The University of Notre Dame received a $2.5 million gift from the Coca-Cola Co. in North America to expand entrepreneurship programs into FIFA World Cup host cities.
The gift supports the university’s Urban Poverty and Business Initiative, housed within the Keough School of Global Affairs. The initiative brings together universities and nonprofit organizations committed to alleviating poverty and helping low-income and underprivileged individuals launch and grow sustainable businesses.
The gift will enable the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative to expand its network of partner organizations across the United States and into Canada, including cities that will host the FIFA World Cup 26. The games will take place June 11 to July 19, 2026.
As a partner of the FIFA World Cup 26, Coca-Cola is collaborating with community groups, colleges and youth leadership programs across the country to drive economic growth and inclusion. The company aims to make positive and lasting contributions to local communities that extend beyond the tournament.
“We are thankful to Coca-Cola for this gift, which will allow us to grow the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative network and significantly increase the number of disadvantaged entrepreneurs we serve,” said Mary Gallagher, Marilyn Keough dean and professor of global affairs at the Keough School, in a press release. “By expanding into new cities, we are not only supporting entrepreneurs but also strengthening local economies and communities.”
The Urban Poverty and Business Initiative currently serves over 3,000 business owners annually, many of whom are facing adverse circumstances or economic hardship. With support from Coca-Cola, the program will broaden its scope to include 13 additional cities — 11 in the United States and two in Canada — and will serve over 55 cities. The partnership will support at least 50 business owners annually in each of the new partner locations, training and equipping another 2,400 entrepreneurs over the next three years.
“Through Coca-Cola’s support, we will be able to provide a turnkey training system of business skills and best practices to new partners, which can then be shared with small business owners in their own communities,” Michael Morris, Urban Poverty and Business Initiative program creator, said. “Our experience is that entrepreneurship can truly provide a pathway out of poverty, which can be empowering for both individuals and communities alike.”
