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Starting November 1, 2011, Create Jobs for USA will accept donations online and at nearly 6,800 Starbucks stores in the United States. Donors who contribute $5.00 or more will receive a very patriotic “indivisible” wristband. The wristband is designed to show a symbol of unity among Americans to create jobs.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to OFN to help fund loans to community businesses - including small businesses, microenterprises, nonprofit organizations, commercial real estate, and affordable housing – all across the country. OFN represents a nationwide network of 180 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) set up to provide financing to community businesses in markets where obtaining credit through traditional lending institutions is challenging or not available.

The Reason for the Cause

Starbucks chairman and CEO Howard Schultz said, “Small businesses are the backbone of America, employing more than half of all private sector workers – but this critical jobs engine has stalled. We’ve got to thaw the channels of credit so that community businesses can start hiring again. Create Jobs for USA empowers Americans to help other Americans create and sustain jobs, with Starbucks and OFN as a catalyst and the Indivisible wristband as a symbol of our country’s unity.” 

And OFN president and CEO Mark Pinsy says, “We are thrilled to partner with Starbucks on this innovative and high impact solution to help put America back to work. ….Create jobs for USA will unlock the power of CDFIs to finance community businesses and help create new jobs and grow our economy.”

This timely, innovative cause partnership embodies an entrepreneurial spirit that could be exactly what America needs to help get the economy back on track. Starbucks is a great example of a company that understands how to execute an authentic, high-impact cause partnership.

So on your next trip to Starbucks for that Grande Soy Light Ice Vanilla Latte (I’m obviously a regular) look for your opportunity to help make a difference in America. 

For more information on Starbucks' community investments click here.