Starbucks recently partnered with Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) to form the Create Jobs For USA fund in an effort to support small-business growth and establish jobs for the 9.1 percent of unemployed Americans.
Effective Nov. 1, 2011, the project began collecting donations from corporate-owned Starbucks stores and the outcome is increasingly positive.
People walk into the local Starbucks and buy bracelets because they know that it will help fund jobs for Americans. This new fund works through donations only.
“We’ve had some people buy them, either one person will buy one, or a large group of people will buy several at once,” Sara Way, shift supervisor at a local Starbucks, said.
One may donate to the Create Jobs For USA fund in two different ways: 1) by making an online donation at the project’s website, www.createjobsforUSA.org and 2) by purchasing an “indivisible” bracelet, worth $5, at any corporate-owned Starbucks location.
“Basically, it isjust for small businesses; 100 percent of all the proceeds go to small businesses across America and the bracelets are only $5,” Way said.
According to their website, all donations will be directed to the Create Jobs For USA fund and “will be awarded to select community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to help finance community businesses that help create and sustain local jobs.”
The Green Business Network mentioned that “The Starbucks Foundation is putting up $5 million to kick start the Create Jobs For USA campaign and is encouraging others to chip in.”
In an effort to not only help local citizens find jobs but also satisfy all customers, Starbucks has recently announced its purchase of juicemaker Evolution Fresh, Inc. People will now not only have the option of drinking coffee and tea, but also juice.
“It is a juice machine so it will make different juice drinks,” senior and Starbucks shift supervisor Bethany Pearson said.
“Starbucks has seen success with expanded healthier menu items to deliver the nutritious, on-the-go options consumers are seeking,” according to Vending Market Watch. “With Evolution Fresh, Starbucks will bring a unique, premium juice product to the marketplace through the creation of a differentiated brand and experience, similar to what Starbucks pioneered 40 years ago for coffee consumers.”
With all its new innovations, Starbucks will lure in customers from all ages, satisfying their need for either a refreshing, nutritious drink or a warm cup of coffee.
No longer will Starbucks simply be known for its coffee but also for the variety of drinks that will be available.
