Business Equity Initiative 2022 Holiday Gift Guide
We are honored to share our 3rd Annual Business Equity Initiative (BEI) Holiday Gift Guide. Once again, we ask you to consider shopping from one of our BIPOC-owned businesses. Use your purchasing power to make a difference.
Check out our holiday guide for retail gift cards, restaurants, supermarkets, and unique presents. Some of our businesses are also offering special holiday promo codes and offerings to our holiday guide shoppers, so don’t miss out!
Remember to take action on November 26th for Small Business Saturday.
While you’re here, check out our entire list of almost a hundred BEI graduates and enrolled small businesses by clicking hereand scrolling to the bottom of the page. We have companies covering various industries, from plumbing, such as TK3 Plumbing and Heating, to our childcare businesses, Froggy’s Play School and TARTTs Childcare, to construction, real estate, and many more.
Disclaimer: These links are provided for convenience and informational purposes only. Foundation for Business Equity does not receive commission and/or any percentage of profit from sales that result from this list.
Wine and Tequila Retail
Images via The Urban Grape
The Urban Grape
Founded in 2010 by husband-and-wife team TJ and Hadley Douglas, Urban Grape is one of America’s most successful and award-winning wine stores. Their innovative concept of “Drink Progressively,” which uses the Progressive Scale to organize wines by the body rather than varietal or region, has made Urban Grape a household name in Boston and beyond. Urban Grape is the perfect present for everyone– from wine novices to connoisseurs. Website: https://theurbangrape.shop | Retail Address: The Urban Grape South End, 303 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116 | Shipping: Local and national
Images via Omze Authentic Tequila
Real Zepeda Tequila
Oscar Sr. co-founded Real Zepeda Tequila with his son Oscar Zepeda Jr., bringing the uniquely smooth and smoky taste of tequila from Jalisco, Mexico, to the Northeast. The small-batch authentic tequila is known for its smooth and distinct taste derived from its unique five-step process. When you buy from Real Zepeda, you’re purchasing genuine tequila and supporting Real Zepeda in its mission to provide job opportunities, youth development programs, and a voice to the people of Mexico and the US Latinx communities. Website: https://www.realzepedatequila.com/ | Online Retail: Drizzly | Retail Address: Find Real Zepeda Tequila at a store near you here | Holiday Special: A hand-made shot glass for every bottle bought with proof of purchase
Alvania A. Lopez, Founder and CEO manifested her lifelong love of gift-giving into her luxury gift-box company. With a mission to make gifting convenient, exclusive, and effortless, PEACHBOX allows you to give memorable gifts to employees, business partners, friends, family, and anyone else on your holiday gift list. Check out their 2022 Holiday Gift Guide for ideas and inspiration! Orders under 25 should be placed on the website, and orders over 25 should be placed via email: [email protected].
Website: https://peachboxco.com/ | Shipping: Local, national, and international (except for Mexico, Panama, and India) | HolidaySpecial: 10% off at checkout with discount code BEIHOLIDAY
Images via 9Tailors
9Tailors
9Tailors is a renowned custom clothier for creating quality, one-of-a-kind wearable masterpieces. 9Tailors’ custom process includes a one-hour meeting with a style advisor, construction time to make a handmade suit, and a fitting session to ensure you look and feel your best in your bespoke suit. Beyond suits, they also offer dress shirts, crew necks, belts, children’s clothing, and more– a one-stop shop for everyone on your holiday list. Website: https://9tailors.com/ | Retail Address:132 Lincoln St, 1L, Boston, MA 02111
Images via Ardent
Ardent
Shanel Lindsay founded the Boston-based biotech and medical cannabis device company Ardent Life Inc. With over a decade of experience working with various techniques of extracting, preparing, and applying cannabis compounds, Shanel’s mission is to address the limitations of traditional inhalation and digestive administration methods. Ardent has various gift options, including their Ardent MINI, a portable cannabis decarboxylate that creates cannabis-infused products at home or on the go. Website: www.ardentcannabis.com | Shipping: Local, national, and international
Images via Anita Kurl Salon
Anita Kurl Salon
Anita Kurl Salon is known for its focus on excellence, improvement, and increasing self-esteem and worth. Their deep respect for the hair, a celebration of diverse personalities and hair types, and excellent technique make Anita Kurl Salon and owner and senior stylist Kandace Cummings special to their clients. Anita Kurl Salon offers a variety of cuts, coloring, and styling as well as gift cards and hair care products for everyone that needs a new-year new-you hair change. Website: https://www.anitakurl.com/ | Retail Address: 1661 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118
Nikia Londy founded Intriguing Hair to offer world-leading hair augmentation and non-surgical hair replacements. They remain faithful to the art of hair in its purest form with a wide range of wigs, hair pieces, and hair extensions that they style and install in-store. So if you or a loved one is looking for a great holiday look, check out Intriguing Hair’s products online or book a consultation with them! Website: https://intriguinghair.com/ | Shipping: Local and national | Retail Address: Fairmount Avenue, Hyde Park, MA 02136
Images via Elegant Stitches
Elegant Stitches
Founded in 1997, Elegant Stitches is a family-owned custom embroidery and screen-printing company that offers a variety of quality products from premium brands. They have the customized presents you need to dazzle your employees, teams, and community groups with individualized gifts. Elegant Stitches prides itself on offering individualized attention to every customer to ensure each project gets the care it deserves. Website:https://elegantstitchesinc.com | Shipping: Local and national | Retail Address: 237 First Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Images via Family Hardware Corp Dorchester
Family Hardware Corp
The New Year is the perfect time to finally complete all those home and gardening projects that have made a home on your to-do list. Family Hardware Corp has all the essential hardware supplies, appliances, gardening tools, and more. Check out their website for more information and a quote on specific rates. Website: https://familyhardwareco.com/ | Retail Address: 1106 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Ordering for a large holiday family party or office event can be difficult when you need to cater to diverse preferences and dietary restrictions. Thankfully, family-owned Achilito’s Taqueria offers customizable authentic Mexican food, which delivers authentic flavors while being inclusive to a variety of diets. From fresh jalapeno chicken tacos to vegan burrito bowls, there is something for everyone at Achilito’s! Website: https://www.achilitos.com/ | Catering: https://www.ezcater.com/brand/pvt/achilitos-taqueria | Retail Address(es): Brighton, 160 Chestnut Hill Ave, Brighton, MA – Jamaica Plain, 38 Hyde Park Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA – Patriot Place, 265 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA
Images via Darryl’s Corner Bar and Kitchen
Darryl’s Corner Bar and Kitchen
Darryl’s Corner Bar and Kitchen is the hub where friends, great southern comfort food, and the best jazz music in Boston come together. Darryl’s Corner Bar and Kitchen’s owner, Nia Grace, launched the Boston Black Hospitality Coalition to ensure the future of Boston’s Black-owned hospitality community. This is a beautiful place to gather with loved ones and support the preservation of culture and tradition. Website: https://dcbkboston.com | Catering: https://dcbkboston.com/boston-roxbury-south-end-darryl-s-corner-bar-and-kitchen-catering | Retail Address: 604 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02118.
Located in Dorchester, Fresh Food Generation is a farm-to-plate Caribbean American restaurant bringing quick, healthy, and delicious meals to the community. Their business operations span six different business lines, including a food truck, grocery boxes, catering events, local and national home delivery, and a brick-and-mortar restaurant as of November 2021. So if you want flavorful and fresh catering for your holiday party or want to get a gift card for a health-focused friend, Fresh Food Generation has you covered. Website: http://www.freshfoodgeneration.com/ | Catering: https://catering.freshfoodgeneration.com | Retail Address: 185 Talbot Ave, Dorchester, MA 02124
Images via Jamaica Mi Hungry
Jamaica Mi Hungry
Founded by Chef Ernie Campbell in 2012, Jamaica Mi Hungry’s mission is to expand and satisfy customers with a one-of-a-kind authentic flavor and quality service. Their expansive menu includes coconut shrimp, jerk chicken with tropical chutney, curry vegetable stew, and Ernie’s Rice and Beans. Jamaica Mi Hungry is the perfect option if you need to cater a big holiday bash, as they specialize in catering large parties from 50 to 500 people. Website: https://www.jamaicamihungry.com | Catering: https://www.jamaicamihungry.com/order-online/catering-menu/5-easy-steps-to-order-catering | Retail Address: 225 Centre St, Boston, MA 02130
Images via Juice’d Café
Juice’d Café
Stacey and Luis Gonsalves’ passion for providing healthy and affordable food options to their community catalyzed the creation of Juice’d Cafe. Juice’d Cafe is the first food service business in the great Fall River area to provide convenient and wholesome food choices. When you need a break from the holiday sweets, check out their wide range of options, from fresh-pressed juices to all-natural smoothies, salads, and wraps. Website: https://www.thejuicedcafe.com/ | Retail Address: 475 Plymouth Avenue Fall River, MA 02721
Images via Kushala Sip Coffee House
Kushala Sip Coffee House
Kushala Sip Coffee House provides every customer a sip of happiness every day with its happy atmosphere and the highest-class, specialty-grade coffee beans. You can share this happiness with loved ones by meeting at Kushala for a holiday-inspired warm drink in Stoneham. You can also purchase a gift card for coffee enthusiasts. Website: https://www.kushalasip.coffee/ | Retail Address: 335 Main Street #101, Stoneham, Massachusetts 02180 | Holiday Special: Fall-inspired drinks– Apple Pie Chai and Pumpkin Spice Latte (hot, iced, or frozen)
Images via Las Palmas
Las Palmas
Husband and wife team Selia Herrera and Roberto Green bring Dominican food and culture to the Boston area with Las Palmas Restaurant and Catering. So if you’re looking for holiday catering that will be a hit for everyone, look no further! Las Palmas serves comfort to those who are missing their culture far from home while introducing it to those new to the island’s flavors. Website: https://laspalmaskitchen.com/home | Retail Address: 4337 Washington St, Roslindale, MA, 02131. | Catering: Call or text 617.869.3864 | Holiday Special: Thanksgiving Feast on November 24th
Images via Pho Le Restaurant
Pho Le Restaurant
The owners of Pho Le Restaurant, the Lê Family, have been in the restaurant industry for over 30 years. Their authentic Vietnamese cuisine includes fresh summer rolls, beef or chicken skewers, steamed rice cakes, mango salad, grilled shrimp vermicelli, and more. In addition, Pho Le offers dine-in eating, to-go orders, and catering for intimate meals to holiday gatherings. Website: https://pholedorchester.com/ | Catering: Website or call (617) 506-6294 | Retail Address: 1356 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, Massachusetts 02122, United States
Images via Soleil
Soleil
Cheryl Straughter, Chef and Owner of Soleil, strives to create a restaurant a warm and welcoming environment for all who experience Soleil’s services– from indoor dining to catering. Soleil offers healthy and home-cooked food and has become a staple in their community. Stop by Soleil for a touch of comfort and care during the cold winter days. Website: https://www.soleilboston.com/ | Catering: https://www.soleilboston.com/catering | Retail Address: 2306 Washington St, Boston, MA 02119
Images via Tres Islas Group
Tres Islas Group – Merengue, Vejigantes, and Doña Habana
Co-owned by husband-and-wife team Hector and Nivia Piña, Tres Islas is a group of three Boston restaurants — Doña Habana, Merengue, and Vejigantes. Whether you go to Dona Habana for authentic Cuban food, Merengue for a Dominic dining experience, or Vejigantes for a taste of Puerto Rico, you can expect the same genuine and welcoming environment in all three restaurants. Tres Islas Restaurants are a great option to host or cater your holiday event. Website: http://3islasgroup.com/. | Retail Address(es): Doña Habana, 811 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118 – Merengue, 160 Bluehill Avenue, Boston, MA 02125 – Vejigantes, 57 W Dedham Street, Boston, MA 02118
Images via Waku
Waku
Childhood friends, Juan and Nico, created Waku Prebiotic Tea with the mission to celebrate and support their home country, Ecuador. Waku proudly works with the freshest ingredients from small sustainable farms to produce their gut-healthy and delicious prebiotic drinks. So give the gift of health this year and try one of Waku’s six delicious flavors: Lemon, Passion Fruit, Ginger Lemon, Raspberry Rose, Blueberries, and Pineapple Peach. Website:https://livewaku.com/ | Shipping: Local and National | Holiday Special: Use code BEI20 at checkout or click here
Founded in 1996, Stop and Compare is a second-generation family-owned and operated neighborhood supermarket. Stop and Compare connects culture and community through authentic offerings and fresh products. Whether you’re looking for new ingredients to spice up your meals or traditional staples for family classics, Stop and Go offers affordable options. Website: https://www.stopandcompare.net/. | Retail Address(es): Lynn at 2A Adams Street and 43 State St – Chelsea at 157 Hawthrone Street
Images via Vicente’s Supermarket
Vicente’s Supermarket
Vicente’s Supermarket is a family-owned business that offers the highest quality meat, fish, and produce by working directly with product distributors. While they provide a variety of fresh and healthy food, they specialize in Brazilian items and products. Vincente’s is the perfect place to stop for ingredients for your holiday dinner or last-minute treats. Website: https://www.vicentessupermarket.com/ | Catering: https://www.vicentessupermarket.com/order-online-catering#/restaurants/vicentessupermarketcatering-1/17384 | Retail Address: 689 Main St, Brockton, MA 02301, and 160 Pleasant St, Brockton, MA 02301
RJ Installation & Design LLC specializes in designing and installing home audiovisual systems, surveillance services, TV mounting, lighting, and more. From system design to product purchase and installation, they simplify the process to make your vision for a perfect home or office a reality. Head over to RJ’s website for a free quote when you need someone to help you set up the TV or audio system you were gifted. Website:https://rjinstallation.com/ | Retail Address: 39 Haverhill Street, Methuen, MA, United States, Massachusetts
Disclaimer: These links are provided for convenience and informational purposes only. Foundation for Business Equity does not receive commission and/or any percentage of profit from sales that result from this list.
U.S. Treasury award increases available capital in mission to build generational wealth
Nectar Community Investments, a certified community development financial institution (CDFI) and community development corporation (CDC) that provides loans, investments, strategic advice and advocacy for small businesses and homeowners in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, has won an $800,000 U.S. Treasury Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) Financial Assistance Award. Nectar, formerly known as the Lowell Community Loan Fund dba Mill Cities Community Investments, will use this award to deploy loans and equity to the people and places that need it most, coupled with high-quality advisory services to ensure their success.
“The supply of capital is a challenge for CDFIs around the country, and the demand for CDFI Fund awards this year shows the great need for investing in historically underserved communities,” said Nectar Executive Director Glynn Lloyd. “We’re grateful to the CDFI Fund for this infusion of dollars to support our programs, and we look forward to deploying this capital across New England as we continue to innovate, advance environmental justice and positively impact our communities.”
Applications in fiscal year 2024 were at an all-time high, with a 42 percent increase in applications for Financial Assistance Awards compared to last year. …
Thanks to everyone who joined us for our event on October 16 at the Vault Function Hall in Lawrence! We were thrilled to celebrate our new name and brand with our friends in the Merrimack Valley. Special thanks to Chrystal Kornegay, Chief Executive Officer of MassHousing, and María Belén Power, Undersecretary of Environmental Justice & Equity for offering their insights on the mechanisms and solutions we need to make sure no one is left behind in the clean energy transition. And many thanks to our friends from the Lawrence Partnership for attending with your members. Our Nectar team left the event even more determined and energized to serve and advocate for our communities!
Join our diverse and innovative team driving environmental justice. As a Program Manager, you will oversee and complete program management and implementation of Nectar Community Investment’s environmental justice priorities. We’re focused on increasing environmental sustainability by providing energy efficiency and renewable energy advisory and financing solutions to homeowners and small businesses. This current opportunity as a program administrator is to lead a Coalition of three lead partner organizations in carrying out the Merrimack Valley Energy Efficiency Enrichment Program work. Learn more about this opportunity.
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