What is PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos?

Juntos Crecemos is a multi-year platform developed by PepsiCo to support Hispanic-owned small businesses, specifically restaurants, bodegas and carnicerías.

Juntos Crecemos means “Together We Grow” and it represents PepsiCo’s commitment to working alongside Hispanic businesses and their communities to help them recover from the impact of the pandemic and thrive long term by addressing systemic barriers to their success.

How does the Hispanic Digital & Delivery Program work?

Participating businesses will have a kick-off call with PepsiCo consultants to discuss the program playbook, personalized plan and their goals.

Based on business’ needs, PepsiCo will provide ongoing consultation and address key essentials to improve their business, including menu development, packaging, operations, technology, marketing and digital presence.

PepsiCo will establish weekly check-in meetings with each of the participating businesses over the span of eight weeks.

By the end of the program, they will have constructed long-term business plans to support their economic recovery and set them on the path to building generational wealth.

What is the cost of participating in the Juntos Crecemos initiative?

There is no fee for the participating restaurants, bodegas or carnicerías. PepsiCo will cover all costs associated with marketing materials and consulting work.

What is the criteria to participate in the Hispanic Digital & Delivery program?

The business must be a Hispanic-owned restaurant, carnicería or bodega and have one million dollars or less in annual revenue.

How are the restaurants, bodegas and carnicerías selected?

PepsiCo will work with internal partners to identify small business owners that were hit particularly hard by the pandemic. The business must be a Hispanic-owned restaurant, carnicería or bodega and have one million dollars or less in annual revenue.

Is the IMPACTO Hispanic Business Accelerator part of Juntos Crecemos?

Yes, The PepsiCo Foundation’s Hispanic Business Accelerator program is a part of PepsiCo’s Juntos Crecemos platform, and is a $10 million commitment to supporting Hispanic restaurants, carnicerías and bodegas via capital and business coaching. The Hispanic Business Accelerator is one of the ways that PepsiCo will create opportunities for the Hispanic-owned small business community over the next five years.

How do I apply for an IMPACTO grant or free coaching?

Applications are closed for 2021 however, applications for the 2022 program will be available on this website (pepsicojuntoscrecemos.com) soon.

How many businesses will benefit from this program?

PepsiCo Foundation’s IMPACTO Hispanic Business Accelerator will provide $10 million in funding to help 500 small food and beverage business owners grow their enterprises over the next five years.

In 2021, the IMPACTO Hispanic Business Accelerator program has provided 150 business owners with grants of $10,000 each. All 150 businesses for 2021 have been identified and awarded grants.

Are there restrictions on how recipients can use their funding?

The grants are meant to provide small businesses with the resources they need to cover ongoing operational expenses. Grant proceeds must be used for business costs and cannot be used for personal expenses.

What does business coaching entail?

The CDFI in the area will offer an initial 30-minute coaching session to learn what the business’s goals are. Then, the coach will help the business owner create a plan to achieve those goals. For example, if the goal is to access additional capital, the coach will provide specific advice on how to qualify for and access financial assistance.

What are Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)?

CDFIs are mission-driven banks, credit unions, venture capital funds and loan funds that provide capital and financial services to underserved communities to increase economic development and opportunity. This year, we are working with the following CDFIs to help distribute grants and provide business coaching to the grantees: Allies for Community Business, Ascendus, Accion Opportunity Fund, LiftFund and DreamSpring.