This year, the Near West Side Partners (NWSP) look to assist Molson Coors’s grant program in its mission to uplift small business owners and energize the economy of the Near West Side. The ‘Tap the Future’ program is aimed towards supporting local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) businesses and entrepreneurs through a total of $30,000 in grants. This year, three local Near West Side businesses are being granted $10,000 each, recipients include: Nubian Simmons founder of The Pink Bakery; Chrishella Roche founder of VIBEZ; and Taj Pearsall founder of Buffalo Boss. The grants received from the ‘Tap the Future’ program, are intended to fund business operations as prioritized by the business owner, along with the Near West Side Partnership offering supplementary support throughout the establishment process including regular check-ins and guidance.
Following the announcement of this year’s recipients, Tami Garrison from Molson Coors says, “We have made a commitment to our communities to provide support for organizations working for a more just and inclusive world,” and adds “We’re proud to be able to partner with the Near West Side Partners to provide funding and resources for BIPOC entrepreneurs who are developing and scaling their businesses.”
To qualify for these grants, local businesses had to establish criteria for having a proven track record, a clear product/service, a business plan with adequate details and financials, and a space and commitment to the Near West Side.
Learn more about the 2022 ‘Tap the Future’ recipients:
Nubian Simmons, The Pink Bakery
The Pink Bakery is an allergen-free baking mix company that has received national attention, including financial support from Beyoncé’s Beygood Foundation, a collaboration with the NAACP to support Black-owned businesses during the pandemic. The Pink Bakery has also established a partnership with Marquette University to offer students with dietary restrictions more food options in the dining hall. The grant will assist Simmons as she establishes a manufacturing facility in the Miller Valley.
Chrishella Roche, VIBEZ Creative Arts Space
VIBEZ Creative Arts Space is a studio for the community to learn, explore and enjoy art through different mediums through paint & sip experiences, workshops, and community events. VIBEZ opened its first location in Glendale in 2018 and has received support from Beyoncé’s Beygood Foundation.
Taj Pearsall, Buffalo Boss
Buffalo Boss is an organic chicken wing restaurant with locations in New York and in Milwaukee at Sherman Phoenix. The Near West Side location will be situated on North 27th Street near Wisconsin Avenue.
Learn more about our partners:
Molson Coors:
For more than two centuries Molson Coors has been brewing beverages that unite people to celebrate all life’s moments. From Coors Light, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian, Carling, and Staropramen to Coors Banquet, Blue Moon Belgian White, Blue Moon LightSky, Vizzy, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Creemore Springs, Hop Valley, and more, Molson Coors produces many beloved and iconic beer brands. While the company’s history is rooted in beer, Molson Coors offers a modern portfolio that expands beyond the beer aisle as well. Our ESG strategy is focused on People and Planet with a strong commitment to raising industry standards and leaving a positive imprint on our employees, consumers, communities, and the environment. To learn more about Molson Coors Beverage Company, visit molsoncoors.com, MolsonCoorsOurImprint.com, or on Twitter through @MolsonCoors.
