Famous Amos recently honored its founder, Wally Amos, by announcing the winners of the 2024 Ingredients for Success (IFS) Entrepreneurs Initiative. This program, now in its fourth year, provides $150,000 in funding to support talented Black entrepreneurs. The winners were chosen from over 2,800 applicants, highlighting their potential and unique business ideas.
Celebrating Wally Amos’ Vision
Wally Amos, who became famous for his cookies in the 1970s, passed away just a month before the announcement. His legacy lives on through this initiative, which aims to uplift early-stage Black entrepreneurs. Each of the three winners will receive $50,000 and exclusive membership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), offering essential resources and mentorship.
Rachna Patel, VP of Marketing for Famous Amos, stated, “The Ingredients for Success program is a way for the Famous Amos brand to pay tribute to our history while championing rising entrepreneurs.” She emphasized that the program has awarded $600,000 to twelve Black-owned businesses across the country.
Meet the Winners of the 2024 IFS Initiative
This year’s winners include three remarkable entrepreneurs:
- Adrienne Gadling, founder of 10 City Spa in Stone Mountain, Georgia, offers a VIP experience and top-tier services at her full-service nail salon.
- Corry Banks, who started ModBap Modular, manufactures electronic music equipment and has achieved worldwide distribution.
- Elizabeth Rene, the creator of PO’UP! Card Game, designed a nostalgic party game celebrating Black excellence through the collegiate experience.
These entrepreneurs were recognized for their savvy and the viability of their business models. Each winner embodies the ambitious spirit that Wally Amos inspired in many aspiring business owners.
Building a Supportive Network for Entrepreneurs
The Ingredients for Success program aims to tackle the challenges many small businesses face. Wally Amos received support when launching his snack company, and now the program seeks to offer similar guidance to its participants.
Winners become part of the Ingredients for Success Alumni Network, which provides additional resources, training, and engagement opportunities. This ongoing support is vital for entrepreneurs, as one in five small businesses in the U.S. close within their first year.
Steve Canal, a program judge, expressed excitement for the future, saying, “We’ve seen remarkable accomplishments from our alumni network over the years. We’re eager to see what Ingredients for Success alumni achieve next.”
