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Applications open for ’26 Famous Amos IFS initiative

Famous Amos IFS logo on background with cookies
GRAPHIC COLLAGE BY AVANT FOOD MEDIA
BY: Annie Hollon

Annie Hollon

CHICAGO — The sixth edition of the annual Famous Amos Ingredients for Success (IFS) Entrepreneurs Initiative is now underway. Hosted in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), the Ferrero North America brand’s program provides early-stage Black business owners with $150,000 capital awards, divided among three recipients, along with myriad resources, including mentorship and networking opportunities.

“Every year, we meet entrepreneurs with incredible vision who are working to overcome similar systemic barriers that existed when Wally Amos founded Famous Amos,” said Kim Thomas, senior brand manager of Famous Amos. “IFS helps break those barriers down by expanding access to capital, mentorship and networks that can accelerate growth. That mission is deeply rooted in Wally’s story, and six years later, we remain committed to carrying it forward.”

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IFS plays a key role in supporting Black entrepreneurs, helping close the gap in capital and resources for this demographic.

A surge in retirements from baby boomers is also opening doors for budding business owners to step up to the plate.

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“The wave of baby boomer business retirements presents a significant wealth-building and legacy preservation opportunity for Black entrepreneurs — if they have the right resources to seize it,” said Talisha Bekavac, EVP of USBC. “We are passionate about making sure Black entrepreneurs have the tools and capital they need to step into ownership, preserve jobs and help America’s economy innovate and grow. That’s exactly why our partnership with the Famous Amos IFS initiative matters.”

Entrants will be evaluated by a panel of judges, composed of “Rev” Shawn Amos, entrepreneur, author and son of Wally Amos; Tracy Vontelle Green and Nancey Flowers-Harris, CEO and COO, respectively, of Vontelle Eyewear and winners of the inaugural IFS; and Steve Canal, founder of ONE Venture Group.

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Applications are open now through June 1. To apply, businesses must be at least 90% Black-owned, in operation for five or fewer years, based in the US and owned by people older than 21 years old.

Visit the IFS website for more information.

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