September 11th 2023.
The PepsiCo Foundation, National Urban League, and Greater Baltimore Urban League are delighted to host the very first Culinary Tasting Event in honor of the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program. This is a joint initiative between these three organizations aimed at providing resources and support to Black-owned restaurants across the country.
The Black Restaurant Accelerator Program is a comprehensive program that includes 8-10 weeks of informative sessions to educate and empower Black entrepreneurs. In addition, one-to-one coaching guidance is given by experts to help businesses grow and scale. This cohort was established to recognize the critical role that Black-owned businesses play in their communities and to build a stronger future for them.
The event will be held on September 12th at 6 pm at the Baltimore World Trade Center. Baltimore serves as a fitting backdrop to celebrate the success of Black-owned restaurants as the city is the home of many successful grantee stories.
Since 2021, the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program has served more than 1,000 business owners across the country, leading to 26 new restaurant openings. In the Greater Baltimore region alone, 24 restaurant owners have participated in the program, creating 96 jobs.
C.D. Glin, president of PepsiCo Foundation, said “We are inspired by the impact we are making through our collaboration with the National Urban League to address a fundamental gap and create opportunities for Black business owners to build generational wealth and continue to strengthen their communities. By providing Black-owned restaurants with capital, technical assistance, and access to resources, we believe we can make a measurable impact on their trajectory not just today but for generations to come.”
At the event, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from program grantees. Among them is Donvenia “French” Jackson, chef/owner of French Toast Connection. She said “As a first-generation black woman and entrepreneur, there are tons of things we are not taught or have access to when building our businesses. The Black Restaurant Accelerator program opened doors that previously seemed impenetrable. The support and feedback from the business coaches have refocused me on the upward trajectory of French Toast Connection.”
Tiffany Majors, President & CEO of the Greater Baltimore Urban League, added “We are truly thrilled about the transformative partnership between the Greater Baltimore Urban League and the PepsiCo Foundation Black Restaurant Accelerator program. This collaboration represents a remarkable opportunity to empower and uplift Black restaurant owners in our community, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and guidance they need to thrive in the culinary industry.”
At the event, executives from the PepsiCo Foundation and leaders from the National Urban League will be present to discuss their commitments to supporting black-owned restaurants and economic empowerment and social justice. The event is invite-only and will include Baltimore city leaders, community members, and grantees.
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