It wasn’t the free professional workshops, networking mixers, resource fairs, and public street markets at Minneapolis Black Business Week that meant the most to attendee Jakesa Thompson. For Thompson, it was confirmation that she’s on the right track with her new business, Happy Plate, which she launched a month ago.
“The experience gave me validation that there is a need for my product and the confidence to keep going,” said Thompson. Happy Plate offers allergy-inclusive treats.
Thompson was among hundreds who gathered across Minneapolis for
nine events throughout Black Business Week, July 27 to Aug. 2. “From City contracting and revenue growth to preparing for unexpected challenges, the week connected businesses with valuable resources while celebrating the strength and economic impact of Minneapolis’ Black business community,” said Zoe Thiel, manager of the small business team for the City of Minneapolis.
Among the resources available to Thompson was the ability to tour the new commercial kitchen at Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON), which is tailored to producing commercial packaged goods (CPG) like Thompson’s treats. “This CPG kitchen is massive with an oven and a blast chiller so you could mix and cook a large batch of cookies at once and then chill and store them.”
Thompson also completed a food business training workshop at NEON and was matched with a business advisor, all for free. And, while the resources were incredibly helpful, Thompson found the feedback while selling her treats at a marketplace of vendors during Black Business Week was the most eye-opening.
“This girl tried a piece of my peach cobbler cookie, and as she was biting into it and walking away, she turned around and came back to say, ‘Oh my gosh, this is so good, and you said this is made without dairy, nuts, or eggs?’” Thompson explained.
Thompson’s business story is one that resonates with many families. She simply got tired of watching her three kids, who have allergies, get left out at birthday parties or family gatherings. Relating to her customers while also providing an unexpectedly delicious product, is turning out to be a business model worth its salt… and sugar.
“Her story is so unique, and the business is just a month old,” said Sheletta Brundidge, of ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com and keynote speaker at Black Business Week with an address titled, “Let Your WHY Build Your WEALTH”. “We all know a child with allergies who has to sit out every time there is a cake or cookie party.”
Brundige said Thompson’s business and the story behind Happy Plate demonstrate the power of Black Business Week to get well-deserved entrepreneurs in front of an audience. “She would have had to go to 100 pop-ups to get 100 clients, but here she was able to market her company to people who would never have been able to find her otherwise.”
The exposure, resources, and overall support brought joy to Thompson and her business, Happy Plate. It also gave her the boost to keep going.
“Confidence isn’t something you start with; you build it with experience,” Thompson said. “This opportunity gave me confidence. I have a product I believe in, and I got a chance to see other people believe in my product as well.”
Check out Happy Plate online by clicking here.
