Leadership Acceleration Program
BIPOC individuals whose career path goals are to become future distillery managers, head distillers, or who are interested in other senior management positions will advance their skills and professional development through this program.
Business Incubation Program
The Business Incubation Program provides BIPOC entrepreneurs with mentorship in many areas of the distilling business including access to marketing, branding, expanded distribution networks, and other assets and opportunities for growth.
Nearest Green Distilling Academy
This STEM based curriculum within the academic offerings of Motlow State Community College focuses on the distilled spirits industry and preparing students for a future in the business and prepares them for more advanced education.
Nearest & Jack Initiative Programs Form
Terms & Conditions (Includes Eligibility and Release of Liability & Waiver)
LAST UPDATED January 2024
In association with The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative and its online site you are submitting your information for consideration for one of our available programs or events.
The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative consists of three programs, of which two are administered by The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative. These opportunities are made possible by the generous support of the Jack Daniel and Nearest Green Distilleries.
Programs and criteria include and may not be limited to the below.
Participants must be able to self identify as Black, Indigenous, or person of color (BIPOC).
Participants and their business should be located in the US.
LEADERSHIP ACCELERATION PROGRAM
The Leadership Acceleration Program (LAP) strives to advance the career paths of talented BIPOC professionals to positions of visibility and importance within the spirits industry.
- Two candidates are accepted into the program each cycle which runs approximately 18 months.
- This program seeks candidates with experience in beverage alcohol, consumer goods, and/or hospitality who are ready for mid-career acceleration (not entry level).
- Roles include distillery operations, marketing, and sales which have a visible presence and impact on the respective company.
Inquire Today About The Leadership Acceleration Program
BUSINESS INCUBATION PROGRAM
In an effort to fortify BIPOC owned businesses, the Business Incubation Program (BIP) strengthens and forges business development through access to industry expertise and resources.
- Must have a brand with at least two (2) years in the marketplace.
- Must have production and distribution of at least 1,000 9L cases annually.
- Must have financial security.
- Must be majority BIPOC owned.
- Must have a distributor or be self distributing where legal.
- Founders/owners must be engaged in the daily operations of the business (not passive owners).
- Ownership structure must be clearly defined and free of conflicts.
Inquire Today About The Business Incubation Program
Submissions for the above two programs will be reviewed two to three times each year. By submitting this form there is no guarantee you or your company will be selected. If selected, you will receive further communication from The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative regarding next steps. Eligibility and participation are based on several criteria set out on our website and further determined by The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative in the second phase of the application and consideration process.
THE NEAREST GREEN DISTILLING ACADEMY
The third pillar is the formation of The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative is the Nearest Green Distilling Academy, an accredited academic STEM based curriculum offering at Motlow State Community College formed with the support of The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative. This academic program is scheduled to launch in 2024. To inquire about this opportunity, please connect directly with Motlow State Community College.
THE SPIRITS ON THE RISE SUMMIT
An annual event hosted by the Nearest Green Distillery and the Jack Daniel Distillery that brings together diverse suppliers to learn, make connections, and find out how to improve their businesses. To be considered for attendance you will need to complete the submission form. Invitations are limited. Each submission will be thoroughly reviewed before confirming attendance, due to the limited number of spots available. Your submission does not guarantee your attendance. Invitations, once sent, are a limited, revocable license to attend the Spirits on the Rise Summit. Nearest Green Distillery, Jack Daniel’s, and all of their agents collectively reserve the right to refuse admission or eject any person whose conduct fails to comply with these or other rules that are posted at the event site. Invitations are not transferable and not redeemable for cash value.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY & WAIVER
Participation in the programs of the Nearest and Jack Initiative and/or the Spirits on the Rise Summit or other associated events is contingent on the participants adherence to these terms. In conformance with local requirements and rules certain items may not be brought into the host facilities or event premises, which may include, but is not limited to, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, weapons, firearms, controlled substances, cameras, and recording devices.
The Nearest and Jack Initiative and all their agents collectively reserve the right to refuse admission or eject any person whose conduct is deemed by organizers or management to be disorderly, who uses vulgar or abusive language or who fails to comply with these or other rules that are posted at the event site.
Your invitation to participate is non-transferrable and is valid only for the program or event for which it is issued, at the time and place of issue.
Positive/legally accepted proof of age is required. All participants or attendees must be at least 21 years of age.
All who attend release the Nearest and Jack Initiative and all their agents from any liability or claim that may result from any activity associated with the event. All who participate or attend agree that their image (likeness, voice, or other) may be used by the Nearest and Jack Initiative and/or their agents for any advertising/marketing purpose without further notice or compensation. All who participate or attend acknowledge that other people at the event may capture photos, video or similar and may distribute via social media or other forms of media. Other rules may be posted at the event site.
By submitting your interest in and/or accepting an invitation to our programs and/or events, you represent and warrant that you are 21 years of age or older, are sufficiently fluent in the English language, and have read & understood the foregoing.
Your submission is subject to our Privacy Policy.