REDI announces recipients of the 2024 Minority Business Enterprise grant

Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI), which serves as the City of Columbia’s Economic Development department, has announced the recipients of the 2024 Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) grants.

The MBE Grant program, funded by the City of Columbia, represents inclusivity in opportunity and the elevation of underrepresented businesses. The grant program underscores a “strong commitment” to fostering the growth of minority-owned enterprises and driving economic progress.

“Each year, we are impressed by the applicants for this grant,” said Stacey Button, president of REDI. “The ingenuity and drive of local entrepreneurs is evident, and we are thrilled to recognize these incredible small businesses who make up our community.”

Annually, REDI awards 10 exceptional entrepreneurs with $5,000 each, resulting in a total grant fund of $50,000. This year’s grant recipients exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within Columbia:

• Brittany Brandt, Innher Pink Co.
• Castile Gamal, Gamal Castile’s Smartbodies LLC
• Valerie Gaskin, Miss Vee’s Kitchen
• Ranjana Hans Raw Roots Turmeric LLC
• Debra Harris, Harris Cosmetology and Barber Institute 
• DBA Luxx Beauty & Barber Institute
• Brandon McClain, McClain’s Helping Hands Services LLC
• Abbey Mitchell, Abbey’s Swahili Delights LLC
• Arizbeth Lliana, Viveros Perfect Shine Cleaning
• Zellvelena Washington, Belle & Beaux Hair Studio LLC
• Stephany Williams, Biffy Styles LLC

“Our thriving small business community is one of the qualities of Columbia that make it such a welcoming and diverse city,” said City Manager De’Carlon Seewood. “Each of these grant recipients is well deserving of this funding, and I look forward to continuing to see how their businesses succeed in Columbia.”

The MBE Grant is awarded annually to businesses in Columbia, Missouri, whose ownership comprises 51 percent or more individuals who self-identify as belonging to the following categories: African, African American, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, Latinx, Native American (including Native Alaskan or Hawaiian) or Subcontinent Asian.

Additional eligibility for the MBE Grant includes:

• Business must be a for-profit entity legally registered with the State of Missouri and have a Federal Tax ID (EIN)
• Business must have a Columbia business license
• Business must be located in Columbia city limits
• Business must be actively working with a business coach through REDI or another organization
• Business must have 10 or fewer employees (or full-time equivalents)