#United States #Chicago #Famous Amos #Ingredients for Success #Black Entrepreneurs

Famous Amos Awards $150,000 to Empower Black Entrepreneurs

In an effort to bolster the entrepreneurial spirit within the Black community, Famous Amos has launched its 2026 Ingredients for Success program, announcing a total of $150,000 awarded to three remarkable Black entrepreneurs. This initiative, which has now entered its sixth year, stands as a testament to the brand's ongoing commitment to supporting Black-owned businesses.

Ferrero North America, the parent company of Famous Amos, has partnered with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) to select winners who will receive not only the significant financial backing but also access to invaluable mentorship, networking opportunities, and educational resources designed to promote sustainable growth.

Meet the 2026 Ingredients for Success Awardees

The recipients of this year’s Ingredients for Success grant have been chosen from a record applicant pool of 2,800 submissions, which more than doubled from previous years, highlighting the growing interest and necessity for support among aspiring Black entrepreneurs. The awardees are:

• - The Brunch Munch: This St. Petersburg-based food truck, founded by Ashley Reed, utilizes culinary art as a means to foster community connections and honor culturally significant spaces.
• - Maison Black: Founded by Tori Nichel in New York City, this fashion platform promotes Black designers through curated retail experiences, connecting them with a wider consumer base eager to support Black-owned fashion brands.
• - The Marriage Pinnacle: Co-founded by psychologist Dr. Lara and relationship expert Memi in Maryland, this platform help strengthen relationships among Black couples through a blend of clinical and cultural insights.

A Timely Investment

The announcement comes at a crucial juncture for Black entrepreneurship in the United States. With a significant portion of the business landscape facing retirements—where over half of privately held businesses are owned by individuals over age 55—the need for initiatives like Ingredients for Success has never been clearer. Programs of this nature aim to prepare the next wave of entrepreneurs with essential capital and skills for building successful enterprises.

Keith Peterfeso, the Vice President of Marketing for Famous Amos, expressed pride in the program's impact: "Six years in, Ingredients for Success remains one of the most meaningful ways we show up as a brand. We're proud to back founders at a critical stage of growth and carry forward what Wally Amos understood: that support at the right moment can make a big difference."

Building on Legacy and Community Impact

The growing involvement and enthusiasm for the Ingredients for Success program underscore its effectiveness in nurturing Black entrepreneurship in today’s economy. A distinguished panel of judges, composed of experienced entrepreneurs and previous program winners, evaluated the applications, ensuring that the most deserving recipients were celebrated.

Notably, this year’s judge roster included Rev Shawn Amos, son of late founder Wally Amos, and other prominent figures in the business community who understand the vital role played by Black-owned businesses in the economy.

The push for diversity and representation in entrepreneurship continues through initiatives like the Ingredients for Success. In connection with its ongoing mission, Famous Amos has also launched a family-friendly variety series, "Famously You," which celebrates individual authenticity and creativity.

"Famously You is about celebrating people who bet on themselves – those who show up with a gift and the courage to share it," shared Rev Shawn Amos, connecting the ethos of the show with the goals of the Ingredients for Success program. Together, these initiatives work towards a shared vision of empowering individuals and communities.

Making History

With the integration of this year's award recipients, the Ingredients for Success initiative has now provided approximately $900,000 in funding to 18 businesses since its inception in 2020. This substantial investment not only demonstrates Famous Amos's dedication to uplifting Black entrepreneurs but also showcases how corporate social responsibility can turn into meaningful impact.

For those interested in learning more about the winners and their journeys, further details can be found on the Famous Amos Ingredients for Success website. Stay connected with Famous Amos on various social media platforms to follow their latest news and updates.

About Famous Amos

Founded in 1975 by Wally Amos, the Famous Amos brand has charmed cookie lovers worldwide with its bite-sized chocolate chip cookies. Transitioning into a philanthropic powerhouse, it aims to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs through the Ingredients for Success initiative and other community-focused efforts that reflect its founder’s vision of help and empowerment.

This initiative exemplifies how small, targeted programs can transform lives while fostering economic development within communities. Join Famous Amos in supporting the growth of Black entrepreneurs and witness how these inspiring stories unfold over the years.