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Bon Secours SEED II winners announced today

Bon Secours Richmond Health System announced today it has chosen seven grant recipients for the second annual SEED (Supporting East End Entrepreneurship Development) program, aimed at boosting business development in the East End.

For SEED II, Bon Secours made available $58,000 in renewable funding designated to help jump start promising business ventures. The competition garnered 17 applications from Church Hill and East End-based entrepreneurs seeking to either grow or start their businesses in the East End.

“Our grant recipients represent a diverse and highly motivated group of businesses, and they all share a commitment to improving the East End through business sustainability,” said Sister Anne Marie Mack, CBS, senior vice president for sponsorship, Bon Secours Richmond Health System and chair of the SEED II Blue Ribbon Panel. “Bon Secours, in building healthy communities, is committed to helping these entrepreneurs succeed, and we look forward to supporting them in their business ventures.”

SEED II Winners

• Allen Gray & Michael Johnson
  All Around Painting
  Allen and Michael will use their SEED award for start-up costs associated with their environmentally-friendly, “green” painting company.

• Michelle Peake & Phillip Perrow
  Dutch & Co.
  Michelle and Phillip will use their SEED award to purchase kitchen equipment, including two six burner ranges and refrigeration, for their new restaurant opening this month.

• Diana Matthews & Carla Matthews
  Era Vintage
  Diana and Carla will use their SEED award to establish their consignment shop’s storefront, as well as to increase inventory and expand their marketing efforts.

• Jodi Burton
  J. Burton Hauling and Disposal
  Jodi will use her SEED award for a new truck and to expand marketing efforts on her service, including advertising and a new website.

• Neil Smith & Nicole Price
  Proper Pie Co., LLC
  Neil and Nicole will use their SEED award to implement a marketing plan, including advertising and a website, for their bakery, which is scheduled to open this month.

• Evrim Dogu & Erdogan Dogu
  Sub Rosa, LLC
  Evrim will use the SEED award for a double group espresso machine and to make quality coffee in his bakery.

• Kendra Feather & David Rohrer
  WPA Bakery
  Kendra and David will use their SEED award for repairs and renovations, for purchases including ovens, refrigerators, mixers and furniture, and for a month’s supply of inventory for their new bakery, which will offer vegan and gluten-free items.

The funding is part of the health system’s partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), co-creator and administer of the SEED program. SEED is designed to foster and engage the community around job and business creation by funding and mentoring a new generation of business people committed to rebuilding the neighborhood. The stipulation for awardees was that all businesses had to be located in the 23223 zip code within the city of Richmond, preferably along the 25th Street and Nine Mile Road Corridor.

SEE ALSO: SEED winners announced at Bon Secours (10/18/2011)