Second Round of Grants Awarded

The MLK Corridor Improvement Authority last night awarded a second round of recipients for the MLK Corridor Entrepreneurial and Real Estate Fund grants.

Ten awardees received a total of just over $400,000 to purchase inventory, secure or alter a physical location, pay staff, and purchase other vital services and products for their businesses. Recipients include Pharoah’s Rest, Pretty Distinct Beauty, Mikey’s Barbershop, Stop One Party Store, Hope Health Services, DaRealTv Productions, Carl’s Coffee and Cream, Nutton But Love, TaeLynn Ice Cream, and McCranie Activity Center.

“The first round of grants demonstrated this funding’s power in helping to transform local businesses. In round two, we are eager to help even more Southside entrepreneurs and uplift our business community to the benefit of every resident.” said MLK Corridor Improvement Authority member George Brown.

Established in October 2023, the MLK Corridor Entrepreneurial and Real Estate Fund subcommittee promotes equitable access to capital among underrepresented MLK Corridor businesses. The first funding round provided five businesses with a total of $250,000 in grants. Awardees in both funding rounds met selective criteria established by subcommittee members and grant funders to evaluate business stability, proposed funding use, and other significant factors.

“We’re proud to provide small business owners with the resources and connections they need to achieve growth and success and to continue Southside Jackson’s legacy,” said MLK Corridor Improvement Authority Board Chair Anthony Parker.

The MLK Corridor Improvement Authority and Entrepreneurial and Real Estate Fund Subcommittee will announce upcoming funding rounds and application periods via social media, email, and press releases. Visit www.mymlkcia.org/entrepreneurial-fund to learn more or to sign up for email updates.