January 18th 2024.
Bianca Kiovanni, the brilliant mind behind Simplicity Beverage Company, found her way into the industry almost by accident, but with a clear purpose in mind. As the new year unfolds, her small business is gaining recognition for its positive impact on the city of Atlanta. Recently, the Atlanta Hawks and UPS joined forces to launch Lift the 404, a program that aims to create greater economic opportunities in the community. And Kiovanni and her company were the first to receive this honor during a nationally televised game against the San Antonio Spurs.
In her official statement, Kiovanni expressed her gratitude to the Atlanta Hawks and UPS for choosing Simplicity Beverage Company as a recipient of the Lift the 404 grant. She also shared her excitement for being able to cheer on the home team at State Farm Arena on Martin Luther King Day. Kiovanni is not only the founder of a successful beverage company, but she is also a chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner specializing in nutritional counseling. Her passion for advising patients on the importance of their diet led her to realize the significance of what they drink as well.
This realization became the driving force behind Simplicity Beverage's intentional tagline: "Clean Ingredients, Complex Flavors." Kiovanni's love for health and food is evident in her products, which are all non-alcoholic, vegan, gluten-free, and sweetened with sugar cane. Her dedication to using natural ingredients is also reflected in the fact that there are no artificial dyes or food coloring in any of her beverages. And to ensure the highest quality, all her products are made in Atlanta using high-pressure processing, allowing them to last up to 12 weeks in a refrigerated environment.
Despite facing challenges, such as the pandemic, Kiovanni's determination and hard work paid off when she was named a finalist at BevNET Live's Showdown in 2021. In an interview with Hiperbaric, she shared the story of how she started Simplicity Beverage Company in her own kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and flavors until she found the perfect combination. And now, her company is being recognized by the Atlanta Hawks and UPS for its impact on the community.
But what does it mean to "Lift the 404"? According to Camye Mackey, the Hawks' Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity, Inclusion, and People Officer, it means that a business cares deeply about making a positive impact on Atlanta and its people. And the Hawks, along with UPS, are committed to supporting minority-owned businesses in the city. In 2022, they launched Hawks Ventures, a venture fund that will invest $50 million in early-stage startups and businesses, with a focus on minority- and women-led/underrepresented businesses.
The Hawks have also partnered with Black Girl Ventures to offer local Black and Brown entrepreneurs the chance to "Pull Up & Pitch" their business ideas for a chance to win up to $10,000. And through a collaboration with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, Simplicity Beverage Company will be honored, along with four other local companies, later this season. This recognition not only provides resources and financial opportunities but also shines a spotlight on small businesses in the community.
In addition to their efforts with Lift the 404, UPS and the RICE have also launched the UPS Logistics Launchpad, a logistics hub for Atlanta-based Black entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to equip diverse-owned, small and medium-sized enterprises with the resources they need to launch, scale, and grow their businesses. The UPS Foundation has already provided nearly $3 million to support these businesses.
The collaboration between the Atlanta Hawks and UPS is a testament to their commitment to creating a positive impact in the community. And for Dr. Bianca Kiovanni and her Simplicity Beverage Company, this recognition is a well-deserved tribute to their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. It is a reminder that with passion, determination, and a little bit of luck, anything is possible.
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