BET, 125th Street BID And The Apollo Theater Donates $100,000 To Recipients Of Harlem Entrepreneurial Microgrant Initiative
Today, BET, the 125th Street Business Improvement District (BID) and the Apollo, announced the names of the 10 companies and organizations scheduled to receive grants as part of the third annual Harlem Entrepreneurial Microgrant Initiative.
Started in 2020, the program’s goal was to respond to the dire impact COVID-19 has had on Black communities across the nation. Within the first week, over 1,000 businesses and organizations expressed interest. Now, this year, the program continues to provide support and financial aid to small, independently owned and operated Harlem businesses and non-profits.
“This year, the Harlem Entrepreneurial Microgrant Initiative saw nearly 100 local Harlem businesses apply to receive one of 10 available $10,000 grants,” said Jeanine Liburd, BET’s Chief Social Impact and Communications Officer. “BET’s ongoing social impact partnerships, with those organizations such as the Apollo Theater and the 125th Street Business Improvement District, enables us to continue to grant resources and opportunities to uplift the Black communities in which we serve.”
Along with choosing the winners, the microgrant initiative is also providing $100,000 in aid. BET was pleased to present each of the 10 recipients with a $10,000 grant to support their continued COVID-19 recovery, honor the entrepreneurial spirit of Soul Train’s path-breaking innovator and pioneer, Don Cornelius, and recognize and honor Black excellence from those who have done tremendous work to be changemakers, advocates, and role models within the local Harlem community.
“The Apollo is thrilled to support our fellow Harlem businesses and nonprofit organizations in partnership with BET and the Harlem BID,” said Jonelle Procope, Apollo Theater’s President, and CEO. “The third round of microgrant recipients not only strengthen the community with their entrepreneurial spirit but they also cultivate safe spaces for conversation, reflection, and action. I am incredibly inspired by this cohort of innovative thinkers and look forward for what’s to come,” said Procope.
“We recognize the many operational and business disruption challenges that our small business owners and our cultural institutions in Harlem are forced to navigate on a daily basis during this recovery phase of COVID 19,” said Barbara Askins, president and CEO of the 125th Street Business Improvement District. “The 125th Street BID embraces the partnership with the Apollo Theater and BET to invest in our community and offer the third microgrant program to bring some financial relief, boost confidence and to show we believe in you.”
Check out the complete list of 2022 recipients below:
The Dominici Collective – (Cultural arts organization)
The New Amsterdam Musical Association, Inc. – (Cultural music organization)
Butter by Keba – (Aromatherapy and wellness)
Revolution Books – (Educational organization)
Harlem Jazz Boxx – (Cultural organization)
Harlem Doggie Day Spa – (Animal care organization
Super Nice Coffee and Bakery – (Community food and employment)
The Children’s Art Carnival – (Visual Arts educational organization)
9Tails Coffee Shop – (Community space)
MODArts Dance Collective – (Cultural arts organization)
