FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

  • ContactSamia Bingham
  • Office Number 301-806-9869

Acknowledgement

  • Published ByAmerican Express
  • Release Date11/18/2020

American Express Commits $2.5M to “100 for 100” Program to Invest in the Future of Black Women Entrepreneurs in the U.S

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Today, American Express (NYSE: AXP) revealed the 100 Black women entrepreneurs selected for its “100 for 100” program, which will provide each with grants of $25,000 and 100 days of business resources, including business education, mentorship, marketing, virtual networking, WorkSpaces by Hilton hotel reservation credits and more. American Express created this program in partnership with IFundWomen of Color, the leading platform for women of color to raise capital, to support Black women entrepreneurs as they work to jump start and grow their business ventures. The initiative is part of American Express’ recently announced $1 billion action plan to enhance diverse representation and promote equal opportunities for its colleagues, customers and communities.

 

Prior to the pandemic, Black-women-owned businesses were growing at unprecedented rates yet still making less revenue than their counterparts. In fact, according to last year’s State of Women-Owned Business report, commissioned by American Express, Black, women entrepreneurs were founding 763 new businesses every day – making them the fastest growing entrepreneur group in America. Yet, they still do not have equal access to the resources they need to grow and be successful.

 

“American Express is proud to support the highly talented and innovative entrepreneurs selected for our 100 for 100 program, as they kick start their ventures and keep the momentum going so their businesses can continue to evolve,” said Clayton Ruebensaal, EVP Global B2B Marketing, American Express. “The Black women entrepreneurs selected for the program have created many types of innovative, early-stage businesses across the country, inspiring and carving new paths for others to follow. Their business plans demonstrate that great ideas often come out in times of hardship, and American Express is committed to continuing to back small businesses and advance equal opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly during these challenging times.”

 

“Through our years of experience with businesses in need of funding, we have found $25,000 can truly change the trajectory of an emerging business. It could be the difference between one month of rent or five months, between being able to develop a decent prototype or a prototype that’s really not-so-great, and between doing real consumer testing or no testing at all. It means a business can do marketing to promote their product or service to drive more revenue and they can afford more payroll. We are thrilled to work with American Express to provide a meaningful difference for these inspiring 100 Black women-owned businesses, so they can grow and succeed,“ said Karen Cahn, Founder and CEO, IFundWomen.

 

100 DAYS OF RESOURCES

The “100 for 100” program is part of American Express’ broader commitment to provide access to capital and financial education to at least 250,000 Black-owned small and medium-sized businesses in the U.S. by the end of 2024, to help them navigate today’s environment and thrive into the future.

 

The 100 days of business education for the entrepreneurs will kick off virtually in January 2021, with a tailored curriculum focused on topics for early-stage companies such as managing cashflow and growth, securing and maintaining customer relationships and finding balance, all taught by industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs. Many of the experts teaching the curriculum will also serve as mentors to the 100 women throughout the program, sharing insights during coaching sessions to help these entrepreneurs navigate business challenges and find the path towards growth.

Other resources for the women include marketing support from American Express to drive awareness of the entrepreneurs and their businesses across a variety of channels, complimentary access to a one-year premium subscription with the sleep and mediation app Calm and a $1,000 credit to use towards WorkSpaces by Hilton, a new work-from-hotel solution that provides guests with a private, distraction-free work space to increase efficiency, all backed by the elevated cleanliness standards of Hilton CleanStay with Lysol Protection. Hilton, a longstanding American Express partner, is also offering Hilton Honors Diamond status to the 100 women, to help plus-up their work-from-hotel experience and provide valuable, elite benefits. The 100 days of resources will culminate with an online event hosted on the Amex Virtual Campus, bringing the women together for networking, informative panels and more.

 

Resources also include Business Class from American Express – a modern business education platform offering world-class know-how and essential insights to help entrepreneurs navigate the current environment – available to anyone, all at no cost.

 

100 BLACK WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS  

American Express worked closely with IFundWomen of Color to select and surprise 100 unique and passionate innovators across a number of different industries including fashion and beauty, food and beverage, finance, fitness and wellness, home goods and apparel, technology, social good and more. Many of the women are also creating content and fostering communities to empower the next class of Black women leaders.

 

Here are the 100 Black women entrepreneurs joining American Express’ “100 for 100” program:

Name Business Location
Ahlilah Longmire Ascot Manor Long Island City, New York
Alex McConney HOOP YORK CITY LLC Brooklyn, New York
Alex Steinman The Coven St. Paul, Minnesota
Alyscia Cunningham Her House Media Silver Spring, Maryland
Alyssa Ackerman Booked ‘N Busy New York, New York
Andrea Osei Osei en Rose Maplewood, New Jersey
Angela Hawkins Bamblu Atlanta, Georgia
Angela Richardson PUR Home Pahrump, Nevada
Anna Gilchrist Sandfish Publishing LLC Harrison, New Jersey
Ashlee Ammons Mixtroz Birmingham, Alabama
Ashley (Elbi) Elm The Culturist Union Guyton, Georgia
Ashley Sodipo Pink Flamingo Party Co. Brooklyn, New York
Bea Arthur The Difference New York, New York
Berly Cordero Women’s Worth, Inc. Boston, Massachusetts
Bianca Jackson BrickRose Exchange Baltimore, Maryland
Briaan Barron Grail Seattle, Washington
Brianna Hairlson Bri’s Dance Place Gary, Indiana
Bridgette Wallace G|Code,Inc Boston, Massachusetts
Brittany Cribbs Cloud 9 Easy Go, LLC Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Brittany Rhodes Black Girl MATHgic Detroit, Michigan
Carina Glover HerHeadquarters Omaha, Nebraska
Chavonne Hodges GrillzandGranola East Elmhurst, New York
Cheryl Ingram Inclusology Calabasas, California
Christa Lynch Brooklyn Braised Brooklyn, New York
Christiannah Oyedeji Trymyfab Decatur, Georgia
Christine Wachira The Wachira Group LLC dba Wachira Wines Oakland, California
Crystal Hines Super Media Company LLC Los Angeles, California
Cydnie Smith- McCarthy Drink Mamey Portland, Oregon
Dainelle Riley HBCU Culture Shop Tampa, Florida
Day Bibb Helen Rose Skincare Vancouver, Washington
Del Martin L’abio Couture Atlanta, Georgia
Diana Hilaire When She Comes Home Brooklyn, New York
Dinai Yelverton Perfect Vision 2020 (The uDe Agency LLC) Lansing, Illinois
Domonique Townsend Work Life Success Nashville, Tennessee
Elayne Fluker SiS Academy Decatur, Georgia
Elisa Molina COVEDOZA LLC Tucker, Georgia
Elizabeth Gay Ìpàdé Washington, D.C.
Elorm Dela-Seshie Adorn Me Africa Mansfield, Massachusetts
Esther Wallace Playa Society Boston, Massachusetts
Fikile Mthwalo Glubbs New York City, New York
Ife Obi The Fit In Brooklyn, New York
Jasmine RuKim Monicat Data Saint Paul, Minnesota
Jimanekia Eborn Tending The Garden Chino, California
ChiChi Anyanwu CHI Talent Management New York, New York
Joy Lindsay Butterfly Dreamz, Inc. Newark, New Jersey
Jules Porter Seraph 7 Studios St. Paul, Minnesota
Kalilah Wright Mess In a Bottle Baltimore, Maryland
Kamilah Mitchell Teas With Meaning Oakland, California
Karen Wilson ChildNEXUS, Inc. Los Angeles, California
Khadijat AKA Khadi Olagoke Sober Black Girls Club, Inc. Staten Island, New York
Kim Roxie LAMIK Beauty Houston, Texas
Kisha Howell The Harambee Collective New York, New York
Laci Chisholm Fit4Dance Brooklyn, New York
Lalese Stamps Lolly Lolly Ceramics Columbus, Ohio
LaSonya Winstead Harmony Wines Charlotte, North Carolina
LaToya Stirrup KAZMALEJE Cutler Bay, Florida
Lindsey Murphy The Fab Lab // MurphMedia LLC Portland, Oregon
Lundyn Carter Laine London Atlanta, Georgia
Maghan Morin Thynk Global Miami, Florida
Makeda Mikael Makeda Mikael Work Bags Bethesda, Maryland
Mandi Masden Apostrophe Puzzles Brooklyn, New York
María Lara Bregatta Café Mamajuana Colchester, Vermont
Marsha Stephanson Cater to Mom Pflugerville, Texas
Marty McDonald Boss Women Media Dallas, Texas
Maryam Ajayi Dive in Well Los Angeles, California
Melissa Mueller- Douglas, LMSW MYRetreat East Rochester, New York
Michelle Walton The Collective – Oakland Oakland, California
Mikki Hernandez MixedKids&Co Los Angeles, California
Monica McCoy Monica Motivates, LLC Conyers, Georgia
Nadirah Simmons The Gumbo Brooklyn, New York
naj austin ethel’s club Brooklyn, New York
Nicole Fenner Sister Girl Publishing LLC Halifax, North Carolina
Nikki Porcher Buy From A Black Woman Atlanta, Georgia
Odessa Jenkins Women’s National Football Conference Rowlett, Texas
Paulana Lamonier Black People Will Swim Uniondale, New York
Phylicia Benjamin Perfect Score Athletic Training Center Gardena, California
Queen Precious-Jewel Zabriskie Indulge Catering, LLC Durham, North Carolina
Reese Scott Women’s World of Boxing New York, New York
Renee Bobb Music City Icons Professional Women’s Basketball Team Nashville, Tennessee
Rose Hall Tessie’s Teas Coral Springs, Florida
Ruth Jean-Marie The August Project Brooklyn, New York
Salma Nakhlawi StrongHER Girls Brooklyn, New York
Samantha Sinclair Pathway To Purpose Brooklyn, New York
Samia Bingham Flavors Fort Washington, Maryland
Sandra Johnson Global Mobile Finance, Inc. Cary, North Carolina
Shannon Leon VPack For Women Homestead, Florida
Shauntavia Ward eleMINT Skin Health & Wellness Studio Austin, Texas
Sherin Dawud Power Pump Girls Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Sissi Johnson SelfSells New York, New York
T’Nisha Symone Glenn BLAQUE Inc. Jamaica, New York
Tammeca Rochester Harlem Cycle New York, New York
Taylor Long Nomads Swimwear Cincinnati, Ohio
Tiffany Days The Communal Group Atlanta, Georgia
Tracie Shelton Alamo Kitchens San Antonio, Texas
Tracy Skelly The Little Cocoa Bean Co. Boston, Massachusetts
Trenelle Doyle Go Girl Ride LLC Portland, Oregon
Trista Sanford Bespoke Bakery & Dessert Bar Graham, North Carolina
Victoria-Pearl Wright The Creative’s Corner Support Fund Houston, Texas
Whitney Osei-Akintaju Ethnic District Duluth, Georgia
Yosara Trujillo Sweet Water Dance & Yoga Bronx, New York

Learn more about the “100 for 100” program at AmericanExpress.com/100for100.