In 2020, Amazon.com Inc. established its Diversity Grant program to provide financial support to eligible Black, Latino and Native American business owners looking to become delivery service partners. The program offers a grant of $10,000 to cover initial expenses associated with starting a delivery business. However, a group of White entrepreneurs recently lost their legal challenge against the program, which was aimed at supporting minority delivery business owners.
The court ruled that the entrepreneurs did not have standing to bring the lawsuit and failed to provide sufficient evidence of discrimination since they did not actually apply to the program. Luciano Alexandre, a White man along with two other plaintiffs, initiated the legal challenge against Amazon’s Diversity Grant program. They argued that the program unfairly excludes White entrepreneurs from accessing financial support available to minority business owners.
However, the court dismissed their claims due to lack of standing and failure to demonstrate discrimination as they did not participate in the grant application process. The decision highlights the importance of meeting legal requirements and demonstrating a valid claim in challenging diversity programs like Amazon’s Diversity Grant. It also emphasizes the need for inclusive and equitable opportunities for all entrepreneurs, regardless of race or ethnicity.
