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

Nationwide — 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

About The BOSS Network
Founded by Dr. Cameka Smith, BOSS™ is an acronym for “Bringing Out Successful Sisters,” and the network’s mission is to promote and encourage the small business spirit and career development of women. The BOSS Network is an online community of professional and entrepreneurial women who support each other through conversation, online, and event-based networking. The BOSS Network was named as a Forbes Top 10 Career and Entrepreneurial website for Women. More than 200,000 women connected throughout the United States are engaged through our social and digital programming. To find out more about The BOSS Network, visit TheBOSSNetwork.org