Three talented individuals across the industries of beauty, music, and gaming receive $50,000 grants to support their businesses.
[WASHINGTON] September 26, 2024 – Ferrero North America’s Famous Amos® and the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) are proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative. This national program, now in its fourth year, provides $150,000 in capital awards, mentorship, and educational resources to three Black-owned early-stage businesses. Through this initiative, Famous Amos continues to honor its legendary founder, Wally Amos, while creating pathways for Black business owners to thrive.
The 2024 grand prize winners of the Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative are:Adrienne Gadling, founder of 10 City Spa, a full-service nail salon offering top-tier service and a VIP experience in Stone Mountain, GA.Corry Banks, founder of ModBap Modular, a Black-owned electronic music equipment manufacturing company with global distribution.Elizabeth Rene, founder of PO’UP! Card Game, a nostalgic party game celebrating Black excellence through the lens of the Black collegiate experience.Each entrepreneur has been awarded $50,000 to grow their business and has gained an exclusive membership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., which will provide mentorship and resources to help ensure long-term success. The awards also include access to ongoing educational programming designed to overcome the challenges that often impede small business survival.
“The Ingredients for Success program is a way for the Famous Amos brand to pay tribute to our history while championing rising entrepreneurs with much-needed capital and mentorship,” said Rachna Patel, VP of Marketing for Famous Amos. “Since the launch of the program, we’ve awarded $600,000 to twelve Black-owned businesses, and we are thrilled to watch their continued growth and achievements.”
This year’s award recipients stood out among a pool of over 2,800 applicants. Their businesses were selected not only for their innovation and promise but also for the strength and sustainability of their business models. The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges, including entrepreneurs Steve Canal, Kendra Bracken-Ferguson, and Grant Warner.
The Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative not only celebrates the winners but also supports all finalists by welcoming them into the Ingredients for Success Alumni Network. This network offers invaluable business resources and ongoing training opportunities beyond the active program cycle.
“We are incredibly proud of the success and impact this program has had on Black entrepreneurs across the country,” said Alisa Joseph, VP Director of Programs at the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. “It’s through partnerships like this that USBC can truly demonstrate our ability to uplift Black business owners. We are glad that we can help Famous Amos facilitate this program and extend a heartfelt thanks to our USBC team for their tireless work on this initiative.”
Last year’s winners, including Eartha Watch Company, TCB Drones, and The Language Arc, have gone on to achieve significant milestones in their respective industries. In particular, Eartha Watch Company has launched a new collection and hit its six-figure sales projection, showcasing the long-term impact of the Ingredients for Success program.
For more information about the Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative, visit www.FamousAmosIngredientsForSuccess.com.
###
About the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) provides committed, visionary leadership, and advocacy in the realization of economic empowerment. Through the creation of resources and initiatives, we support a network of African American Chambers of Commerce and business organizations in their work of developing and growing Black enterprises. Learn more at usblackchambers.org.
About Famous AmosFounded in 1975 by Wally Amos, Famous Amos has been delighting customers with its classic chocolate chip cookies for nearly five decades. Today, the brand continues to support the next generation of entrepreneurs through its Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative, which is part of a broader commitment to racial equity and social impact.
About Ferrero North AmericaFerrero began in 1946 and has grown into one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies. Ferrero North America is home to iconic brands such as Nutella®, Kinder®, Tic Tac®, Ferrero Rocher®, and Famous Amos®. The company employs over 5,400 people across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. Learn more at www.ferreronorthamerica.com.
 |
Media Inquiries: USBC Corporate Communications info@usbcnetwork.com
#FamousAmos #USBlackChambers #Entrepreneurship #Grants #Beauty #Music #Gaming
