Photo credit Source : www.komu.com
Columbia REDI Announces 2024 Minority Business Enterprise Grant Recipients
Columbia REDI Awards $50,000 in Grants to Minority-Owned Businesses
COLUMBIA — Columbia Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) has announced the recipients of the 2024 Minority Business Enterprise grants, providing a total of $50,000 to 10 small business owners in the community. The grant aims to support underrepresented businesses and drive economic progress in the city.
One of the grant recipients, Ranjana Hans, the owner of Raw Roots Turmeric, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to grow her business with the city’s support. Hans, who specializes in Ayurvedic products and medicinal herbs, started her business from her backyard in 2018.
Trish Koetting, REDI’s entrepreneurship program specialist, highlighted the importance of helping small businesses, especially those that are underrepresented. The Minority Business Enterprise grant, funded by the city of Columbia, aims to showcase the diversity and innovation of local entrepreneurs.
Stacey Button, president of REDI, commended the ingenuity and drive of the local entrepreneurs who applied for the grant. With over 66 applicants, only 10 businesses were selected to receive the award, showcasing the competitiveness of the program.
To be eligible for the grant, businesses must meet certain requirements, including having a City of Columbia business license and actively working with a business coach through REDI or another organization. The finalists are chosen by a group of judges based on a rubric to ensure fairness in the selection process.
The grant is awarded annually to businesses in Columbia whose ownership comprises individuals who self-identify as African, African American, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, Latinx, Native American, or Subcontinent Asian. REDI is planning to open applications for the grant in late spring, encouraging more minority-owned businesses to apply for the opportunity to receive funding and support for their growth and success.
