Tech is connecting and strengthening communities. From supporting local cultures and helping small businesses thrive, to improving access to healthcare, discover how tech is connecting local communities to opportunity in this week’s Tech at Work.
How Tech is Bringing Opportunities to Local Communities
Airbnb has generated $13.5 billion in tourism taxes for communities around the world, providing critical funding for services and infrastructure.
Amazon is supporting small businesses, creating jobs, setting up sustainability initiatives, and developing educational programs in data center communities.
Comcast announced an additional 500 small businesses will receive its RISE comprehensive grant package, providing everything from creative production to a $5,000 monetary grant.
Intuit IDEAS was awarded special recognition at the World 50 Impact Awards for its efforts to improve the success rate of small businesses in local communities across the nation.
LexisNexis colleagues helped with gardening at the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle Farm in Raleigh, North Carolina, as part of its Cares program.
Lyft is showcasing women over 70 who are finding renewed purpose and independence by driving on their own schedules.
Mastercard highlighted how inclusive design and technological advancements are breaking barriers — making sports, outdoor activities, and media more accessible.
Shopify is celebrating Vietnamese American entrepreneurs who are transforming the American food industry and paving the way for the next generation of innovators.
Uber and Waymo are partnering in Austin to bring self-driving ride options to more people, expanding how communities move.
United Health Foundation is working with Cherokee Health Systems to improve access to health care in rural areas.
Verizon Frontline provided critical infrastructure for the New Orleans Police Department so attendees could stay safe while having fun at Mardi Gras.
Zoox is expanding its test fleet to Los Angeles, bringing robotaxis to its sixth area of operation and soon providing a new way for people to travel.
New in Tech
Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year
Apple has announced a suite of new accessibility features arriving later this year across its devices. These include the Accessibility Reader, which allows users to customize text appearance and have it read aloud, and Braille Access, enabling braille note-taking on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro. Additionally, the Magnifier app is expanding to Mac, and the App Store will introduce Accessibility Nutrition Labels to help users identify apps with specific accessibility features.
Before You Start the Weekend
Dulan’s on Crenshaw, an iconic Los Angeles restaurant, has served over 30,000 meals to those impacted by the LA wildfires. Learn how DoorDash’s partner restaurants show up for their communities meal after meal.