By 
According to a news release, Hart is the founder of Brown Sugar Bakery, created in 2002. The bakery is serving Chicago, IL, with tasty treats which include cakes, cobblers, pies, cupcakes, and chocolates.
Now, the bakery’s operations is set for expansion thanks to the grand opening of a 10,000 square-foot manufacturing facility.
Chicago Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton were in attendance to celebrate Hart’s achievement as well as the bakery’s economic impact on the community.
“Today marks an exciting milestone for Stephanie Hart and Black women everywhere, making her the only Black woman-owned chocolate manufacturer in the United States! This is Black HERStory in action,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton in a news release. “I’m so excited for Brown Sugar Bakery’s success as they take this next step in their journey.”
The addition of the manufacturing facility is supported by a $500,000 grant from the state’s 2020 Minority-Owned Business Capital and Infrastructure Program. The bakery also earned a grant through the Back to Business (B2B) Restaurants program during the wake of COVID-19.
“The State of Illinois’ commitment to supporting businesses owned by people of color and other underrepresented groups goes beyond grant funding programs – DCEO provides a number of resources, opportunities and support to help small businesses thrive in a diverse business ecosystem,” explained Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards, according to a news release. “Bolstered by state funding and support, Brown Sugar Bakery and other locally-owned neighborhood favorites are expanding their roots in Illinois – the best place to live, work and do business.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker also shared a statement:
“One of the most important things I get to do as governor is help entrepreneurs start new businesses, and help small businesses become big ones. That’s the best way to create jobs and grow the economy. I couldn’t be prouder of the Brown Sugar Bakery team as they continue to uplift the community, making a difference in so many people’s lives while bringing smiles to the faces of people everywhere.”
Comments