Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD), a US-based provider of telecommunications and technology-based interpretation services, has launched the second stage of an investment fund targeting deaf-owned and operated businesses.
Following the inaugural cohort in 2017, series 2 of CSD’s Social Venture Fund (SVF) will begin next month when it opens up to applicants. The company claims the vehicle, which consists of an incubator and impact fund, has received millions of dollars of investment since its launch.
SVF is intended to help address the unemployment and underemployment rate among deaf citizens in the US. It provides capital, mentoring and leadership training to recently launched startups and mature businesses that are looking to scale.
The second batch of the initiative will also include media productions. The first cohort’s participants included pizzeria Mozzeria, appliances and furniture refurbishment service ReFort and DeafTax, which uses video-based sign language and emails to help with tax returns and bookkeeping.
Christopher Soukup, chief executive of CSD, said: “There is nothing more compelling than a story of success. We want to ensure the viability of deaf-owned or deaf-led businesses because they are living examples of deaf success, which in turn will combat negative societal perceptions of deaf people and their abilities.
“The hope is that our partners’ success will show other businesses the value of hiring deaf workers and inspire future deaf entrepreneurial ventures.”