11 Small Business Owners will Share $50,000
Muskegon, MI – The Business Equity Initiative Fund, at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, has awarded $50,000 in grants to women business owners.
In presenting the awards, the founders of the fund noted that the number of applicants – over 50 – reflects the need for attention to this sector of business entrepreneurs.
Grant recipients own businesses ranging from professional services, to health and fitness, beauty products and eateries. Grantees are connected to local resources offering mentoring and coaching.
This year’s winners are:
- Shineka Brooks, Choice Janitorial LLC
- Lataja Cosse, Divine Minds Early Learning Academy
- Destinee Keener, Kuntry Cookin’
- Tashawnnia McBride, Creating Better Habits LLC
- RaShonda McDaniels, Little Steps Daycare
- Lynette Moore, Moore Garden & Farm LLC
- Marina Ramirez, Yummy Delights on the Lakeshore
- Estelita Rankin, Estelita Winery
- Corleona Robinson, Boss Savage Beauty LLC
- Tiffany Scott, 360 Snaps LLC
- Marisela Sierra, Navarro’s Mexican Takeout
The grants were awarded at a July 31 ceremony at the Greater Muskegon Women’s Club.
The Business Equity Initiative, founded by Nancy McCarthy, Mary Anne Gorman, and Kim Suarez, is devoted to supporting a local economy that works for all. The goal of the fund is to create more equity and position women entrepreneurs for success and traditional loan readiness. A recent grantee noted “the BEI Funds allowed me to purchase the material needed to restock my merchandise and start fresh after a challenging event. The mentorship opportunity is top tier.”
Gifts to the fund, which was established in early 2022, have surpassed $184,000 and grants given $109,000. More information on how to contribute to the fund is available at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, https://muskegonfoundation.org/
The grants are administered by Northern Initiatives, a Community Development Financial Institution that delivers loans and business services to small business owners and entrepreneurs throughout Michigan.
