Bon AppéSweet, maker of artisanal cane sugar-free gelato and chocolate bars has been chosen as the winner of The Empower Project. After evaluating all applications, The Empower Project team selected five finalists to move on to its Power Pitch event which took place on March 5 and included Joe's Gourmet, Food + People, Ava's Pet Palace, and Jimmy's Vegan.
As the winner, Bon AppéSweet now has access to nearly $700,000 in professional services ranging from branding, marketing, communications, food manufacturing, e-commerce, financial strategy, startup investing, financial strategy, data analysis, and legal assistance.
Bon AppéSweet, was founded by Thereasa Black, a naval officer, attorney, entrepreneur, and single mom. Wanting to spend more time with her two year old daughter, Black left the armed forces to create the company.
Bon AppéSweet, which was formerly known as Amore Congelato, was also chosen as one of Glen’s Garden Market grant awardees for the grocer’s 2020 AccelerateHERdc program.
"I knew when I left the military, I wanted to start a business. I also wanted an ice cream that I could allow my daughter to eat without feeling guilty, so Bon AppéSweet was born," said Black, in a statement. "There are so many potential pitfalls when launching a business and it's very hard for someone like me—a Black woman and single mother—to attract traditional financing. Participating in The Empower Project and then being chosen as the winner is truly a blessing. Knowing that I have the support and expertise of the sponsoring companies behind me allows me to breathe easier and move my business forward."
Steve Gaither, chief marketing officer at C.A. Fortune, who founded the project along with William Madden of Whole Brain Consulting is hopeful for the company's future.
"Bon AppéSweet and Thereasa definitely stand out as a company and entrepreneur that we are eager to help scale," he said in a statement. "The Empower Project does not end here as there is still so much work that needs to be done. We look forward to continuing this program and helping to help amplify underrepresented voices within the space."
Related: The Empower Project Gives Black-Owned Businesses Elevated Platform; Glen's Garden Market Accelerator Elevates Women-Owned Businesses.
Image: The Empower Project