Tag: Kansas City G.I.F.T.

KC GIFT’s $100K grant — its largest-ever — aims to help boost Black-owned job creator

By Tommy Felts / May 20, 2025

A newly opened $100,000 grant represents a significant step in Kansas City GIFT’s mission to close the racial wealth gap — investing in Black-owned businesses that have the potential to become significant employers and economic drivers in their communities, said Brandon Calloway. “We exist to right the wrongs of the past and create the economic…

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‘Black-owned dining passport’ launches in response to Trump’s attacks on diversity

By Tommy Felts / February 21, 2025

A new effort encouraging support for local, Black-owned businesses — many in Kansas City’s historically redlined neighborhoods — is a timely reminder of the purchasing power in each diner’s hands, said Brandon Calloway. Kansas City G.I.F.T. on Friday launched the first edition of its “Savor The Flavor” Black-Owned Dining Passport, which features 13 restaurants. Diners…

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Herbalist’s new shop on The Paseo deepens access to natural flavors in east side food desert

By Tommy Felts / January 3, 2025

Potential customers who were once hesitant to try Rosierra “Rosie” Warren’s sweet Fruity Tutti Tea got free samples of the brew; now it’s one of her bestsellers at Nature Made Me, an apothecary and teahouse on The Paseo. More spicy flavors, like the Golden Milk tea (spiced chai with turmeric, ginger and black pepper), also…

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$30K grand prize: Sisters embrace vegan comfort eats potential with Mattie’s Food’s big win

By Tommy Felts / March 16, 2024

Arvelisha Woods and India Monique plan to use their grand prize winnings from Friday’s We Are Black pitch competition to invest in the community’s health, they said. Mattie’s Foods won $30,000 in the second annual G.I.F.T. event, which saw 10 Black-owned businesses vying for funding to fuel their business dreams. The winning co-founders of the…

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The whole package: KC woman’s delivery service drives to beat competition on trust, versatility

By Tommy Felts / October 7, 2023

Two years after receiving a $25,000 grant from Kansas City G.I.F.T., Damesha Cook’s small business is still on the move, picking up speed as she invests her own personal touch to build confidence and trust among clients. “When people meet me and get to know my personality, it gives them a lot of comfort,” said…

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