May 2-8 is National Small Business Week. National Small Business Week is a nationally recognized event to celebrate and show appreciation to small businesses. A special emphasis during the week is put on local shopping and supporting local entrepreneurs. Also the week focuses on highlighting the role of small businesses and what they contribute to their communities.
One such company is Sauce Foods. Sauce Foods is co-owned by Jennifer Carroll and Jessica Swift. Chef Jen and Chef Jess like many small businesses during Covid, faced some very tough times. But with the help of the Greater Washington DC Entrepreneur of Color Fund and the Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Sauce Foods was able to continue to forge its pathway to success! This was due in part to the partnership with JPMorgan Chase who made a five-year global commitment to assist black and Latin X women owned- small businesses.
Chef Jen and Chef Jess were fortunate enough to not lose their stride, keep their doors open and continue to provide services for the community that they are dedicated to serve.
Bikram Yogaworks is an independent, family owned and operated yoga and wellness company co-founded by Kendra Blackett-Dibinga. Kendra was also able to take advantage of the guidance and benchmarks that WACIF set for her, to sustain her business during Covid and beyond! The four studios which are located in DC and Maryland, with this support, were able to continue to provide exceptional experiences for clients. More importantly, she and her family were able to continue to nurture the tight knit community that they have worked to build and continue to help clients achieve their health and wellness goals!
