Springfield, MO -The Downtown Springfield Association (DSA), awarded 10 grants for Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC)-owned small businesses at a news conference on Friday, September 13, at 10 a.m. at Mama G’s Kitchen.
The grants are part of the ASCEND – Advancing Springfield, Missour’s Commitment to Entrepreneurship, Networking & Diversity program.
With support from the U.S. Bank Foundation, the DSA began the program in 2022 to support diverse small business development. Within the last three rounds of ASCEND grants, twenty 20 different restaurateurs, retailers and professional service providers have received $5,000 awards, resulting in $100,000 invested in Springfield BIPOC-owned small businesses. This grant program provides resources for recruiting and empowering
BIPOC business owners. The program plans to give out five additional awards in 2025.
Grants are awarded based on the identified needs of the businesses and in conjunction with existing resources.
The program is a collaboration with U.S. Bank, DSA, the efactory at Missouri State University and the Multicultural Business Association.
The 10 Grant Recipients:
Crosstown Barbeque is owned by Steve Williams. This Springfield landmark was started 54 years ago in 1970 by his father. Steve took it over in 1984 and has been a fixture on Division Street for more than 40 years. Between COVID and extended construction on Division Street, he has faced major challenges over the past four years. He plans to use the ASCEND grant to incorporate an online ordering system and efficient delivery costs.
Esther’s Couture LLC is owned by Esther Faida. She is a designer and seamstress who provides custom-made clothes and provides alteration services. She sells handmade jewelry, backpacks, purses, baskets and other African arts. She participates at the C-Street Market. She aspires to have her own store in the coming years.
Mahogany Sound Stage is owned by Alfred Ajay Holmes. He has been a part of the local music and production scene for 20 years. His target demographic has been clients with talent but limited budgets. He looks forward to being able to book more events and provide quality services for touring acts. He plans to wrap his company vehicle, acquire signage, and expand his digital presence to grow his business.
Niq’s Property Preservation, LLC is owned by Verniquia Foster. She started her business with a heartfelt desire to serve others and a passion for making homes look new. Running her own business also allows her more freedom with her family. She plans to use the ASCEND grant to develop a website, acquire equipment and supplies, and hire more staff to expand her customer base.
Yo Seasonings is owned by Yolanda Sharpensteen. Her passion is for food and family. She currently sells her products at markets and festivals, including Taste of SoMo. She plans to use the grant funds to enhance her labels, hire additional staff to help with marketing and expand her inventory.
COG Studios LLC is owned by Jakael Jackson. He founded Level Up Virtual Reality driven by a profound passion for technology, combined with his computer science skills from Lincoln University, a historically Black college and university. It inspired the creation of a mobile free-roam virtual reality business. Jakael plans to use the ASCEND grant to upgrade his equipment and bolster marketing to increase brand visibility
Genesis Brain Center was started by Christine McGough because her children had various challenges in school and she couldn’t find real solutions for them. She traveled to five countries to learn how to work with the complete person for maximum brain function. She plans to use the ASCEND grant to cover the upfront costs of products needed for online and other marketing costs.
Mama G’s Kitchen is owned by Glori Hairston. She started her business in honor of her mother. She remembers fondly the events they catered and the meals they cooked together. Her slogan is “A Taste of Lovely” because her mother’s nickname was Lovely. She has rapidly grown her business from catering to a presence at Metroeats Food Hall on West Sunshine to opening a second location at College Station. The ASCEND grant will help her purchase equipment to grow her business and cook at a higher volume.
Queen City Soul Kitchen is owned by Lyle Foster and Francine Pratt, two of Springfield’s most active civic leaders. They started the business to respond to a lack of a true soul food restaurant in the Springfield region. Their excitement continues to be the ability to celebrate and educate our community on what soul food is in historical terms and by tasting and enjoying it. They want to use the grant funds to work on cost containment, map their peak customer hours, and develop a more active digital presence.
Terry’s Deluxe Stump Grinding is owned by Terrence Smith. He started his business in 2017 and serves homeowners and commercial businesses. He operates heavy equipment and the ASCEND grant will help him keep that machinery up and running. It will also help strengthen his marketing and ad listings.
