#USA #Los Angeles #Enthuse Foundation #Spearhead Global #Rooted Fare

Empowering Women in Food & Beverage: The Rise of Rooted Fare

In an inspiring move to support women entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry, Rooted Fare, co-founded by Ashley Xie and Hedy Yu, has been awarded the prestigious Capital + Catalyst Grant amounting to $40,000. This grant, launched by Spearhead Global and the Enthuse Foundation, is designed to fuel innovation and growth in women-owned businesses, and Rooted Fare emerged victorious during a competitive live pitch event held on September 11, 2025, where five finalists showcased their unique propositions.

The decision to award the grant to Rooted Fare exemplifies Spearhead Global's commitment to uplift women-led brands that exhibit both innovative spirit and sustainable practices in their operations. Ashley and Hedy's initiative has not only captured attention with their delicious offerings but also showcases their dedication to responsible scaling within the industry. Heather Fritzsche, Co-Founder, and CEO of Spearhead Global, emphasized the potential seen in Rooted Fare, stating, "We made the decision to award the grant to Rooted Fare based on their innovative and sustainable practices for scaling their business, the dedication of the founders, and the absolutely delicious product."

The grant is part of a larger vision shared by the Enthuse Foundation, aimed at combining financial assistance with mentorship opportunities. The foundation's Co-Founder, Kim Lawton, highlighted that the goal is to provide women entrepreneurs with invaluable guidance and access that can significantly impact their journey in the food and beverage space. This initiative is a game-changer for many aspiring women founders who often face hurdles in securing necessary funding and support.

In addition to the grant, Xie and Yu will benefit from tailored mentorship and business support from the Spearhead team, providing another layer of assistance that will help them navigate the complexities of growing a successful food and beverage brand. As they proceed on this journey, Ashley and Hedy are committed to using the award to enhance their operations while maintaining their focus on sustainability and community engagement.

The live pitch event that led to Rooted Fare’s selection included other innovative finalists such as Nikki Seaman from Freestyle Snacks, the duo of Chloe Bergson and Alison Evans from Sayso, Holly Arbuckle from Singing Pastures, and Orleatha Smith from Sip Herbals. Each competitor brought their unique approach and showcased promising growth potential, highlighting the wealth of talent and creativity in the women-led food and beverage sector.

This grant's launch in 2025 solidifies a commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs, signaling a progressive shift in how the industry views financial support and gender equality. As more organizations step up to recognize and address the challenges faced by women in business, initiatives like the Capital + Catalyst Grant not only boost individual brands but also pave the way for a more inclusive future.

In conclusion, Rooted Fare’s recognition and support exemplify a positive trend toward elevating women in entrepreneurship, particularly in the food and beverage industry. As Ashley and Hedy forge ahead, they carry with them the hope and inspiration of future generations of women entrepreneurs.

For further details about the Enthuse Foundation and its programs to support women entrepreneurs, visit Enthuse Foundation.