Introduction Climate Change Resources Smarter Chemistry Engagement and Advocacy Appendix 2023 Environmental Progress Report 73 Feature Advancing our commitment to equity with the Impact Accelerator We’re working so that environmental In 2022, our second class of the Impact Accelerator Every business is given the opportunity to attend a progress and equity go hand in hand. included 16 businesses at the leading edge of business executive leadership program focused on And through the Impact Accelerator, environmental services and solutions. Each company supply chain and growth through a leading university. we aim to expand access to selected is at least 51 percent owned, operated, and controlled by a Black-, Hispanic/Latinx-, or Indigenous Our most recent class featured a diverse set of opportunity through our investments individual and aligns closely with our environmental companies engaged in work on water stewardship, in environmental sectors — such as strategy, including our commitment to become carbon recycling technologies, and green building and renewable energy, carbon removal, neutral by 2030. M any of them share a focus on bringing engineering, among other areas. The program supports recycling innovation, and smarter clean energy, opportunity, and vital services to vulnerable these companies as they better position themselves for and underserved communities. growth, improve their abilities to engage larger contracts, chemistry — which also help fight and expand their customer base — all while supporting systemic barriers that impact The companies participate in a three-month program their commitment to the environment. The program communities disproportionately aimed at accelerating progress toward their goals. The has also connected like-minded business leaders, both affected by environmental issues. program includes live virtual sessions, online courses on within our Impact Accelerator classes and at Apple, to supply chain management, supplier diversity, financial and create new opportunities for innovation and to realize our As the Impact Accelerator enters legal subjects, and one-on-one mentorship with an Apple shared goals. its third year, we’re deepening our expert on topics from renewable energy to responsible commitment to this initiative. sourcing. Executives and their teams receive customized The goal of the Impact Accelerator is that Apple’s training that provides the knowledge and tools that strategic work and investments to protect the The Apple Impact Accelerator is designed for Black-, organizations need to succeed as Apple suppliers, as well environment also help expand access to opportunity Hispanic/Latinx-, and Indigenous-owned businesses that as access to Apple mentors and experts to help align their for communities of color. Since their participation in the share our focus on innovation and our commitment to business priorities with Apple’s environmental goals. The program, companies have seen increased recognition for the environment. With customized training and access to program culminates in an opportunity for participants to their work within their sector and local communities, have Apple experts, our Impact Accelerator helps companies pitch their services and solutions to decision makers and built connections with public- and private-sector leaders, as they achieve their next stage of development. As part business leaders within Apple. and have seen their overall business opportunities of Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, the Impact expand. Several are currently working with Apple as Accelerator supports businesses that drive innovation and The companies sustain their commitment after the part of the company’s supply chain network, and every positive outcomes in our supply chain — so that together, program. Each participant transitions to Apple’s Supplier company has participated in selective opportunities to be we can work to support communities disproportionately Success community to further foster the connections assessed for potential business with Apple. impacted by environmental issues. developed during the program — and to forge new connections across all generations of the program. The Impact Accelerator’s goal is to ensure that Apple’s work to protect the environment also helps advance equity and expand access to opportunity for communities of color. Participants, like Bench-Tek, engage in online courses, live sessions, and mentorship throughout the three-month program, and continue their connection with other program participants through Apple’s Supplier Success community.