We are proud to share that three outstanding women-owned businesses were awarded Fulfill Your Destiny Business Builder Grants to support their continued growth and expansion. Each of the businesses demonstrated a solid business plan, a beneficial product and the desire to give back to the community.
In Sun City Center there are 22,000 seniors, many who moved there several years ago. No one under the age of 55 is allowed to live in Sun City. This leaves approximately 3,000 people commuting in daily to meet the seniors’ needs. “With no affordable housing in South Shore for my team members, it is becoming more difficult to recruit needed staff,” explained Debbie. “When the opportunity presented itself to build small, affordable housing, I felt compelled to make it happen.”
The time was indeed right for the tiny community to begin development. Today Debbie is excited to share that more expansion for the community is planned in the form of a community garden designed to furnish fresh vegetables at low cost to residents. This will happen in part due to funding the project has received from their Fulfill Your Destiny’s Business Builder Grant. “The residents and I say a big thank you for making this possible,” said Debbie.
Sold at popular venues including the Farmer’s Market in St. Petersburg and Fresh Market in Tampa’s Hyde Park, the company’s bread continues to establish a strong customer following.
“Having our own business allows my family and I to spend more time together and that’s critical to me, said Christina. We believe that an integral part of our success is due to giving back to others.”
The bakery is frequently seen out and about in the community, giving baking classes at the Armature Works in Tampa and donating regularly to area food banks and pantries as well as to Metropolitan Ministries.
Their bread is in such demand that the company plans to open a storefront bakery located in Seminole Heights. The Business Builder Grant from Fulfill Your Destiny will fund the remaining external build-out costs for the new bakery. Christina says she is “deeply grateful” for Fulfill Your Destiny’s Business Builder Grant that will help her dream of a storefront bakery come true.
“Our goal is to be recognized for the highest quality healthcare, rehab and wellness services in the area,” said Jennifer. She shared that Fulfill Your Destiny’s Business Builder Grant will be used to increase their company’s visibility and provide educational materials about the company’s services to heighten community awareness.
