{"id":6451,"date":"2021-10-26T05:00:57","date_gmt":"2021-10-26T12:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intuitblog.com\/?p=6451"},"modified":"2023-05-22T12:38:57","modified_gmt":"2023-05-22T19:38:57","slug":"giving-the-mic-to-bipoc-entrepreneurs-with-nba-champion-and-toronto-raptor-fred-vanvleet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intuit.com\/blog\/social-responsibility\/giving-the-mic-to-bipoc-entrepreneurs-with-nba-champion-and-toronto-raptor-fred-vanvleet\/","title":{"rendered":"Giving the mic to BIPOC entrepreneurs with NBA Champion and Toronto Raptor, Fred VanVleet"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019re thrilled to announce that <\/span>Intuit, and our <\/span>TurboTax <\/span><\/a>and <\/span>QuickBooks<\/span> <\/a>products, are taking to the world of podcasts to <\/span>present Season 1 of <\/span>Bet On Yourself, <\/span><\/i>hosted by NBA champion and Toronto Raptor, <\/span>Fred VanVleet<\/span><\/a> and his business partner and mentor, Derek Folk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Released by <\/span>Acast<\/span><\/a>, the 12-episode series will premiere Wednesday, November 3 featuring inspirational stories from up-and-coming BIPOC entrepreneurs.<\/span><\/p>\n

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(Credit: Narisa Ladak)<\/em><\/p>\n

“We\u2019re thrilled that Intuit is the exclusive sponsor of Bet On Yourself in Canada, giving us the opportunity to demonstrate the benefits our TurboTax and QuickBooks products deliver to entrepreneurs. Hearing advice first-hand from a passionate entrepreneur, like Fred VanVleet, allows us to support them in new, innovative and personable ways.\u201d <\/i><\/p>\n

\u2014David Marquis, VP and Country Manager at Intuit Canada<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This sponsorship follows the <\/span>recent announcement<\/span><\/a> with Intuit TurboTax as the Toronto Raptor’s exclusive Personal and Business Tax Software, further extending the brand’s partnership within the NBA.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With its TurboTax and QuickBooks products, Intuit helps entrepreneurs overcome financial challenges. TurboTax supports Canadians tackling taxes at any stage of their life journey, whether they are self-employed, years into their professional life, taking on their taxes for the first time or could use the help of a tax expert. QuickBooks provides small businesses with the insights they need to run their business through a connected suite of business tools — including Payments, Payroll, and cash flow capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

The launch brings a powerhouse to the world of podcasting. VanVleet\u2019s extraordinary story \u2014 from an undrafted athlete to NBA champion for the Toronto Raptors and the highest-paid undrafted player in NBA history \u2014 has captured the hearts of countless fans. The podcast embodies the 27-year-old entrepreneur and professional basketball player\u2019s iconic mantra \u2014 \u201cbet on yourself\u201d \u2014 in his mission to inspire others to find the necessary strength and wisdom to overcome adversity.<\/span><\/p>\n

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(Credit: Narisa Ladak)<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNearly five years ago, I stepped outside my comfort zone and opened a business for the first time. No doubt mistakes were made, but having the kind of mentorship that I did from my business partner and co-host, Derek Folk, was critical to our eventual success. With this podcast, we hope to pay it back and empower the BIPOC community here in Canada and beyond by bouncing around ideas, helping to solve problems, and giving these incredible entrepreneurs a powerful platform from which they can grow their businesses. I wanted everyone to be able to hear the important conversations we\u2019re having, which is why I partnered with Acast to make sure the show is available to listeners on any and every podcast platform.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n

\u2014 \u00a0Fred VanVleet, NBA Champion for the Toronto Raptors<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

How will it work? <\/b>In each episode, VanVleet and Folk sit down with a budding BIPOC entrepreneur in Canada. The co-hosts dive into their guest\u2019s journey, offering strategic business advice and motivation to help them achieve their goals. The conversations provide listeners with useful insights, encouragement, and a roadmap for success in their own pursuits.<\/span><\/p>\n

VanVleet and Folk seek out people who not only aim to build businesses that are lucrative, but are also making a positive cultural impact. The first season will feature 12 Canadian entrepreneurs, including:<\/span><\/p>\n