Social Driver CEO and Co-founder Thomas Sanchez was selected from a competitive pool of nominees to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Ernst & Young LLP (EY)  Entrepreneurs Access Network (EAN) program. EY EAN is a business accelerator and comprehensive, executive-level program designed to elevate scalable Black and Latinx-owned companies through access to mentors, resources, and networks. 

As part of the cohort, Sanchez has become part of a community of Black and Latinx high-growth company leaders and leading entrepreneurs. “As a minority-owned company, the program is coming along at a great time for our business. I have met business leaders who are all facing the same challenges,” said Sanchez.

The curriculum is designed to take a holistic approach to business growth with a specific focus on deepening customer relationships, improving people strategies, and developing an accelerated journey to market leadership. “The program is helping us develop the next phase of Social Driver’s strategic plan,” said Sanchez.

EAN’s 12-month curated program includes a company assessment, alignment with a dedicated EY relationship advisor, and a customized development plan based on the needs and maturity of each company. Sanchez said the ability to focus more on employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, customer relationships, and partnership development has been particularly exciting. 

“It’s been an amazing experience so far. Having the freedom to think about the future is a powerful tool,” said Sanchez. 

EAN builds on EY’s current entrepreneurial programs, including 34 years of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ and 12 years of Entrepreneurial Winning Women. “As we look to the year ahead, it’s more important than ever to support Black and Latinx entrepreneurs, linking them to the resources they need to thrive,” said Nit Reeder, EY Entrepreneurs Access Network Program Director.