CHICAGO — Famous Amos, a cookie brand from Ferrara Candy Company, has partnered with the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) to launch its “Ingredients for Success Initiative,” a grant and mentorship program that provides tools and resources to help Black business owners succeed.
The company’s goal is to pair Black entrepreneurs with financial resources and mentors early on in their business development to help them create longevity in their business plans. In the program’s inaugural year, a total of $150,000 has been committed to grant three Black-owned businesses. In addition to the monetary award, grant winners will receive a suite of mentoring and coaching resources provided by the NBCC to drive sustainable growth and success.
“In honor of Wally Amos, the founder of Famous Amos, we are extremely grateful to partner with the NBCC to help create pathways for Black business owners to thrive,” said Rachna Patel, senior director, distinctive brands at Ferrara. “Famous Amos remains committed to fostering racial equity through the work that we do as a company and our connection to the communities we serve.”
The grant applications will be reviewed by some of the nation’s most prominent Black business leaders including Jeffery Beckham Jr., CEO at Chicago Scholars; Roby Mercharles, VP of partnerships at The American Dream Fund & Marketplace; Steve Canal, co-founder of Flourysh, ONE Venture Group, Saint Miles and The Baptist Collection; and Mandy Bowman, and founder and CEO of Official Black Wall Street.
“Our mission is the economic empowerment of Black businesses and communities,” said Charles H. DeBow, III, executive director, NBCC. “We are pleased to partner with Famous Amos to provide mentorship, as well as the necessary tools and resources to the grant recipients to assist them to not only participate but to succeed in America’s economy.”
All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m., Nov. 29. Eligible businesses must be a minimum of 90% Black-owned and been in operation for five years or less. More rules and eligibility requirements can be found here.