United Way and MBA Announce $40,000 in Grants to Local Minority-Owned Businesses
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 Minority Enterprise 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 will be officially awarded tonight 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.
About the United Way of Greater Charlottesville: United Way of Greater Charlottesville connects our community, enabling individuals and families to achieve their potential. Learn more at unitedwaycville.org.
About the Chamber Minority Business Alliance: The purpose of the Chamber Minority Business Alliance (MBA) is to convene, support and promote minority businesses; leveraging local business and nonprofit partners to expand community wealth building. Learn more at cvillechamber.com/mba.
About the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce: The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce advocates, convenes and engages to strengthen business in the greater Charlottesville Region. Its simple yet clear vision is a thriving regional economy. The Chamber works to grow and support big ideas that produce meaningful, measurable results for members and nurture a healthy business environment. For more information, visit cvillechamber.com.