"A key objective of the National Urban League is to expand economic empowerment," said Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League. "This new program meets that objective through a focused commitment to assist African Americans in pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities with ExxonMobil. We are very pleased with the level of commitment ExxonMobil is making to this effort."

"We see this new effort with the National Urban League as a great opportunity to help create awareness and interest in retail business opportunities at ExxonMobil among minority candidates," said Mark Shores, Director, Retail Sales, ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing. "With the National Urban League's assistance, we seek qualified minority candidates who want to be involved in all aspects of gasoline and convenience store retail marketing, from owning and operating a single service station, to investing and becoming the principal operator of a multiple location Distributorship. We are looking for entrepreneurs who want to grow with ExxonMobil."

Central to the new initiative is a plan for the National Urban League to serve as a clearinghouse and resource for ExxonMobil in searching out and screening qualified candidates nationwide, and, as needed, training candidates in business practices identified as critical for success.

The training will be delivered through the Urban Entrepreneur Partnership (UEP), a combined private, public and non-profit partnership designed to expand entrepreneurship and jobs in historically neglected and economically challenged urban areas. The Urban Entrepreneur Partnership has initially identified five cities through which it will provide business training, enterprise mentoring and coaching, and access to private sector contacts, procurement, and debt and equity financing nationwide.

Click here for additional information or opportunities available through the National Urban League and ExxonMobil collaboration.