Metro United Way and FundBLACKFounders have announced the 14 Louisville-based, Black-founded businesses that will receive early-stage financial support.
The program, which began accepting applications in February, aims to support early-stage startups founded by Black entrepreneurs by helping them bring their ideas to life and grow their businesses. Recipients will receive up to $25,000 grant funding, matching the amount participating businesses are able to crowdfund through the FundBLACKFounders platform.
“We are so proud to partner with FundBLACKFounders. This initiative truly brings our focus on economic mobility and equity to life,” said Adria Johnson, president and CEO of Metro United Way, in the release. “Through our work, we know that by creating opportunities we are also creating change that will impact our community, neighborhoods and the people who live here.”
The recipients of FundBLACKFounders are:
- Adriana Susso, founder of BaeVibez Skincare, a vegan, manufacturing company.
- Nicole Scott, founder of Nicole Scott Inc., a business offering handmade, ethically produced clothing and accessories.
- Nachand Trabue, founder of Mellanaire Marketplace, a retail incubator space that provides entrepreneurs with a space to sell their products and wares.
- Lafesa Johnson, founder of Hip Hop Sweet Shop, a business that offers a nostalgic, hip-hop experience while serving trendy milkshakes, cheesecakes and various baked goods.
- Roderick Shawn Summerville, founder of Ebony GreensTM LLC, a premier Black-owned golf apparel enterprise.
- Aaron Jordan, founder of Black Complex Louisville, a coworking space and member community offering workspace, professional development, high-level networking and social experiences.
- Lecresha Sewell, founder of Melanated Healthcare Inc., a digital health platform that connects Black and people of color to health professionals that share the same racial or cultural background.
- JoCari Beattie, founder of JoBé Products, which has developed a portable desk that transforms into a backpack called Besk.
- Michael Jackson, founder of Kentucky Greens Company, which offers a wide range of leafy greens, Salad Mixes, microgreens and cooking greens grown hydroponically using zero pesticides or chemicals.
- Mariha Fisher, founder of Bonnet Bandits, offering a luxe collection of bonnets and pillowcases.
- Bridgette Johnson, founder of W.O.W. Factor Academy LLC, a non-traditional preschool of innovation edutainment company.
- Shauntrice Martin, founder of Chahta Noir, offering fine arts and artist development.
- Reinaldo Murphy & Jamel Smith, founders of Melt502, a West End restaurant offering creative egg rolls and gourmet grilled melt sandwiches.
- Ronyale Smith, founder of Blak Koffee Cafe, a full-service coffee shop where business, culture and coffee meet.
FundBLACKFounders is a rewards-based crowdfunding platform doubling down on Black founders through culturally relevant resources resulting in the birth of more Black businesses.
"FundBLACKFounders is fiercely committed to the mission of funding every Black entrepreneur,” said Renee King, founder and CEO of FundBLACKFounders, in the release. “The partnership between our organization, Metro United Way and our inaugural founder cohort is a testament to the belief that it takes a village to raise a Black-owned business.
"Together, we are breaking down barriers, fostering growth, and empowering communities. We're honored to be part of this work, and I am confident that through our collective efforts, we will rewrite the narrative and pave the way for generations of thriving Black-owned businesses."
