An initiative to expand ownership in the running industry.
ABOUT
RUN THE BLOCK is a new mentoring and grant pilot program by the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC), an educational nonprofit whose mission is to unite the running industry to improve the inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color.
We’re taking a focused approach, starting with Black ownership in the running industry. The awardee will be granted $200,000 to open a new retail running store in the US and dedicated mentorship to support them along the way. Anyone can apply with their store having at least 51% Black ownership. This criteria aims to direct financial support and mentorship towards businesses substantially owned and run by Black individuals, addressing historical barriers to access capital.
OUR VISION
OUR VISION
Producing first-of-its-kind research and with direct experience in the field, we recognize clear disparities in the business of running—and we’ve set our sights on helping to change that, too.
Our baseline research revealed that a staggering 96 percent of respondents who identified as owners in the running industry were white, despite white individuals making up only 59 percent of the US population. Our vision is for RUN THE BLOCK to catalyze more Black owners to excel at business, expand their personal economic power, and grow their local economies.
“RUN THE BLOCK is starting a new chapter in the running industry, focusing on long-term business success and generational wealth for the communities we serve. It’s more than just a mentoring and grant program; it’s about leveling the ownership playing field.”
—Kiera Smalls, Executive Director of the RIDC
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
RUN THE BLOCK is rooted in three fundamental principles: economic prosperity, community strength, and health. These principles guide us in fostering generational wealth, deepening community ties, and enhancing overall health for everyone. By increasing Black ownership through RUN THE BLOCK, we aim to create business success and lasting community impact.
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RUN THE BLOCK helps position Black entrepreneurs as owners in the running industry. The program empowers their entrepreneurial ambition by providing seed funding and resources so we can grow their personal economic power, foster job creation, strengthen local economies, increase generational wealth potential, and drive cultural transformation. Period.
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RUN THE BLOCK can strengthen communities through collective and sustainable investment. By championing Black-owned businesses, we aim to help entrepreneurs positively impact communities and nurture their long-term vitality. These businesses have the opportunity to serve as catalysts, attract community support, and nurture relationships, all of which would contribute to creating (or enhancing) vibrant and empowered communities.
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We understand that economic opportunity and prosperity are crucial to one’s health. By focusing RUN THE BLOCK on expanding Black ownership in the running industry, we can help remake individual and community well-being, improving mental health, self-confidence, healthy aging, and quality of life.
RUN THE BLOCK
RUN THE BLOCK
We recognize that applicants may not have the full plan for their retail store yet or check all the boxes for the requirements listed in the application. That’s OK! The RIDC is committed to providing the grant recipient with the necessary resources. This will include a network of running industry and retail professionals.
CONTACT US
Are you a potential applicant with a question? Or are you interested in getting involved by donating to the future of this program or offering services to RUN THE BLOCK team?
Contact us to chat with the RIDC team!
Press inquiry? See the press release and/or email RIDC@OutsidePR.com.
