Month: August 2025

When we first featured Coral Almazan as part of T-Mobile’s Project 10Million story series, she was preparing for her college freshman orientation.

She was one of millions of students whose academic paths were disrupted by COVID-19 lockdowns.

“I think being a high schooler during COVID was probably one of the harshest times anybody could have experienced,” she says. “Those are supposed to be the best times of your life and yet we were stuck behind computer screens.”

Sent home to continue her classwork without reliable internet, Almazan says the uncertainty was frightening.

“There were times the electricity bill still needed to be paid, and I was left wondering, ‘How will I connect to my classes? How will I complete my homework?’ I remember struggling.”

Her story is one that resonates today. Despite the clear need, reliable home internet remains out of reach for too many. A new survey* commissioned by T-Mobile found that three in 10 parents describe their home internet as only somewhat reliable.

For many families, staying connected comes at a steep cost — 24% have had to cut back on essentials like food or utilities just to afford internet. And the vast majority (85%) of parents agree that families shouldn’t have to make that kind of trade-off.

A Hotspot That Changed Everything

Today, Almazan isn’t just the first in her family to attend college — she’s paving a path to influence the very systems that supported her success. Now earning her criminal justice degree at Houston Christian University (while already starting master’s-level courses), she credits T-Mobile’s Project 10Million as a pivotal part of her aspirations.

“Project 10Million definitely influenced me to go into policy work,” Almazan shared. “Helping each other out should be everybody’s motivation.”

Launched in 2020, Project 10Million set out with a bold mission: provide 10 million student households with free hotspots, free data plans and access to low-cost laptops and tablets. Almazan was one of those students. Her Texas school district distributed the T-Mobile hotspot that powered her through the pandemic and helped open new possibilities. By the end of 2024, through Project 10Million, T-Mobile connected over 6.3 million students to the internet and provided nearly $7.3 billion in critical tech tools and services that helped close the connectivity gap.

The Divide Didn’t End with the Pandemic

Though COVID-19 has faded from the headlines, the digital divide has not.

“The digital divide for me has always been a huge issue,” says Dr. Joe Phillips, Chief Information Officer for Fulton County Schools in Atlanta. “Matter of fact, I think it’s the largest divide socioeconomically that we have today.”

Dr. Phillips leads IT for one of the largest school districts in the U.S. and says today’s digital divide is different, and in some ways deeper than five years ago.

“The importance of staying connected at home post-pandemic is even greater now,” he says. “The digital divide hasn’t gone away since, and a lot of the educational institutions that went to this digital learning model have stayed with it.”

It’s why in 2024, T-Mobile even expanded access by doubling the annual data allowance to 200GB for qualifying student families who sign up for Project 10Million directly with T-Mobile and adding discounted data passes if needed, powered by T-Mobile’s network — America’s Best Network.

He explains that the rapid adoption of new digital learning tools has become a chasm for those who fall into the modern divide.

“The great equalizer that we have, whether it’s AI or some other instructional digital platform like YouTube that school districts are using, only works if kids can connect to it and if parents can connect to it,” he noted.

Parents agree: Free internet programs can ease the burden and level the playing field. In fact, 60% of parents surveyed say limited connectivity could impact their child’s future success, and 77% believe companies have a responsibility to help students access the technology they need for school. Yet awareness remains a barrier — while 76% say a free mobile hotspot and internet would make a meaningful difference in their family’s life, only two-thirds know these programs even exist.

Dr. Phillips says a variable contributing to these findings is the closure of connectivity support programs implemented during the pandemic. For example, in June 2024, over 23 million households lost the $30 per month broadband benefit through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and 40% of people who received help through ACP say they’ve had to cut back on food to afford their internet bill. That’s where T-Mobile’s Project 10Million comes in — offering free internet access, mobile hotspots and low-cost devices directly to eligible student families across the country.

Since 2020, Project 10Million Has: 

• Connected 6.3 million+ students
• Provided nearly $7.3 billion in free and subsidized tech and service
• Doubled annual data allowance to 200GB and added discounted data passes
• Starting in 2025, allowed eligible student families to directly received new 5G-enabled hotspots
• To learn more or sign up, visit:
  t-mobile.com/project10million. ​

“It Changed Everything for My Whole Family”

Almazan says the effects of her T-Mobile hotspot rippled through her entire household.

“It wasn’t just my schoolwork,” she says. “My siblings were able to do theirs too with no lag, even when we were online together. The graphics on my class Zooms got so much clearer. It made a huge difference.”

The transformative impact of the device is not lost on Dr. Phillips.

“It works well for its intended educational purposes, but it helps lift all the boats for that family,” he says.

He warns that reduced connectivity can also mean higher dropout rates, more attendance issues and a growing sense of educational exclusion. But programs like Project 10Million provide families with an easy way to ask for and get support.

“So much messaging from administration today comes through emails and if students are trying to keep up in fast paced competitive schools but are not connected, it can leave them feeling like they’re not part of the entire school community,” Phillips explains. “One of the cool things about T-Mobile stepping up and doing it directly is it makes families more comfortable to ask for help when they don’t have to let the school or the school district know that this is something that they’re dealing with.”

The Student Becomes the Advocate

What happens when one student gains access to the internet at home? For Almazan, it didn’t just change her school year — it changed her trajectory.

“I’m really interested in education and how technology and policy should work together to support marginalized communities,” she says. “Having resources like that for children to be better, to uplift the next generation, it really inspired me.”

She says she’s happy to be the face of what digital equity programs like Project 10Million do for students in need.

“I’m more than happy to take on that role,” Almazan said. “I think a lot of people are too scared to reach out because they don’t see people that represent them. Having come from a family of poverty, I hope whenever they see me succeed, they can say, ‘I can also reach out for that help. I can also succeed.’”

Because learning doesn’t stop when the bell rings, opportunity shouldn’t either. That’s why T-Mobile is committed to helping students thrive — in school, in life and beyond. Programs like Project 10Million don’t just close gaps. They open doors.

Eligible K-12 student households can get connected for free through Project 10Million.

Learn more or sign up at t-mobile.com/project10million.

*The Project 10Million Survey was conducted via a PN View survey fielded by Big Village among a sample of 1,005 U.S. adults 18 years of age and older who are parents with children 17 years of age and under living at home. This survey was live on July 24-29, 2025.

SLB has been ranked No. 13 in the Gartner Industrial Manufacturing Supply Chain Top 15 for 2025.

The ranking highlights leading industrial manufacturing supply chains and the capabilities that set them apart. It evaluates performance across key areas, including innovation, efficiency, sustainability and technology.

This year, three macro trends distinguished the top industrial manufacturing leaders: agentic artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous operations and water stewardship.

“SLB’s inclusion in this list reflects the significant progress we’ve made in adopting the latest industry practices and positioning our supply chain at the forefront,” said Simon Ross, senior vice president, Global Supply at SLB. “This recognition is a reflection of the commitment and collaboration of our teams.”

In addition to strong performance in supply chain operations, the ranking spotlighted SLB’s Lumi™ data and AI platform — which integrates advanced AI capabilities into workflows across the energy value chain — as well as the company’s water stewardship practices across its facilities and operations.

Learn more about the company’s supply chain initiatives here and in the SLB Sustainability Report.

View original content here. 

Cummins

Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), a global leader in power technology, has announced the successful commissioning of advanced low carbon fuel test cells, marking a significant milestone in its joint project with Vale and Komatsu to develop an ethanol/diesel-powered surface mining haul truck aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This achievement underscores the companies’ shared commitment to decarbonizing the mining sector and advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Announced in July 2024, the dual fuel program aims to retrofit existing diesel engines in Komatsu haul trucks to operate on both ethanol and diesel, significantly enhancing sustainability. These modified 230–290-ton haul trucks – the first vehicles of this size to run on ethanol in the tank – will be able to use up to 70% ethanol, potentially lowering CO2 emissions footprint by up to 70%.

“Ethanol/methanol diesel dual fuel systems offer significant benefits to the mining industry, including the realization of up to ~70% decarbonization – lowering carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter – while continuing to meet comparable productivity and performance requirements,” said Luke Mosier, Cummins Innovation Program Leader. “More than that, miners who utilize alternative fuels can utilize their existing infrastructure and leverage their current fleet, facilities and personnel.”

QSK60 Engine testing is expected to run until 2026 before field tests begin at Komatsu’s facilities.

Progress by Partnerships

“At Cummins, we’re committed to advancing practical, sustainable solutions that support the energy transition,” said Gbile Adewunmi, Vice President of Industrial Markets – Power Systems Business. “Our work in enabling low-carbon fuel pathways—like ethanol dual-fuel technology—demonstrates our dedication to reducing emissions while delivering reliable performance for our customers and partners.”

Carlos Medeiros, Vale’s Executive Vice President of Operations, added: “We continue to make progress on our decarbonization projects, reinforcing Vale’s commitment to this issue. Ethanol is a priority input to achieve our goal of reducing the use of diesel in our operations while keeping reliability and operational excellence.” Vale has set a target of reducing its scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 33% by 2030. Among mine equipment, the haul truck is one of the biggest consumers of diesel and therefore a major emitter of greenhouse gases. The election of ethanol as an alternative to diesel is justified because it is already a widely adopted fuel in Brazil, with an established supply network.

“Our ongoing dual fuel project, developed in close collaboration with Cummins and utilizing a blend of ethanol and diesel, is an important bridge technology aimed at supporting Vale’s near-term decarbonization goals,” said Dan Funcannon, Senior Vice President, Surface Haulage, Komatsu.“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to practical, scalable solutions that advance sustainable mining. The launch of the dedicated test cell is an exciting milestone as we continue to develop and deploy low-carbon technologies for the future of haulage.”

Ricardo Alexandre, Vice President, Mining Business, Komatsu Brazil, added: “The dual fuel diesel-ethanol project, focused on operations in Brazil, is a significant step in advancing bridge technologies that support the decarbonization of mining. By combining diesel and ethanol, we aim to achieve meaningful results in the short term—results that can drive real change on the ground. More than a technological milestone, this initiative deepens the relationship of trust between Komatsu, Vale, and Cummins, and reinforces our shared commitment to a more sustainable future.”

Innovation in Low-Carbon Fuels

The new advanced low carbon fuel test cells at its Seymour, Indiana Engine Plant showcase continued investments by Cummins in fundamental research facilities and internal capabilities designed to support its decarbonization programs and drive advancements in carbon-reducing technology and innovations that move the industry closer toward carbon neutral power systems.

“We are excited to bring this dual fuel test cell online, as part of our Dual Fuel Engine Development Program that reinforces our commitment to collaborating with OEMs and mining companies in the development and testing of bridge technologies,” said Adewunmi. “By leveraging advanced technologies like low carbon test cells and our versatile test asset for power electronics, batteries, fuel cells, and hybrid systems, Cummins remains at the forefront of guiding miners toward carbon reduction both now and in the future.”

Cummins low carbon fuel test cells accommodate a wide range of high horsepower engines – from 38L to 95L fuel capacity – and ensure seamless transition of a variety of alternate fuel types for varied testing scenarios. The specialized facilities also maintain a high precision environment to deliver accurate emissions with reliable data and provide safe storage conditions to prevent contamination and maintain fuel quality.

For more information on Cummins Mining engines, visit www.cummins.com/mining.

Forward-looking disclosure statement

Information provided in this release that is not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our forecasts, guidance, preliminary results, expectations, hopes, beliefs and intentions on strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to our plans and expectations for our revenues and EBITDA. Our actual future results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements because of a number of factors, including, but not limited to: any adverse consequences from changes in tariffs and other trade disruptions; any adverse consequences resulting from entering into agreements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board, the Environmental and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice and the California Attorney General’s Office to resolve certain regulatory civil claims regarding our emissions certification and compliance process for certain engines primarily used in pick-up truck applications in the U.S., which became final and effective in April 2024, including required additional mitigation projects, adverse reputational impacts and potential resulting legal actions; increased scrutiny from regulatory agencies, as well as unpredictability in the adoption, implementation and enforcement of emission standards around the world; evolving environmental and climate change legislation and regulatory initiatives; changes in international, national and regional trade laws, regulations and policies; changes in taxation; global legal and ethical compliance costs and risks; future bans or limitations on the use of diesel-powered products; raw material, transportation and labor price fluctuations and supply shortages; aligning our capacity and production with our demand; the actions of, and income from, joint ventures and other investees that we do not directly control; large truck manufacturers’ and original equipment manufacturers’ customers discontinuing outsourcing their engine supply needs or experiencing financial distress, or change in control; product recalls; variability in material and commodity costs; the development of new technologies that reduce demand for our current products and services; lower than expected acceptance of new or existing products or services; product liability claims; our sales mix of products; climate change, global warming, more stringent climate change regulations, accords, mitigation efforts, greenhouse gas regulations or other legislation designed to address climate change; our plan to reposition our portfolio of product offerings through exploration of strategic acquisitions, divestitures or exiting the production of certain product lines or product categories and related uncertainties of such decisions; increasing interest rates; challenging markets for talent and ability to attract, develop and retain key personnel; exposure to potential security breaches or other disruptions to our information technology (IT) environment and data security; the use of artificial intelligence in our business and in our products and challenges with properly managing its use; political, economic and other risks from operations in numerous countries including political, economic and social uncertainty and the evolving globalization of our business; competitor activity; increasing competition, including increased global competition among our customers in emerging markets; failure to meet sustainability expectations or standards, or achieve our sustainability goals; labor relations or work stoppages; foreign currency exchange rate changes; the performance of our pension plan assets and volatility of discount rates; the price and availability of energy; continued availability of financing, financial instruments and financial resources in the amounts, at the times and on the terms required to support our future business; and other risks detailed from time to time in our SEC filings, including particularly in the Risk Factors section of our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein are made only as of the date of this release and we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. More detailed information about factors that may affect our performance may be found in our filings with the SEC, which are available at https://www.sec.gov or at https://www.cummins.com in the Investor Relations section of our website. 

About Cummins Inc.
Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, is comprised of five business segments – Engine, Components, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera by Cummins – supported by our global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise. Cummins is committed to its Destination Zero strategy, which is grounded in the company’s commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products. The products range from advanced diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components including aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, valvetrain technologies, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, axles, drivelines, brakes, suspension systems, electric power generation systems, electrified power systems with innovative components and subsystems, including battery, fuel cell and electric power technologies and hydrogen production technologies. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 69,600 people committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment, and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves its customers online, through a network of company-owned and independent distributor locations, and through thousands of dealer locations worldwide and earned about $3.9 billion on sales of $34.1 billion in 2024. See how Cummins is powering a world that’s always on by accessing news releases and more information at https://www.cummins.com/. 

About Vale
Vale is a global mining company that exists to improve lives and transform the future together. One of the world’s largest producers of iron ore and nickel and a major copper producer, Vale is headquartered in Brazil and operates around the world. Its operations comprise integrated logistics systems, including approximately 2,000 kilometres of railways, marine terminals and 10 ports distributed around the globe. Vale has the ambition to be recognized by society as a benchmark in safety, the best-in-class reliable operator, a talent-driven organization, a leader in sustainable mining, and a benchmark in creating and sharing value.

About Komatsu
Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. For more than a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Front-line industries worldwide use Komatsu solutions to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, manage forests and create consumer products. The company’s global service and distributor networks support customer operations to help enhance safety and promote productivity while working to optimize performance. Learn more at www.komatsu.com.

Once celebrated for its affordability and trend-driven styles, fast fashion is now at the center of an evolving web of environmental, legal, and reputational risk beyond the shopping cart—whether purchased in-store or online.

In June, Antea Group had the pleasure of attending The Society of Environmental Insurance Professionals, Inc. (SEIP) Conference. While there, we hosted an engaging and thought-provoking panel discussion on the fast fashion sector. This panel offered a 360-degree view of the industry’s lifecycle from fabric sourcing to end-of-use disposal and explored the growing legal and insurance consequences companies now face.

Below, we unpack key insights and takeaways from the panel.

Environmental Impact Across the Fashion Supply Chain

Fast fashion’s environmental toll is vast and touches every stage of the supply chain. Our panel explored several critical areas:

• Fabric sourcing: From water-intensive cotton farming to deforestation for viscose and fossil-fuel-derived polyester, the materials used in fast fashion are major contributors to pollution, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions. For example, it takes approximately 2,700 liters of water to produce a single cotton shirt—enough to meet one person’s drinking needs for two and a half years.
• Production: Toxic dyes and chemical runoff are commonplace in textile manufacturing, especially in regions lacking strong environmental regulation. The fashion industry also accounts for an estimated 20% of global wastewater, with many facilities releasing untreated effluent into rivers and streams.
• Distribution & End Use: Rapid shipping and “wear once” consumer behavior compound emissions and waste. Fast fashion’s emphasis on low-cost, disposable clothing means many garments are discarded after just a few wears and deemed effectively “disposable.” With limited options for reuse or recycling, much of this clothing ends up as waste. Additionally, synthetic fabrics release microplastics during washing, polluting oceans, and entering the food chain.

Textile Waste: Key Statistics:

• 92 million tons of clothing waste are generated globally each year
• An estimated 85% of textiles end up in landfills or incinerators
• The U.S. landfills 11.3 million tons of textile waste annually
• Synthetic fibers can take over 200 years to decompose
• Less than 1% of clothing is recycled into new garments

Emerging Legal and Regulatory Pressures

The panelists explored how regulatory bodies are tightening scrutiny, with new laws emerging in the U.S. and EU around environmental disclosures, sustainability claims, and supply chain transparency. Litigation is escalating in several key areas:

• Greenwashing: A growing number of greenwashing lawsuits target companies for misleading environmental claims. New regulations, like the EU Green Claims Directive and proposed FTC Green Guides updates in the U.S., are tightening the standards for what companies can say—and how they substantiate it.
• Bluewashing: Beyond environmental issues, companies are also being called out for making superficial claims about ethical labor practices without meaningful action. These cases often invoke consumer protection laws and create reputational damage that extends across global markets.
• Human Rights Violations: Allegations of forced labor, unsafe working conditions, and wages, especially in overseas garment factories, have led to cross-border litigation, import bans, and supply chain investigations. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in the U.S. and Germany’s Supply Chain Due Diligence Act are just two examples of how governments are cracking down.
• Intellectual Property (IP): With pressure to churn out styles at lightning speed, IP infringement is a growing concern. Smaller designers and major fashion houses alike are pursuing litigation against companies accused of copying designs, sometimes sold as “dupes” with minimal changes.

How Insurance is Evolving to Address Fashion Risks

As litigation and regulatory scrutiny grow, insurance plays an increasingly strategic role in risk management for fashion brands.

Panelists emphasized several critical coverage considerations:

• Commercial General Liability (CGL) and Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance: These policies may be triggered by lawsuits related to misleading sustainability claims or labor rights violations. D&O policies, in particular, may be tested as company leaders are held personally accountable for ESG-related missteps.
• Product Liability: If chemicals in clothing cause allergic reactions or skin issues, especially among children or sensitive populations, product liability policies may come into play.
• Environmental Liability: Underwriters are now taking a closer look at environmental compliance when insuring textile manufacturers and suppliers. Historic pollution, wastewater discharges, and unremediated contamination can impact insurability.
• Reputational Risk: Insurers are beginning to evaluate a brand’s ESG profile during underwriting—not only to assess risk but also to protect their own reputations. Some carriers may exclude or limit coverage for companies engaged in unsustainable or high-risk practices.

Proactive Risk Management Strategies for Fashion Brands

As fast fashion brands navigate this evolving landscape, they must move beyond reactive compliance and adopt proactive risk mitigation strategies. Our panel shared several best practices:

• Conduct third-party supply chain audits to identify and address environmental and human rights risks.
• Use traceability technologies such as blockchain or digital product passports to improve transparency.
• Train marketing and legal teams to substantiate all environmental or labor-related claims made in advertising and investor materials.
• Align with international standards and certifications such as ISO 14001 (environmental management), GOTS (organic textiles), or Fair Trade.
• Engage insurers early in risk assessment discussions to ensure adequate and responsive coverage.

Industry Response: Embracing the Circular Economy

In response to rising legal scrutiny and environmental accountability, many fashion brands are beginning to embrace circular economy principles. Leading companies are investing in strategies like take-back programs, clothing resale, rental models, and textile recycling to extend the life of garments and reduce waste.

Brands such as Stella McCartney and Eileen Fisher have pioneered closed-loop initiatives, while mainstream retailers like Levi’s and H&M are exploring sustainable material sourcing and in-store collection programs.

These proactive steps not only align with consumer demand for sustainability, but they also demonstrate due diligence that may help mitigate regulatory risk and improve insurability. For insurers, these efforts signal a reduced risk profile, as companies show they’re actively managing environmental liabilities and reputational exposure.

From Trend to Accountability

Fast fashion is no longer just a consumer preference—it’s a focal point for regulatory scrutiny, investor pressure, and legal accountability. As courts, consumers, and insurers demand more transparency, brands must evolve or risk serious consequences.

The good news? Proactive strategies, informed insurance coverage, and responsible sourcing can position companies not only for compliance but for long-term resilience and credibility in the fashion industry.

Key Takeaways

• Environmental impacts span every stage of the fast fashion supply chain.
• Regulatory frameworks in the U.S. and EU are cracking down on greenwashing and labor rights violations.
• Lawsuits and insurance claims are rising—especially in areas like ESG disclosures, product safety, and IP theft.
• Insurers are scrutinizing brands’ sustainability practices and reputational risks.
• Brands need to shift from reactive compliance to proactive risk mitigation and transparency.
• Investing in circular fashion strategies can help brands reduce environmental impact, demonstrate regulatory due diligence, and improve their insurability in the face of rising legal and ESG-related risks.

Questions? Reach out to our team of experts today to get your questions answered! 

Originally published on GoDaddy Newsroom

TEMPE, Ariz., August 28, 2025 /3BL/ — GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY) recently introduced GoDaddy Capital ¹, a merchant cash advance program that puts up to $1 million in the hands of small- and medium-sized businesses in as little as 24 hours. Available only to GoDaddy Payments users, the new offering lets small businesses pay down the advance through a fixed percentage of each day’s sales, giving them one streamlined platform to take payments, manage cash flow and secure working capital.

Small Businesses Struggle to Scale Due to Limited Financial Resources

A recent survey of 2,100 U.S. small businesses from the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab found the need for access to capital is a common theme:

• More than half of small businesses (51%) said they operate with limited cash flow, which they consider their biggest financial barrier to growth.
• Around 1 in 5 (21%) identified access to capital as one of their top three challenges when starting their business — a consistent trend over the past five years.
• Nearly 1 in 3 (31%) listed access to capital/funding as a primary hurdle to scaling their business — reinforcing the sustained need for more flexible financing solutions.

“In today’s AI-driven, agentic world—where SMBs expect fast, intuitive, and seamless experiences—the standard banking loan process is surprisingly archaic,” said Kasturi Mudulodu, president of Commerce at GoDaddy. “When a business needs a small, quick infusion of capital, banks call it ‘too small,’ drown owners in paperwork, and demand rigid payment terms. To make financing simple and intuitive for small businesses, we built GoDaddy Capital right into the GoDaddy dashboard. GoDaddy Capital provides quick, variable-size funding and gives businesses the ability to adjust payments on the cash advance based on their success.”

How GoDaddy Capital Works

1. Submit an application—With no paperwork, applying only takes a few clicks and there is no impact to the small business’s credit. Businesses can apply from their GoDaddy Commerce Home dashboard.
2. Choose from customized offers – Businesses can review several offers of $500 to $1 million based on their monthly sales, and decide which is best for their business goals.
3. Receive funding quickly—Once approved, business owners will get funded in as little as 24 hours.
4. Enjoy flexible payments in proportion to sales—GoDaddy Capital automatically reserves a fixed percentage of the business’s sales, enabling merchants to pay down the cash advance more during the busier months and less when business slows.
5. Get funds, grow, repeat—After an initial cash advance, if the business is eligible, they can apply for more to keep growing.

GoDaddy Capital Helps Small Businesses Grow

Small business owner and GoDaddy customer Michael Wood has tapped GoDaddy Capital on four separate occasions to help grow his business, Jacksonville Chimney Pros. To date he’s received over $100,000 in capital.

“GoDaddy Capital was hard to beat,” said Wood. “The convenience, quick approval process and next-day funding let me take on more large projects without keeping a large buffer in the bank.”

GoDaddy Capital empowers small businesses through:

• Built-in flexible payments help business owners easily balance budgets and grow manageably, which is especially important for seasonal businesses.
• Quickly getting funded can unlock businesses’ ability to buy more inventory or upgrade their equipment, broaden their market reach, drive operational success, or boost their cash flow to support long-term growth.
• Having access to capital within their GoDaddy dashboard saves businesses time by having one place to accomplish everything.

To learn more about GoDaddy Capital or sign up for GoDaddy Payments, visit GoDaddy.com/payments.

¹ GoDaddy Capital funding subject to application, underwriting, and approval, which is provided solely by GoDaddy’s partners. Credit decisions and cash advances are managed solely by GoDaddy’s partners.

About GoDaddy
GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo^®, the company’s AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

Source: GoDaddy Inc.

Franklin Templeton values the power of giving back. Every June, employees unite for Impact Days — global volunteering events that create meaningful change in the communities where they live and work.

This year, more than 1,100 employees around the world showed their generous spirit during Franklin Templeton’s 19th annual Impact Days, completing 117 volunteering projects. From distributing school bags to children, preparing and serving meals, to supporting organizations like Habitat for Humanity, volunteers made a visible impact while reaffirming their commitment to service.

In June, employees recorded nearly 5,600 volunteer hours and supported 99 charitable organizations across 61 locations worldwide.

Read the article featuring global events.

Locally, employees gave back to the community through events including serving food, engaging with students, renovating green areas and donating essential goods to those in need.

Read about the inspiring efforts of Franklin Templeton volunteers below. 

 

North America events

New York

Employees from the NYC office kicked off Impact Days with the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge, assembling a team of around 120 participants to represent Franklin Templeton and all its specialist investment managers (SIMs).

As part of Impact Days, the NYC office supported Bottomless Closet, a nonprofit empowering woman in need in New York City to join the workforce, by donating professional clothing, shoes and accessories to help them make a strong first impression.

Boston

The Franklin Templeton Boston office took part in the JP Morgan Challenge as a group of 58 participants, supporting the Ron Burton Training Village, which aims to empower youth through education, leadership, physical wellness, social advancement and spiritual growth.

For the second consecutive year, on June 25 Boston office partnered with Rise Against Hunger (RAH) to help combat global food insecurity. In just two hours, 34 volunteers packed 6,264 meals, or 29 boxes—one box will feed a child for an entire school year.

On July 9, Boston employees volunteered at Lazarus House Food Pantry, distributing supplemental groceries to almost 1,800 individuals.

Pasadena

Employees in the Pasadena office participated in Impact Days by organizing a campus beautification initiative at Thurgood Marshall Secondary School. As part of the school’s Centennial Mural Project, Western Asset/Franklin Templeton employees helped paint science-themed murals under the direction of arts teacher Luis Rendon, contributing to a vibrant celebration of academic excellence and community engagement.

To support families affected by the Eaton Fire, Western Asset/Franklin Templeton employees donated supplies and assembled 200 toiletry kits for the Pasadena Educational Foundation. These kits were distributed to displaced Pasadena public school families, offering essential hygiene items and a meaningful gesture of care during their recovery.

Toronto

The Toronto team made sandwiches and sorted clothing for the Common Table, a community-run initiative that helps distribute food and services to people in need.

Toronto employees partnered with Tree Canada to plant and mulch native trees and shrubs with the goal of boosting biodiversity, improving air and water quality and enhancing parkland for people and wildlife.

Continuing their green efforts, Toronto employees participated in the North Etobicoke Child Care Garden Project, helping to create and plant a small teaching garden at a YMCA Child Care Centre.

Calgary

Employees from the Calgary office volunteered at the Women in Need Society (WINS) warehouse, sorting and inspecting clothing for WINS thrift stores across the city. Proceeds from these stores help connect women and their families with essential resources to thrive.

Rancho Cordova

Rancho Cordova employees supported Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento, working alongside the homeowners on a building day to support affordable housing.

St. Petersburg

Employees at the St. Petersburg office volunteered at the Kind Mouse, an organization dedicated to feeding local children who suffer from chronic hunger and food insecurities.

San Mateo

Employees from the San Mateo office and their families partnered with Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT) to support STEAM education. Together, volunteers assembled 200 mini catapult kits, each serving 10 students, to help bridge the education gap through hands-on learning.

Volunteers at the San Mateo office again partnered with Rise Against Hunger, making 10,125 meals for communities facing high rates of food insecurity. This marked Franklin Templeton’s 13th Rise Against Hunger event, bringing the total to over 130,000 meals packaged.

Mexico City

In Mexico, employees came together during Impact Days through a team-building event, where colleagues and family members participated in various activities and sessions, including one focused on vulnerability.

EMEA events

Dublin

As part of a fundraising effort for Debra Ireland, employees in the Dublin office bravely abseiled 150 feet (46 meters) from the roof of Croke Park. Debra Ireland supports individuals and families affected by epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare and painful skin condition. The team placed third on the leaderboard and raised over €3,000 to help fund vital services like specialist nursing care and family support.

Poznan

Fifteen volunteers came together to support the City Intervention Center (Miejskie Centrum Interwencji Kryzysowej w Poznaniu) with garden maintenance and room renovation tasks. Despite the challenging weather conditions and remote location, volunteers enthusiastically showed their passion for community service.

The Poznan office organized a film screening of the Oscar-winning film Flow for migrants, refugees and supporters living in Poznan and the region for an evening of cultural connection and community. Organized with Migrant Info Point, the event featured bilingual icebreakers and a post-film discussion that fostered meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding.

Employees in Poznan organized a local cleanup, taking a morning walk near the office to collect litter and beautify the neighborhood, reflecting their commitment to community care and environmental responsibility in the workplace.

Poznan employees collected food and monetary donations to support animals in need at a local animal shelter, personally delivering the contributions during a visit. While there, they helped clean the cat area and spent time comforting and caring for the animals.

Through May and June, Poznan employees participated in a run and bike challenge in support of the Wózkowicze Foundation. Participants tracked their progress via Strava while competing for milestones and awards. The initiative combined wellness with purpose, encouraging employees to stay active while contributing to a meaningful cause.

Poznan employees joined Zupa na Głównym, a local group that serves warm meals every Saturday to people experiencing homelessness. Poznan volunteers helped prepare and distribute the meals.

South Africa

Employees from the South Africa office volunteered at the Meals on Wheels organization, preparing meals for over 200 homeless individuals at a local shelter in Cape Town. The event coincided with Nelson Mandela Day on July 18, amplifying its spirit of service and community impact.

Edinburgh

Employees from the Edinburgh office partnered with the Borders Forest Trust to support native woodland restoration in Southern Scotland. The team removed approximately 1,500 protective casings from trees planted over a decade ago, helping them grow more naturally.

APAC events

Singapore

Franklin Templeton Singapore hosted a “build-a-bear” session in collaboration with Threads of Courage (TOC), a community initiative that equips individuals facing employment challenges with sewing skills and income opportunities.

In collaboration with the Singapore Waterways Watch Society, the Singapore team headed out on kayaks at the Marina Reservoir, collecting 51 pounds (23 kg) of plastic waste.

A group of employees headed to the Food Bank Singapore to help sort the donated canned items used in their CAN food drive sculpture, which was part of global Impact Days event.

Kuala Lumpur

In partnership with the Intellectually Disabled Association Malaysia (IDA) in Puchong, employees volunteered their time to brighten the center’s walls with hand-painted designs—bringing color, creativity and community spirit to the space.

Tokyo

Employees from the Franklin Templeton Japan office volunteered at a local community gathering place in Tokyo, which offers affordable meals and a welcoming environment for working parents and their children.

Volunteers supported reception, meal prep, souvenir packing and venue setup and cleanup, demonstrating strong teamwork and making a meaningful impact on their first visit.

Tokyo volunteers also participated in a “plogging” event—collecting litter while jogging through Marunouchi, where the office is located. Plogging, a blend of the Swedish “plocka upp” (pick up) and “jogging,” promotes well-being, self-affirmation and community connection through sustainable action. In just 60 minutes, they gathered approximately 24 pounds (11 kg) of litter—up from 10 kg in 2023.

Hyderabad

The Hyderabad team united for a meaningful day of school renovation at Government MPUPS in Kothwalguda, transforming classrooms with murals on internet safety, human anatomy, maps and alphabets. Beyond the creative work, the event fostered cross-team connections and community spirit, making a memorable contribution to Impact Days.

Volunteers from Hyderabad visited the Ideal School for Disabled, engaging around 100 students with visual, hearing and intellectual disabilities through games and creative activities. Employees learned basic sign language to connect with children and distributed notebooks to each student, fostering joy and meaningful interaction.

Mumbai

In celebration of Global Involved Day on June 24, Mumbai employees teamed up with the Vatsalya Foundation, an agency working for children in need of care and protection in Mumbai city. Volunteers engaged with children in crafting birdseed ornaments, vibrant string art and launching whirlybirds, fostering community spirit and creativity.

Employees in the Mumbai office also partnered with Aabha Parivartanvaadi Sanstha for a seedball preparation event, where Involved volunteers handcrafted over 640 seedballs using more than 77 pounds (35 kg) of soil. The initiative combined teamwork, environmental stewardship and community spirit to support a greener Maharashtra and a healthier planet.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, energy and passion to making a difference in our communities around the world.

About Franklin Templeton 
Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE: BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in equity, fixed income, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,500 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and $1.6 trillion in assets under management as of July 31, 2025. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Rockwell Automation, Inc., the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has been selected by Utility Global to provide the control and automation platform for its proprietary H2Gen® systems featuring Utility’s patented zero-electricity hydrogen production technology.

Utility is transforming industrial hydrogen production with systems designed for modular construction, customized performance, and seamless integration into existing assets and infrastructure. Featuring a breakthrough technology for hydrogen production from water without electricity that operates autonomously, H2Gen systems deliver clean, reliable hydrogen tailored to the steel, mobility, chemical, refining and oil and gas industries. These systems significantly reduce carbon emissions and lower operational and capital costs. This innovation makes the energy transition economically viable for industrial operators worldwide.

“Rockwell’s automation technology accelerates our ability to execute commercial deployments,” said Parker Meeks, President and CEO of Utility. “Their proven industrial expertise strengthens our mission to deliver economic clean hydrogen to the hard-to-abate sectors. The first application of Rockwell’s automation technology is in the start-up of our Houston commercial unit, which is now being commissioned. This unit will then be deployed into biogas applications in 2026.”

To support this objective, Utility selected Rockwell’s PlantPAx® Distributed Control System along with a suite of software and network hardware including FactoryTalk® View, FactoryTalk® AssetCentre, FactoryTalk® Historian and Logix Process Controllers. This suite was selected for its ability to scale from small to large commercial deployments without requiring a shift in control architecture – laying the groundwork for flexible project execution plans.

“We’re excited to work with Utility Global to support their innovative approach to sustainable hydrogen production,” said Michael Sweet, director, New Energy, Rockwell Automation. “Our integrated control and information platform helps bring new energy technologies to life with the security, reliability and flexibility needed for industrial applications. Rockwell’s integrated solutions are enabling near-term decarbonization by accelerating the deployment of scalable, low-carbon energy solutions like Utility’s H2Gen systems.

Learn more about Rockwell and its role in enabling cleaner, smarter operations across industries.

Originally published on GEC’s News Feed

The Global Electronics Council (GEC) is proud to participate in Climate Week NYC 2025, the world’s largest annual climate event, hosted by Climate Group in coordination with the United Nations and the City of New York. Taking place September 21–28, Climate Week brings together leaders from business, government, and civil society to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.

As part of The Hub Live, Climate Group’s flagship leadership forum, CEO Bob Mitchell will join business, finance, and policy leaders for the session “From prototype to powerhouse – scaling cleantech beyond the lab” on Monday, September 22, 3:40–4:30 pm. This panel is part of the Nature, Food Systems and Health stream, which explores how interconnected systems shape both climate outcomes and human well-being.

With U.S. cleantech investment expected to exceed $100 billion in 2025, the session will examine how to accelerate commercialization while ensuring sustainable, equitable growth. Bob will contribute GEC’s global perspective as a convener, standard-setter, and solutions provider for sustainable technology. His insights will focus on the following imperatives:

• Cleantech must be clean from beginning to end of the supply chain. As we scale EVs, batteries, solar installations, and data infrastructure, we must confront the hidden risks: toxic materials, exploitative labor, and unsustainable extraction. Without strong standards and oversight, we risk solving one crisis while fueling another.
• The market needs clear signals – and standards can deliver them. Investors and buyers need credible, science-based frameworks to identify truly sustainable technologies. GEC’s globally recognized standards are helping innovators prove their impact, de-risk investments, and break through to mass adoption.
• Commercialization must come with accountability. Speed is critical, but not at the expense of people or the planet. GEC helps companies embed responsible practices from prototype to production – turning ESG from a box-tick into a growth enabler.
• Scaling cleantech means scaling trust. GEC works across the ecosystem – from manufacturers to policymakers – to ensure cleantech earns and sustains public trust, through transparency, ethics, and performance.

Through this lens, Bob will highlight how credible standards, cross-sector collaboration, and systemic accountability are essential to scaling cleantech beyond the lab.