News
October 8, 2019Our Ability CEO is a Candidate in EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator Program
The American Heart Association (AHA) is hosting the EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in D.C. on October 17th from 6-9 p.m.
This is AHA’s third year of the event and we’ve helped fund $410,000 in grants to social entrepreneurs and businesses to improve health equity with innovative solutions in their communities.
John Robinson of Glenmont, CEO of Our Ability, is one of nine candidates chosen from 140 applicants to his year’s program. Robinson’s company collaborates with employers on increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and chatbot technology.
“Our Ability is excited to tell the story of the ability of the over 40 million people with disabilities in the United States,” Robinson said. “We know from personal experience, employment leads to better health. We are excited to be on the forefront of assisting people with disabilities to lead the healthy lives they dream.”
The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator is an intense business leadership training and grant opportunity designed to help solve health disparities. Through the Business Accelerator, the American Heart Association challenges entrepreneurs, startups and non-profits to develop community-based solutions that improve long-term health by overcoming challenges in under-resourced communities.
Robinson has participated in the Business Accelerator’s eight-week MBA-style training and will join the other candidates to present their innovative concepts and ideas in a shark-tank style program at the Oct 17th event for a chance to receive grant money to implement their ideas. Roland Martin will be live streaming the event on his show #RolandMartinUnfiltered the night of the event.
The top candidate will receive a grant of $50,000 to implement their project. The second-place candidate will receive a grant of $20,000. The public can vote for their “fan favorite,” who will receive a grant of $5,000, by clicking here.
“About 40% of our health is determined by factors like our level of education, employment, income, safety and social support, all of which impact our length and quality of life,” said Amy Young, executive director of the American Heart Association in the Capital Region and the Upper Hudson Valley. “By identifying and elevating community-based initiatives that aim to improve health and well-being at the local level, the American Heart Association can make a stronger impact in its mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. The Accelerator strengthens efforts that can transform under-resourced communities into equitable, safe environments in which to live a healthy life. It’s very exciting to have a local candidate in this national program.”