SoftBank creates $100 mil fund for black entrepreneurs

That’s great! Finally some good news.

Since I rarely agree with you, I thumbs-upped that one.

Blacks only need apply ?

Sounds a bit Racist to me.

This is a great initiative and an equalizer as it is aimed at supporting a group that is clearly under-served.

If we lived in a fair world,such minority targeted initiative would not be needed,but the world being what it is,we gotta try to correct those inequities as much as we can.

Bravo Son-san and Marcel on this one.

That’s great! Finally some good news.

Please tell me who is black nowadays ?

If I got a black grandpa only, am I considered black ? If a greatgrandfather ok ?

If I am half south Italian, is my skin dark enough ? Do I need to have frizzy hair to be eligible ?

BS

One needs to be assessed on his merits. If that is not done, it is wrong.

Racism is outdated.

PS : are my half kids yellow or white ? If you got the answer, please call me.

You’re seriously claiming that because they only mentioned that the money was down black people

...For black people...

The fact that they don't mention other factors. I'm dealing with facts as they are presented. Me assuming that there are no other factors considered is more valid than you assuming that there are, because they have not been reported on.

Wow. You’re seriously claiming that because they only mentioned that the money was down black people, that it’s logical to therefore infer that’s the only factor by which they will be evaluated.

I don’t even need to debate you. I’ll just leave your argument out there. It clearly shows that when you made the statement below, it was made under your belief that any black person can receive the money with no qualification other than being black. As if that’s the real world.

giving out money on basis of skin color is not smart business.

I haven't seen any statement that they intend to have only one determining factor on giving the money - that being the color of their skin. So I'm unclear on where you came up with this conclusion that there would not be any consideration as to their ability to return a loan and/or a solid business plan.

The fact that they don't mention other factors. I'm dealing with facts as they are presented. Me assuming that there are no other factors considered is more valid than you assuming that there are, because they have not been reported on.

Furthermore, if a SWM applied he would be declined because of his skin color regardless of how well he met any other criteria that may or may not be considered. Therefore, the decision is based on skin color, and a bad decision.

Also racist.

As a black person myself, I don’t find this initiative to be a good move. They should promote diversity and invest in minorities groups.

Hmm. JT formatting didn't like that I'll try again:

To add to that, had the original statement been *giving out money purely on basis of skin color is not smart business,* I would have agreed.

To add to that, had the original statement been *giving out money purely on basis of skin color is not smart business*, I would have agreed.

So, without making your decision based on other factors such as ability to return a loan, solid business plan, etc. it's just a crap shoot.

I haven't seen any statement that they intend to have only one determining factor on giving the money - that being the color of their skin. So I'm unclear on where you came up with this conclusion that there would not be any consideration as to their ability to return a loan and/or a solid business plan.

It also doesn't answer the question as to why deciding that they will focus this initiative on a specific minority is not smart business.

Why not?

I'm sure you would agree that there are good and bad apples in any group of people, "blacks", "whites" and other.

So, without making your decision based on other factors such as ability to return a loan, solid business plan, etc. it's just a crap shoot. And no bank in their right mind would give you money to spend at Vegas.

Agree with strangerland

There's nothing to agree with - I only asked a question. I'm open to the answer - maybe it really is not smart business. The statement was made, but no explanation as to why not. I'm open to the idea that it's not such a good idea - if a valid argument were given. Right now no argument has been given. Just a random unsupported statement.

Agree with strangerland

Banks certainly discriminate in giving out loans, black people are often discriminated in terms of pay scale, why this big outrage when someone offers a helping hand

Racism aside, giving out money on basis of skin color is not smart business.

Why not?

I applaud the intention, but what constitutes ‘black’ or ‘entrepreneurs of colour’?

Racism exists to a large degree because of all the labels we continuously use to define it. Fewer labels are needed not more.

So sure, have a 100m fund to invest in entrepreneurs from ‘minority groups’, or ‘disadvantaged neighbourhoods’ but I don’t see the benefit of categorising the group specifically as ‘black’ (or allowing the PR campaign to do so).

Why the special treatment ? There are black lawyers, politicians, footballers, in baseball, tennis, golf, singers, medical doctors, surgeons, Hollywood actors and most earn far more than other people.

Racism aside, giving out money on basis of skin color is not smart business.

I could not care less if people are black, white, pink, blue or Marsian green but I do not agree with any racist orientated activity. This can be called positive racism but it is still racism. Favour or disfavour on the basis of colour. Meritocracy should rule the business world. SoftBank needs to get some positive press. I hope their motivation is purely morality and ethics at which point it is ca commendable initiative but it more likely is a pr attempt and that would be profiteering. Only a few people at Softbank know the answer.

Wow, this is wonderful