Earlier this month, VMF celebrated the graduation of the Spring ‘23 cohort of the Flourish Fellowship. For twelve weeks, these entrepreneurs gathered together to learn, grow, and share as entrepreneurs and flourish into a tight knit community and develop as stronger business leaders.

These entrepreneurs represent some of the best that Atlanta has to offer. These twelve graduates represent multiple industries, ranging from STEM-centered service based products to Black-owned breweries, to storytelling advocates, and everything in between. This cohort showcased the beauty and diversity of Atlanta’s Black business culture, and proved that in every category of business we’re in we thrive.

The graduation took place at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs and the graduates were met with an overflow of love and support from a packed house. Family, friends, and supporters from all over gathered for food, fun, and family togetherness as each entrepreneur pitched their business to compete for a grand prize of $5,000. Lyrical geniuses and community partners Soul Food Cypher kept guests entertained and on the edge of their seat and blessed each business owner with incredible content that they can use to help promote their businesses.

*Soul Cypher entertaining guests and friends with their lyrical genius.*

Each entrepreneur blew the crowd and judges away with their pitches. Guest judges Raghu Kakarala, angel investor and Executive Vice President of Commerce for Bounteous; Nikki Harris, CEO of Everythang Dope and the winner of the Fall 22’ Flourish Fellowship pitch competition, and Shikiri Murrain, Director of Innovative Solutions at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs had a lot to discuss to choose a winner. Nevertheless, Dr. Ameerah Bello and Mathematician, Jr. won the $5,000 top prize and the competition! Second place and $3,000 went to Terry Holmes and Holmes Family - Family Caregiving Academy, and third place and the $2,000 prize went to Mekkah and Culture PR.

*Dr. Ameerah Bello, CEO of Mathematics, Jr. and winner of the Spring ‘23 Flourish Fellowship Pitch Competition*

We are pleased to announce the graduates of the Spring ‘23 Flourish Fellowship:

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Ameerah Bello, Math Jr. 
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DeAndrea Byrd, Tutu Maniacs
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Kenisha McIntosh-Beresford, My Tribe Essentials

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Marcus Rosendoll, Veronica Studios
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Makkah, Culture PR
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Terry Holmes, The Holmes Family - Family Caregiver Training Academy

Lauren Fareira (aka SeÃ±oritAwesome!), Little Awesome Music Academy LLC

Darren Walker Armstrong, Deuce & A Quarter LLC

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Victoria Walker, Vivify Solutions Inc
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Jazmyn Wilson, Sundry Events & Catering
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Nicole Harris, Merge Co. LLC
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Chloe Jackson, Yeaux Mama
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Sequoyah Glenn, 924 Cooperative 
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We’re extremely proud of all of our graduates and look forward to them joining our upcoming Alumni Association kick off taking place Thursday, June 8, 2023 at a location to be announced. For more information or receive a formal invite, please contact Courtney Pack, VMF Community Manager at courtney@villagemicrofund.com

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