Tom’s of Maine intros 1st incubator initiative

Tom’s of Maine launched its first-ever incubator initiative to help propel the next generation of BIPOC leaders driving environmental solutions.

The program, which will provide funding, mentorship, exposure and support to young changemakers, will select five individuals who are to receive $20,000 in funding to help support their mission, as well as ongoing mentorship from influential voices in sustainability and climate activism, the company said.

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“We believe in the power of younger generations to create a more sustainable world, and the Tom's of Maine Incubator is our opportunity to support their ideas and engage them in developing solutions,” said Cristiane Martini, general manager at Tom’s of Maine. “Tom and Kate Chappell founded Tom’s of Maine with a small $5,000 loan and a big dream, and today the company is still dedicated to the purpose of creating natural personal care products that are good for people and good for the planet. We believe that we can and will make an impact through our products and through our collective and community actions.”

Mentors who will participate in the incubator include Ciara Imani May, founder and CEO of Rebundle; Kristy Drutman, co-founder of Green Jobs Board; Lizzie Horvitz, founder and CEO of Finch; and Isaias Hernandez, creator of QueerBrownVegan.

In addition, “Grown-ish” actor Marcus Scribner has teamed up with the company to spotlight the opportunity the incubator provides BIPOC voices, the company said.

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“Every day when we turn on the TV or look at our phones, we see the impact climate change has on our communities, especially BIPOC communities, and we don’t talk about it enough. And the young diverse voices who are trying to find environmental solutions are not receiving equal opportunities to be heard and supported,” Scribner said. “I am helping to launch the 2022 Tom’s of Maine Incubator to address these gaps because it's critical to give young BIPOC leaders the resources they need to build and broaden solutions to truly benefit all people.”

Applications for the program are currently open online and will be accepted until Oct. 19.