PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP) today announced the launch of Jefa-Owned (owned by a Latina Boss), a national visibility campaign powered by the Juntos Crecemos (Together We Grow) platform, to encourage more Latina-owned, food and beverage small businesses to apply for the personalized business building support services.To mark the launch, PepsiCo leaders joined Latina business owners for the Nasdaq Opening Bell Ceremony, where they unveiled the first-ever Jefa-Owned neon sign, designed by PepsiCo, as well as limited-edition merchandise honoring businesses owned by a Latina boss designed in collaboration with Hija de tu Madre, a lifestyle brand founded by Latina entrepreneur Patty Delgado, who also established March 31as National Jefa Day. As part of its Racial Equality Journey Hispanic Initiative, PepsiCo launched the multi-faceted Juntos Crecemos platform last fall aimed at strengthening Hispanic-owned businesses, specifically restaurants, bodegas and carnicerías (meat markets), to address foundational business challenges, and support business growth. According to the 2020 State of Latinos Entrepreneurship Report, Latinas (women) represent 40% of all Latino-owned businesses (men and women), with 41% of Latina business owners reporting “large negative impacts” as a result of the pandemic. Furthermore, twice as many Latina-led companies experience closure compared to Latino-led (male only) businesses. “Latinas are a powerful economic force in the U.S., creating businesses at a rate six times the national average,” said Esperanza Teasdale, Vice President & General Manager, Hispanic Business Unit, PepsiCo Beverages North America. “Despite this accelerated growth rate, Latinas are confronting foundational challenges which must be addressed. This Women’s History Month, PepsiCo is proud to grow the impact of the Juntos Crecemos platform with a focus on helping Latina business owners strengthen their businesses while raising visibility for them through the Jefa-Owned campaign. Having each Latina business owner turn on her Jefa-Owned neon sign is a testament to their entrepreneurial achievements, their resilience, as well as the important role they play in the U.S. economy.”