The Progress Project by Hyundai
Good ideas deserve support. Great ones deserve investment.
The Progress Project began as Hyundai's initiative to uplift Black-owned businesses in the communities it calls home - first in Montgomery, AL, then Savannah, GA, and most recently Ann Arbor, MI. Each year, Hyundai employees from these cities nominated local Black-owned businesses they believed in, and from their recommendations, we awarded three standout businesses $15,000 each to fuel their growth.
As the project's copywriter, I helped shape its identity from initial concept to final storytelling. My role included crafting the voice of the campaign, creating compelling content to amplify the journeys of our grant recipients, and ensuring every piece of messaging felt authentic, impactful, and inspiring.
This was more than copywriting. It was storytelling with purpose, spotlighting real people making real progress, right in their hometowns.
Art Direction: Ebby St. Pierre and Ren Rudner
When Eddie Brooks started 3N1 Fitness in Ann Arbor, MI, he had one thing in mind, to bring a holistic approach to the fitness world. His motto, “mind fit, body fit, nourish it,” are truly words to live by as he advocates for mental health just as much as physical fitness. The Progress Project by Hyundai, an initiative that celebrates Black-owned businesses in the communities Hyundai calls home, granted Eddie's business with $15,000. This contribution will go towards new equipment and signage to help more people find their way to his dynamic fitness center.
Issa’s Pizza is where halal meets hospitality. Owner Omar Sowe has baked his way into the hearts of the Ypsilanti community since opening in 2002. Now, with a $15,000 grant from The Progress Project by Hyundai for a new oven, he's set to reach his goals sooner than later. From elementary school lunches to the marching band’s feasts - watch to discover how Issa’s Pizza is on a mission to fill every plate with the delicious cuisine that his regular customers have grown to love.
Eric McGuire's name is synonymous with humility and boxing excellence. From a young contender to a guiding force in the sport, Eric’s story is one of passion and resilience. When an injury rerouted his boxing ambitions, he channeled his love for the sport into mentoring the next generation at A-Square Fight Club in Ann Arbor, MI. Recognizing his dedication, The Progress Project by Hyundai stepped into the ring, awarding Eric’s gym a $15,000 grant for renovations. This initiative not only celebrates his commitment to boxing but also bolsters the community by supporting Black-owned businesses. Witness how Eric and Hyundai are in the corner of aspiring champions, nurturing talent, and building stronger communities.
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The Progress Project by Hyundai stepped up 👟👟 to help 3N1 Fitness Revolution get the equipment they needed.
2.5M Views
The subs at Issa’s Pizza were already delicious, but with help from The Progress Project by Hyundai, they’re 5x faster. 🥖💨
2.3M Views
