This past March Cognac leader Hennessy revealed their plan to champion the upcoming generation of young black entrepreneurs with the launch of their $1 million initiative called “Never Stop Never Settle Society”. Co-created with the non-profit Marcus Graham Project, the initiative builds upon Hennessy’s long standing commitment to black communities that includes fostering an equitable landscape for the startup and growth of black owned businesses.
This week Hennessy announced the 20 young entrepreneurs who will be participating members in the inaugural program. They were chosen for their commitment to create jobs within their community, as well as serving to represent Black-owned businesses in areas that are historically white spaces in the United States. Hennessy and partner Marcus Graham Project saw these candidates potential to reshape the world through their social impact activities.
To support their goals, each African American entrepreneur member receives $50,000, membership to The Gathering Spot Connect, a Black-owned digital community offering culturally relevant content, networking, and business development resources. They also gain business development resources and access to professional development sessions with executives from Moët Hennessy. Their experience is also enhanced through their access to a state-of-the-art physical office at Moët Hennessy headquarters in New York City.
“Hennessy recognizes the tenacity and resilience each selected member embodies as they push the limits of potential to carve their path, address social and economic challenges and make a lasting impact on their community,” said Hennessy US Senior Vice President Jasmin Allen. “Hennessy has always supported the Black community. We are honored to continue this legacy through the “Never Stop Never Settle Society” by celebrating extraordinary individuals and championing the vision of their businesses.”
The 20 inaugural cohort of Black women and Black men entrepreneurs include:
- Toasted Life: A lifestyle-entertainment platform co-founded by Warren Jones and Matt Tuffuor that provides access to elevated events and experiences for BIPOC professionals, creatives and entrepreneurs,
- WaySlay:An on-demand delivery app for Black haircare and cosmetics created by Miami-based co-founders Michael James and Ian Grant II to deliver beauty supplies directly to consumers’ doorsteps,
- WITH: Co-founder Amy Lattimore leads a wellness education platform designed to help employees learn how to care for themselves and others. Through live and on-demand sessions, WITH makes holistic wellness accessible for employees,
- TNT Wangs Tulsa: A Tulsa-based food truck that was founded by Latia Vann and is known for serving “the best chicken in the Midwest,”
- Soulgood: Founded by plant-based visionary Cynthia Nevels, providing opportunity zones across Texas with healthy, organic and plant-based fast foods using eco-friendly materials,
- The Kinship Advisors: Founder CEO Alexys Feaster, is a strategic advisory company that partners with people of influence and brands committed to racial equity and sustaining impact in underserved communities,
- Saint Miles Creative Agency: A creative sanctuary where ideas are actualized. The Jacksonville, Florida-based award-winning storytelling agency is co-founded by Enitan Bereola II and Steve Canal,
- Quartz Water Source: Born out of the Flint water crisis and developed by Flint-native Jonathan Quarles, his company expands global access to clean water through innovative technology,
- Podpal: A tech startup that provides an all-in-one platform for podcast management founder by Aaron P. Woods that helps podcast teams plan, publish, and promote their show,
- Mischo Beauty: Founder and CEO Kitiya King focuses on the formulation of the healthiest, safest and cleanest beauty products,
- Listen TWO Me: A full-service production company founded and led by CEO George Perers II that collaborates with Black creatives to develop original content from in-person events to digital series and films,
- Kanarys, Inc.: A technology company co-founded by Mandy Price, Star Carter, and Bennie King focusing on the tools organizations need to create long-term, systemic change around diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges,
- HealHaus: A wellness company established by entrepreneur Darian Hall to provide digital and studio mental health programming,
- Gallerie 88: Founder Alex Delotch Davis leads a digital media and lifestyle company that celebrates Black luxury fashion, fine art, and design,
- Esquire Branding Agency: Pincipal and owner Matthew Harper delivers top-tier services across event production, creative and branding,
- EnrichHER: Founder and gender equality activist Dr. Roshawnna Novellus Connects institutional and retail sources of capital to companies led by women and people of color,
- EatOkra Inc.: The go-to app for discovering Black-owned restaurants nationwide was co-created by husband and wife duo Janique and Anthony Edwards,
- City Press Juice & Bottle: Founder Todd McCrainey Jr. provides healthy and nutrient dense cold-pressed juice,
- Annie Admin: Founder Erica Davis offers a complete virtual office management solution, meeting the administrative needs of home service professionals, and
- Abeille Creations: CEO Melissa Mitchell, a self-taught artist who endeavors to illuminate the Black Art movement through community engagement.
Hennessy recognizes the “strivers and dreamers” in the black business community who are “creating change in the face of adversity”. Young black entrepreneurs and small business owners of a rising generation who are seeking greater opportunity now have the support of Hennessy’s “Never Stop Never Settle Society.”
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