Related Philanthropic Foundation Awards Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy

October 3, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contacts: Diane G. Papadakos, Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office
dpapadakos@wpb.org
(561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)

Adaeze Iheoma
adaeze.iheoma@antennagroup.com

Related Philanthropic Foundation Makes Six-Figure Commitment in Support of
City of West Palm Beach and Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy

The $100,000 Grant will Bolster Economic Mobility Efforts Targeting Underrepresented
and Underserved Communities Across the City of West Palm Beach

The Related Philanthropic Foundation donated $100,000 to help small business owners get a “jumpstart” on learning business skills. In on the presentation are,
from left, Danita R. DeHaney, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Palm beach and Martin Counties, Belissa Alvarez, president of the Related Philanthropic
Foundation, Mayor Keith A. James, with John Paul Pérez, and Nick Pérez of the Related Group.

West Palm Beach, FL – The City of West Palm Beach is proud to announce a $100,000 donation from the Related Philanthropic Foundation, the charitable arm of leading real estate company Related Group. The generous contribution will directly support the Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy (MJA), an initiative aimed at providing credit building and entrepreneurship training to underrepresented and underserved communities. 

“We are truly grateful for this incredible contribution, which will enable us to make a lasting impact on even more of the lives of our residents,” says West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “The Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy is a testament to our commitment to building a more inclusive and prosperous West Palm Beach, and with this support, we can continue to advance toward that goal.”

The Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy, launched under the leadership of Mayor Keith A. James, is dedicated to empowering individuals in West Palm Beach with the knowledge and tools needed to build a secure financial future and pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. In partnership with the Urban League of Palm Beach County, Justine Petersen and the Co.Starters network, the MJA aims to help small business owners and entrepreneurs go from an idea to a business in 90 days. The $100,000 donation will significantly bolster the program’s scope, positively impacting even more community members in need.

“I have always believed in the incredible potential of this community, and I am committed to helping unlock opportunities for its residents,” said Jorge Pérez, CEO, Chairman and Founder of Related. “We are excited to support the Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy as it works to uplift underserved communities and foster economic growth and personal empowerment, creating a brighter future for all.” 

The Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy provides a range of resources, including financial literacy workshops, credit education, and mentorship opportunities, to equip participants with the skills and confidence needed to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. The generous donation will facilitate the expansion of these critical programs, reaching even more residents and helping to bridge the gap in economic disparities. 

For more information, please visit the Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy.

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About the City of West Palm Beach:

The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City that offers the business advantages available in the region, combined with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or Linked-in.