A new program, MBF Teen Safety Matters™, was recently launched by the Monique Burr Foundation for Children to prevent child abuse and bullying among teen-agers.
Minority-Owned Businesses Receive First Funding Boost from Jax Melanin Market and Community First Cares Foundation
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., (July 9, 2024) – The Community First Cares Foundation in partnership with the Jax Melanin Market awarded the first five, $1,000 microgrants to local, minority-owned businesses on Saturday, June 15 at the Juneteenth Melanin Market. These microgrants provide financial support to promote business innovation and growth.
“Helping our small businesses grow and thrive is an important cause for Community First Cares,” said Missy Peters, the executive director of the Community First Cares Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Community First Credit Union of Florida. “This program supports the Melanin Market and the small businesses that depend on the market to get their start and sustain early entrepreneurship.”
Earlier this year, the Melanin Market announced the new partnership with Community First Cares to commit $20,000 in microgrants to relieve some of the financial burden these small businesses carry. The first recipients of the microgrant program include:
- Autumn Faith Company, which plans to utilize the grant to purchase more products to grow the brand. Their vision is to offer more than just shirts, but also totes, mugs and hats. Beyond that, this business aims to light a spark for entrepreneurship.
- Cocky’s Real Shaved Ice, which plans to utilize the grant to purchase an air conditioning unit for their shaved ice truck.
- Imani Cowri, which plans to utilize the funds to cover the costs of participating in multiple vendor events to boost market presence and cover setup supplies and marketing materials. This investment will support their mission of making women feel seen, heard, empowered and valued through its fashion-forward jewelry lines.
- Honey Dripper House, which plans to utilize the funding to complete major repairs needed to their truck to continue this cold treat business.
- Natural Essence Haircare, which will utilize the funds to relaunch their brand including updating labels and packaging for haircare products to attract a wider customer base.
“Investing in the prosperity of Black-owned businesses is at the heart of the Melanin Market,” said Dawn Curling, Executive Director of the Melanin Market. “Our grant program not only uplifts entrepreneurial spirit, but also allows diversity to thrive in our business community.”
Jax Melanin Market is now accepting applications for the next round of microgrants to be awarded during the Gullah Geechee Oktoberfest on Oct. 5 from 12 to 6 p.m. For more information or to apply today, please visit melanincollaborativegroup.org/grants.
About Jax Melanin Market
The Melanin Market empowers small and minority-owned businesses by providing a vibrant platform that merges culture, commerce and creativity. We offer business opportunities, act as a marketplace and foster a supportive learning environment. Through our efforts, we aim to boost economic independence and strengthen communities. For more information, visit https://www.melanincollaborativegroup.org/
About the Community First Cares Foundation
The Community First Cares Foundation, founded by Community First Credit Union, is a non-profit charitable foundation that grants funds to improve the quality of life in North Florida. The foundation supports activities to improve financial literacy, enhance the quality of our educational system, upgrade the health and welfare of our community and help underserved citizens.
The Community First Cares Foundation, founded by Community First Credit Union, is a non-profit community foundation that grants funds to improve the quality of life in North Florida. The foundation supports activities to improve financial literacy, enhance the quality of our educational system, upgrade the health and welfare of our community and help underserved citizens. The Community First Cares Foundation makes contributions to nonprofit organizations that serve the communities on the First Coast. For more information, visit www.CommunityFirstCares.org or call 904-371-8090.
Poverty is a silent epidemic in our schools, and many issues with attendance and academics are directly related to students not having clean clothes, shoes that fit, or the supplies they need to be successful in school. Students want to feel good about themselves when they come to school, and we want to help them have everything they need to learn. We could not have opened our first on-site classroom-sized Giving Closet without this funding and volunteer support.
Jennifer Smith, DCPS teacher and Founder of The Giving Closet Project.