United Way of Greater Charlottesville and the Minority Business Alliance of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce are honored to announce the recipients of this year’s Business Development Grants. Grant funds support and stabilize business operations and can be used for expenses such as equipment, marketing, and inventory. The partnership has awarded over $150,000 in grants over the past four years. $40,000 in grants will be awarded this year to the following recipients:
· bakernobakery – Christina Martin
· Beyond Fitness with Sabrina – Sabrina Feggans
· Cavalier Barbershop – Eric Massie
· Eudamonia – Courtney J. Brown
· Justified by Netta – Johnetta Murray
· Khadija’s Kitchen – Khadija Hemmati
· Loyal Beyond Beauty – Shalice Brown
· Rita’s Bright Beginnings – Karita Burrill
The partnership supports United Way of Greater Charlottesville’s effort to reduce racial disparities in our community through its five-year Envision initiative, as well as the Minority Business Alliance’s mission to convene, support and promote minority businesses; leveraging local business and nonprofit partners to expand community wealth building.
Past grant recipient and owner of The Tax Ladies, LLC, Libby Edwards-Allbaugh, shared that, “This sort of infrastructure is what helps a minority business grow. It helps level the playing field.”
Grants are officially awarded at the Minority Business Alliance’s sold-out event, “A Black & White Affair”. The event is intended to celebrate minority-owned businesses, grant recipients, and the Minority Business Alliance’s members and partners. Proceeds from the event will help support and promote minority-owned businesses and professionals through the Minority Business Alliance Endurance Fund and its programs.