$50K in grants issued to minority-owned small businesses

Last edited 1:48 p.m., Sept. 24, 2024 [Editor's note: The $100,000 in funding from U.S. Bank goes toward the Ascend initiative. The article has been clarified.]

Ten minority-owned small businesses were presented a combined $50,000 in grants this morning as part of the Ascend program, with its organizers also receiving funding to continue the initiative.

The Downtown Springfield Association, which is partnering on Ascend with U.S. Bank, Missouri State University’s Efactory and the Multicultural Business Association, awarded the grants during a news conference this morning at the downtown location of Mama G’s Kitchen. Ascend stands for Advancing Springfield’s Commitment to Entrepreneurship, Networking and Diversity.

Also at the event, U.S. Bank presented a $100,000 donation to support the Ascend initiative.

"We've been able over the last three years to make major investments in our small businesses and our entrepreneurs and our neighbors. We are really excited about that," DSA President Rusty Worley said at the grant presentation this morning.

Mama G’s Kitchen, which opened its downtown store at 210 S. Market Ave., Ste 124, this summer, was one of the recipients of the $5,000 grants.

"It came right on time," owner Gloria Hereford said of the Ascend grant, pointing to the restaurant's recent opening in College Station.

A news release provided at the event this morning states Mama G's Kitchen will use its funding to purchase equipment and cook at a higher volume.

Grant recipient Crosstown Barbecue Inc. owner Steve Williams echoed similar thoughts. Crosstown, which operates at 1331 E. Division St., plans to use the grant funding to incorporate an online ordering system and efficient delivery costs.

"It's hard to find good people. You've got to pay a little more. The grant has helped us in that aspect," Williams said.

The full list of $5,000 grant recipients is as follows:
• COG Studios LLC, owned by Jakael Jackson, to upgrade equipment and increase marketing
• Crosstown Barbecue
• Esther's Courture LLC, owned by Esther Faida, for plans to open a new store
• Genesis Brain Center, owned by Christine McGough, for expenses related to products and marketing costs
• Mahogany Sound Stage, owned by Alfred Ajay Holmes, for a company vehicle wrap, signage and an expanded digital presence
• Mama G's Kitchen
• Niq's Property Preservation LLC, owned by Verniquia Foster, for the development of a website, acquisition of equipment and supplies, and hiring plans
• Queen City Soul Kitchen, owned by Lyle Foster and Francine Pratt, to work on cost containment, map peak customer hours and develop a more active digital presence
• Terry's Deluxe Stump Grinding, owned by Terrence Smith, to help pay for machinery expenses
• Yo Seasonings, owned by Yolanda Sharpensteen, to enhance labels, hire additional staff and expand inventory