Mountain BizWorks, in partnership with the Rogers Slater Foundation, Truist Foundation, and other funders, has awarded 30 micro-grants to startups and emerging businesses owned by entrepreneurs of color across Western North Carolina. The grant awards of $2,500 each are designed to fuel the aspirations of creators, small business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs who have faced challenges in realizing their dreams.
Jeremiah Robinson, Director of Catalyst Programs, shared, “It’s truly inspiring to witness the diversity and vibrancy of these businesses, both new and established, as they expand their horizons. With this funding, we’re celebrating the unique contributions of each entrepreneur carrying the torch of resilience. Their success stories paint a broader picture of innovation and growth that uplifts our entire community.”
Accepted grantees met the requirements of being a for-profit business located within WNC, be at least 50% owned by individuals from historically underrepresented groups in business, have annual gross revenues less than $150,000, a demonstrated need for funding, and a compelling narrative around how the grant will increase their growth and community contributions.
This competitive round of funding received 75 applications. The following 30 businesses were selected across 10 Western North Carolina counties:
All Clean LLC (Buncombe)
Ann’s Tree (Cherokee)
Bereisheet Welding Services LLC (Buncombe)
Black Bear Lock & Security (Jackson)
Books Alive with Ms. Ann (Buncombe)
¡Buen Provecho! (Transylvania)
Contessa Aesthetics (Buncombe)
Crafted Glory (Haywood)
EJ Foods Distribution LLC (Buncombe)
Folk Saints LLC (Buncombe)
From Clean to Cuisine (Henderson)
From the Ashes Cultural Arts & Counseling (Buncombe)
Grace Homes, Inc. (Buncombe)
Heavenly Touch Mobile Detailing (Rutherford)
HERS, LLC (Buncombe)
Kente Kitchen Market LLC (Buncombe)
Moon Girl Glass (Madison)
Price is Right Beauty Supplies (Catawba)
Purple Pigs Table, LLC (Buncombe)
Parlor & Co. (Jackson)
Rockhopper Home Solutions (Buncombe)
Skills Academy for Women (Buncombe)
The Standard Picture Company, LLC (Buncombe)
Time-Out Management, LLC (Rutherford)
Topaz Business Solutions (Buncombe)
Tortillas La Regia (Buncombe)
Truelulu (Buncombe)
Unique Beauty Salon (Rutherford)
Washed by the Water, LLC (Buncombe)
Your Mother’s Medicine (Buncombe)
“We know entrepreneurship is a key pathway to creating generational wealth,” said Matt Raker, Mountain BizWorks’ Executive Director. “These Catalyst Micro-Grants are designed to be an infusion for small businesses led by people of color, and as a tool in the overall Catalyst Program. We want to make it easier for historically underrepresented WNC businesses to succeed.”
The Catalyst Program creates fundamental changes in traditional lending practices to accelerate business growth for entrepreneurs of color by building on great ideas through the Catalyst Fund, Cohorts, and Micro-Grants. For more information about the Catalyst Program, visit mountainbizworks.org/catalyst.
