Empowering Small Businesses: Celebrating the Grant Awardees of 1909 in West Palm Beach, FLORIDA
In a world driven by innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, small businesses stand as the lifeblood of our communities. They infuse uniqueness, creativity, and dedication into our economies while fostering a sense of connection that larger corporations often lack. Recognizing the incredible potential that resides within these ventures, the City of West Palm Beach has taken a momentous step by awarding grants to four exceptional members of the 1909 community. These grants not only symbolize financial support but also signify a profound belief in the power of local dreams.
“One of the reasons I established Panty Promise in Palm Beach County was due to the rich history of entrepreneurs that paved their way in this county before me. The opportunity to keep businesses entrepreneurial based and being able to follow in the footsteps of several fashion brands such as Lilly Pulitzer helps start-up brands like mine feel supported…” – Jessica Krupa, Founder of Panty Promise
Jessica Krupa: Revolutionizing Feminine Comfort with Panty Promise
Jessica Krupa, 1909 Accelerator Program Participant, is the visionary founder of Panty Promise, has been awarded the Inventory grant, a nod to her relentless dedication to promoting health-conscious and stylish intimate wear. Fueled by the revelation that conventional panties often contain harmful chemicals, Jessica embarked on a mission to provide women with organic fabric alternatives. Her brainchild, Panty Promise, not only encapsulates her commitment to using safe fabrics but also presents seamless and modern designs that prioritize both comfort and elegance. Collaborating with top-notch professionals, including New York Gynecologist Alyssa Dweck, Jessica has managed to create a brand that marries health and style in the realm of intimate wear.
Why is it important for the city of wpb to continue to have (and grow) these types of support programs for small businesses and minority/woman-owned businesses?
When minority businesses are supported by the city, brands and businesses; they are then able to contribute back to the community ecosystem by driving revenue stream back into the city. Therefore, continuing to keep West Palm Beach the entrepreneurial hub of our County, it enables the next generation of entrepreneurs to build unique businesses that better the community, people, and can stimulate job creation.
Terry and Tonya Rich: Rose Trolley's Journey of Community Care
The story of Terry and Tonya Rich, the dynamic sibling duo behind Rose Trolley, embodies the essence of community care. Having previously participated in the 1909 Accelerator Program, they have now been awarded the Inventory grant, a testament to their devotion to serving the Historic Northwest community. With a mission to bridge transportation gaps for the underserved, Rose Trolley extends a helping hand to residents, providing access to grocery stores, medical appointments, and more. Their dedication showcases the transformative power of entrepreneurship when rooted in a desire to uplift and nurture the community.
How has 1909 impacted your business?
We started by making sure seniors and those who have been underserved and forgotten a chance to have free and a safe mode of transportation within the Historic Northwest and surrounding areas. We did not know what we were doing and how we were going to fund it, but we knew it was necessary. We were so fortunate to have found 1909. 1909 helped cultivate Rose Trolley and showed us what was needed to do in order to sustain as a business, which included hiring within the community (which is so important.)
“We were in the 1909 Accelerator Program in 2022, which just took us over the top. We thank 1909 for taking the time to show us how beneficial Rose Trolley is for communities that have transportation insecurities. Rose Trolley is a better business because of 1909.”
–Terry Rich, Co-Founder of Rose Trolley
Meghan McKenna: Elevating Businesses through ‘Search Appeal’
Meghan McKenna, 1909 Ideator Program Participant, is the force behind Search Appeal, has been granted the support needed to bounce back after a rebranding effort. Her company specializes in crafting WordPress websites that excel in search engine rankings, propelling businesses towards financial success. Blending innovative website designs with precise search engine optimization techniques, Meghan’s work amplifies the impact of businesses across various industries. This grant not only acknowledges her dedication but also reaffirms the City’s commitment to fostering digital innovation.
How will receiving the funds impact you?
The grant funds will allow me to reinvest in Search Appeal with additional marketing support - I can pay off some debt from previous business investments and pay for new opportunities like joining the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce.
What advice would you give to future applicants?
If you're interested in being considered for these programs, you need to get your business in order. Make sure you have your licenses, register with the city and the county, and get certified for your MWSBE Certificate now, if you qualify. Don't wait and run the risk of missing out because of paperwork. It's a pain because it takes your time, and you have to be meticulous, but it's worth it.
Brittani Millington: Pioneering Branding Excellence
Brittani Millington is also past 1909 Ideator Program Participant - her journey through rebranding has been made smoother with the Marketing grant she has received. An esteemed speaker at Squarespace's Circle Day conference in NYC, Brittani has been at the forefront of discussions surrounding branding and design expertise. Her accomplishments underscore the value of small businesses not only as economic drivers but also as thought leaders within their respective fields.
What was the application process like? and what advice would you give to future applicants to best prepare for it?
It was a lot to be honest. You have to have your business in order. My advice would to be proactive in knowing all the programs the city offers so that you can apply for all of them in order to one day benefit from them. Also, become certified with the City and keep it active! Have your paper work in order – because you’ll always have to provide proof of your business and its activities.
Championing Small Businesses: A Call to Action
The significance of the City of West Palm Beach’s support for small businesses cannot be overstated. By awarding these grants to remarkable individuals like Jessica, Terry and Tonya, Meghan and Brittani; the City has demonstrated its belief in local talent and the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Beyond these individual accomplishments, the grant recipients highlight the crucial role played by organizations like 1909 in nurturing and empowering small businesses.
1909’s contribution goes far beyond providing physical spaces. We’ve created a hub for learning, collaboration, growth, and innovation – an environment that nurtures ideas, fosters connections, and enables dreams to flourish. The success stories of these 5 individuals are living proof that investing in such spaces and organizations is an investment in the community’s economic and social fabric.
As we celebrate these four remarkable grant recipients, let us also acknowledge the City’s commitment to supporting small businesses and the organizations that facilitate their success. The impact of these ventures resonates far beyond their immediate spheres, creating ripples of positive change that strengthen communities and inspire generations to come. In an era where the entrepreneurial spirit continues to shape our world, we hope that the City of West Palm Beach will continue to stand as a beacon of hope, showing the way forward by embracing and empowering the dreams of its local entrepreneurs and innovators.