The Apollo Theater, in collaboration with 125th Street Business Improvement District (BID) and the Harlem Commonwealth Council (HCC), announced today the recipients of the Harlem Entrepreneurial Micro-Grant Initiative.
A $20,000 program was created to provide support to small and independent Harlem businesses affected by COVID-19.
This year the initiative expanded its scope, providing funding to eligible local non-profit community-based arts organizations and arts collectives as well as local businesses in financial need.
Established in 2020 in response to the disparate impact COVID-19 had on Black and Brown communities, this year’s twenty $1,000 micro-grants were distributed to local merchants and organizations that define the culture and the vitality of Harlem.
A complete list of recipients follows below.
“The Harlem community has always played an integral role in helping us create a safe and innovative space for artists and audiences, and I’m honored to partner with Harlem BID and the Harlem Commonwealth Council to give back directly to local businesses and organizations, which ensure Harlem is a vibrant and welcoming destination for all. I’m also incredibly grateful to our donors who have given their support to the Harlem community, including the Apollo, during such a challenging year,” said Apollo Theater President and CEO Jonelle Procope.
2021 Harlem Entrepreneurial Micro-Grant Recipients:
- Betty’s Daughter Arts Collaborative, LLC – Cultural organization
- Black Light Community, Inc. – Cultural organization
- Calabar Imports – Fashion, jewelry, and apparel
- Harlem Chi Community Acupuncture – Health and wellness
- Harlem Opera Theater Inc. – Cultural organization
- JTW FIT – Health and wellness
- Kaarta Imports – Fashion, jewelry, and apparel
- Media Scheme, LLC – Media company
- Melody Vaughn Interiors – Lifestyle
- Odd Balls Sales – Fashion and apparel
- Peartree Preschool – Educational services
- Regina Fleming Photography – Visual arts
- Shugah Baybees Child Development Center – Educational services
- Sundae Sermon Inc. – Cultural organization
- Swing It Inc. – Beauty and lifestyle
- Sydnie L. Mosley Dances – Cultural organization
- Uptown Dance Academy, Inc. – Cultural organization
- Urban Stream Media, LLC – Media company
- When Love Works Dynamically – Health and wellness
- While We Are Still Here – Cultural organization
“Each year, through the grant process, we get the opportunity to dig a bit deeper and understand the immediate challenges our local business community is facing. There are still small local businesses that need support with staffing, health insurance, creating an online presence, general operating expenses, public relations, special project-related costs, software subscriptions, marketing, and more,” said Barbara Askins, President and CEO of 125th Street BID. “The 125th Street BID is honored to once again participate as a partner with the Apollo and Harlem Commonwealth Council to bring some relief in these areas for our arts and business establishments.”
“Once again, the management and staff of Harlem Commonwealth Council are delighted to participate in this wonderful effort to provide some relief to our fellow Harlemites. We value our relationship with the Apollo and 125th Street BID, and look forward to working together to combat the economic fallout of COVID-19 for the betterment of the Harlem community,” said E. Hamil Douglas, President, and CEO of Harlem Commonwealth Council, Inc.
This year marks the second year of the Harlem Entrepreneurial Micro-Grant Initiative.
To date, the program has supported over 40 small businesses and organizations as they continue to navigate the impacts of COVID-19 on their businesses.
Apollo_Microgrant Recipients Release Final Here
For more information, Apollo theater click here
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