Over 6,000 applicants vied for a total of $100,000 in Grants and annual services
Heather Jiang co-founder of Allégorie, a producer of plant-based fashion accessories was awarded a $50,000 grant for first place in the ‘Fund Her Future” competition hosted by Block Advisors by H&R Block. The New York-based company repurposes discarded fruits and recycled plastic into bags, backpacks, and wallets, reducing food waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Knowing that our customers keep coming back over the years and love our products is what gets me out of bed,” said Heather Jiang. “Fund Her Future will help us unlock our scalability potential and increase Allégorie’s awareness so we can reach more customers and expand our sustainability impact.”
Jiang was one of five women-owned small businesses to be awarded grants in the annual competition. The four honorable mentions each received a $12,500 grant. All will receive a suite of small business services including bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, and business formation from Block Advisors for one year.
“While we have surpassed our goal to help 500,000 small business owners by 2025, we specifically launched this grant to empower women small business owners who are often underrepresented,” said Jamil Khan, Chief Strategy and Small Business Officer at H&R Block.
Over 40 H&R Block associates comprised the selection committee that narrowed down the grant winners. Focus was placed on the applicants’ entrepreneurial tenacity and history of community connection, having a well-developed plan to grow their business, and seeking to make positive change in the world, amongst other factors.
Jiang’s winning sustainability small business was joined by the four honorable mention finalists, each of whom had a small business making a positive contribution:
- Erica Cole | No Limbits created her company to provide stylish but functional options for those with different mobility, sensory, and functional needs,
- Ashley Ugarte | Hijita uses regenerative and agroforestry practices in her small-batch chocolate company,
- Addie Gundry | Pluie created a patent-protected self-sanitizing changing station, and
- Ameka Coleman | Strands of Faith created a line of non-toxic haircare products of value to healthcare patients.
“It’s an honor to join these women entrepreneurs on their journey toward intentional growth and help them realize their aspirations for business expansion,” said Khan. “We look forward to witnessing how addressing business challenges with additional resources and support can result in significant change.”
