The Equity Box Continues To Be In High Demand And Leads our 100K Accelerator Program

Junita's Jar is a mission-driven cookie company satisfying your sweet cravings with cookies and filling your heart with hope. More than a survivor of domestic abuse, Junita’s story is one of resilience and love. She found strength baking the recipes of her childhood, which led to a purpose filled business.  

Chef Flo-K Foods is the brainchild of Florence Karp, a lifelong entrepreneur who always dreamed of turning her love of cooking and traditional African foods into a business. Her signature Afric sauce is a traditional mix of fresh tomatoes, red bell pepper, onions, and spices that adds kick to your favorite dishes as a gravy, dip, or marinade.  

Crafted by veteran bartender Charles Lovejoy, this brand's Burn Yo Face Hot Sauce combines Thai chilies as well as jalapeño, habanero, and Carolina Reaper peppers for a sauce with perfect heat and great flavor. Raised by a single mother of four who dedicated her life to service in her community, Charles adopted a similar mindset. Proceeds go to support organizations serving at-risk youth and curtailing homelessness.

 3LonettiSisters was founded by sisters Ann, Steph, and Katie, who grew up in a big Italian family in Saint Paul. Their signature meatball mix is based on their grandfather’s family recipe and follows a long family tradition of celebrating food. You don’t have to be a meat-lover to love 3LonettiSisters meatball spices.   Spices are sourced from organic suppliers committed to sustainable farming and production practices. 

Named after the Somali word for mother, Hoyo hires Somali women to handcraft their favorite dishes — allowing them to share a piece of their culture while providing for their families. Hoyo’s basbaas salsa amps up the heat and adds a fresh accent to any dish. Meet Mariam, Matt and Luke, cross-cultural business partners and friends working to bring culture and food from one of Minnesota's newest Americans to the market.

Kayla (left) opened Seasoned to test a new grocery approach called co-retail that has potential to bring equity into the local food system. The approach allows the retailer to create a supportive environment for small food producers and give a high percentage, if not all, of the proceeds back to them, to bolster their entry and growth in the marketplace. Kayla is herself a small producer of Asian broth and meal kits.