerator program, Group O will participate in courses, live sessions, and one-on-one meetings with Apple team members to identify opportunities to align with Apple’s environmental goals. With ongoing mentorship from Apple and an expanding Impact Accelerator network, Group O will have access to continuous growth and networking opportunities with alumni companies that share a commitment to the environment.“We are thrilled to welcome our first Impact Accelerator class, and look forward to seeing how these innovative businesses will expand their work to protect the planet and our communities,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives. “On our journey to our 2030 carbon neutral goal for our supply chain and products, we’re determined to help create a greener and more equitable future for all people. The businesses we’re partnering with today are poised to become tomorrow’s diverse and innovative industry leaders, creating ripples of change to
help communities everywhere adapt to the urgent challenges posed by climate change.”

Apple has committed to be carbon neutral for its entire business and supply chain by 2030 and is already carbon neutral for its corporate operations. The Impact Accelerator was announced last year as part of Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, focused on addressing education, economic equality, and criminal justice reform. For more information, visit https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/08/apple-selects-15-black-and-brown-owned-businesses-for-impact-accelerator/