25 Black Women Entrepreneurs Graduate from the BOSS X Sage “Invest in Progress” Grant Program

We’re celebrating a major milestone! The BOSS Network, in partnership with Sage, proudly announces the graduation of 25 incredible Black women entrepreneurs from the BOSS Impact Fund "Invest in Progress" grant program. These powerhouse women were selected from a nationwide pool of applicants, each bringing passion, innovation, and determination to their respective industries—including beauty and self-care, IT solutions, travel, healthcare, professional services, and food and beverage.

Launched in January 2024, the program provided each winner with a $10,000 grant, a 12-month entrepreneurial mentorship experience, and access to invaluable resources such as business training, coaching, and Sage’s Business Cloud Accounting software. Through BOSS Business University, the participants received expert guidance in marketing, finance, customer service, and business strategy, equipping them with the tools to turn their visions into thriving, sustainable ventures.

This year also marks the successful completion of the Invest in Progress grant's 3-year run. Since its launch, the program has supported 85 Black women business owners across the country, helping them overcome barriers, scale their businesses, and build lasting legacies.

“Our mission has always been to create pathways to success for Black women entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Cameka Smith, Founder of The BOSS Network. “Seeing these 25 women complete the program with such passion and progress is a reminder of why we do this work. They are the future of business, and we are honored to be part of their journey.”

Now, as they complete the program, these women are poised to break barriers, build legacies, and create change in their communities and beyond. We can’t wait to see the amazing things they’ll accomplish—and we’ll be cheering them on every step of the way.

To learn more about The BOSS Network’s work to uplift Black women entrepreneurs, visit thebossnetwork.org.

“Invest in Progress” Grant Awardees:

See below for a listing of this year’s 25 “Invest in Progress” grant awardees, including their business and location:

Tina Armstrong	Living Connected MBS, Inc	La Mirada, CA
ShaRae Carlock	Photolock	Kansas City, MO
Jessica Childress	Juris Prudence LLC	Washington, DC
Marcia Cox	Kaldi’s Coffeehouse & Roastery	Huntersville, NC
Nadine Duncan	The Traveling Black Women Network	Atlanta, GA
Skania Florestal	HBCUMADE	Atlanta, GA
Tamekia Foley	High Tech.2.0, LLC	Atlanta, GA
Natasha Gallop	Gifts in Good Company LLC	West Orange, NJ
Lucretia Gordon	Pamper Palace	Greensboro, NC
Chrisshele Griffin	McChriss BAKES	Irving, TX
Gena Harrison	FOY Med Spa	Southfield, MI
April Hemphill/Shaketia McCoy	AnuCrown Luxury Brims	Dallas, TX
Chari Herron	Divine Restoration Counseling and Consultation, LLC	Huntsville, AL
Lakeysha Love	Sugar Head LLC	Hazel Crest, IL
Deida Massey	Bixa Beauty, Inc.	Chicago, IL
Cheryl Monroe	The Cleaning Advantage	Atlanta, GA
LaToya Moore	A Write to Live	Orland Hills, IL
Nwamaka Ngoddy	Anwuli Eyewear LLC	Atlanta, GA
Zamora Olin	Thrive With ARTIE	Appomattox, VA
Niehla Ollie	Homegirl’s Hummus	Chicago, IL
Shavonne Reed	OPUA LLC	Atlanta, GA
Jada Samuels	Jada Juice Inc.	Aurora, IL
Davida Selby	Kate Lynn & Adwoa, LLC	Atlanta, GA
Alicia Thomas	Lush Pops ATL	Decatur, GA
Shanice Whittaker	Soul Movement Success	Antioch, CA