WELCOME TO OUR 2024 SPRING SUMMER ISSUE! WELCOME TO OUR 2024 SPRING SUMMER ISSUE!
INTRODUCTION
July 23, 2024 —Small business growth and community-centered economies are not solely about investment capital. Businesses in Ujima’s Good Business Alliance often need support which we are able to provide through connections and relationships. Enter: The Ujima Technical Assistance Network.
In this edition of the Spring/Summer 2024 Investor Report, we spotlight our legal technical assistance partners at Morgan Lewis and Lawyers for Civil Rights, present interviews with our newest
UGBA members, introduce our new Restaurant Fellow, and offer updates from across the ecosystem. Our updated Ujima Fund Pipeline Status and Financial Dashboard pages are available now.
July 23, 2024 —Small business growth and community-centered economies are not solely about investment capital. Businesses in Ujima’s Good Business Alliance often need support which we are able to provide through connections and relationships. Enter: The Ujima Technical Assistance Network.
In this edition of the Spring/Summer 2024 Investor Report, we spotlight our legal technical assistance partners at Morgan Lewis and Lawyers for Civil Rights, present interviews with our newest UGBA members, introduce our new Restaurant Fellow, and offer updates from across the ecosystem. Our updated Ujima Fund Pipeline Status and Financial Dashboard pages are available now.
INTERVIEWS
How do we proact, transact, and enact?
In light of 2023’s record disbursement of loans and investment capital from the Ujima Fund ($1.6 million out of the door and invested in our local businesses, by community demand), we want to pull the curtain back on how these investment transactions happen. Businesses in the alliance often need support which we are able to provide through connections and relationships. But what are these relationships and how do they facilitate small business growth and community-centered economies? Key to Ujima’s processes are our technical assistance partners. ‘Technical assistance,’ a wonky and sterile phrase, refers to support to help nonprofits acquire any specialized service or skill that is not currently resident within the organization. In this update, we highlight our legal technical assistance partners.
In the section below, we invite you to meet four lawyers at Morgan Lewis alongside a partner at Lawyers for Civil Rights. Each technical assistance support member carries with them an ethos of care for Boston’s BIPOC, working-class communities, and a rootedness in using their skills to enact positive change in our small business ecosystems. Together, these lawyers foment growth and support your investment goals in their dedication to the nitty-gritty, fine details that help our work chug along uninterrupted.
“If we can get good investors standing behind good, solid companies within the local community, if we can continue to help provide seed funding to local organizations, if we can help Ujima expand their network so that Ujima is now sitting on boards and providing advice to these entrepreneurs, that’s powerful.”
—Ben Stein
“If we can get good investors standing behind good, solid companies within the local community, if we can continue to help provide seed funding to local organizations, if we can help Ujima expand their network so that Ujima is now sitting on boards and providing advice to these entrepreneurs, that’s powerful.”
—Ben Stein
PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS
NEWS & UPDATES FROM UJIMA’S PORTFOLIO COMPANIES
KIDOGO PRODUCTIONS BECOMES UJIMA FUND PORTFOLIO COMPANY
On May 7, 2024, the Ujima Fund announced that we successfully reached quorom on the Kidogo Productions investment ballot. Read more in the ballot results breakdown.
Voting Members have approved a $300,000 investment in the edutainment start up. When asked about their motivations for investing in the company, one voter, Sara, said, "As a Black mama, I am always looking for good educational resources for my 7-year-old daughter, which will affirm who she is and help her learn, in a way that is fun and makes her proud.”
This is our first vote with an increased quorum, which has been raised from 51% to 60%.
BAY STATE BANNER
Last month, Bay State Banner celebrated its first anniversary under new ownership with a gala at the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building. The year included many expansions, such as creating a new business section led by Malia Lazu, hiring a full-time managing editor, launching an online gallery and much more. Stay up to date with the latest news and events by subscribing to their print newspaper.
CUPCAKE THERAPY
Cupcake Therapy is growing! They are currently seeking a new delivery driver. Learn more here.
COMFORT KITCHEN
Comfort Kitchen, awarded Boston Globe's 2023 Restaurant of the Year, stands out amid Boston’s culinary landscape. The restaurant celebrated its one-year anniversary in January, was recently recognized as a James Beard finalist for Best New Restaurant, and was featured in the New York Times's “Where to Eat: 25 Best.” Co-founder Biplaw Rai advocated for higher wages during a visit to D.C., meeting leaders such as Julie Su, acting Secretary of Labor.
Recently, they launched the Comfort Kitchen Supper Club, offering exclusive multi-course dining experiences. In June, Comfort Kitchen unveiled a new summer dinner menu, celebrating culinary excellence and community.
DORCHESTER FOOD COOP
Since opening in October 2023, Dorchester Food Co-op (DFC) has made significant strides as Boston's only community- and worker-owned food cooperative.
Now open daily, they are steadily increasing their membership base. In March 2024, in partnership with The Boston Community Solar Cooperative, DFC pioneered a community owned solar project, promoting localized ownership and hiring to enhance economic empowerment and reduce carbon emissions.
Since then, DFC has been awarded a 10 year grant from the Cummings Foundation's annual grant program, joining 149 other local organizations.
JAZZ URBANE CAFE
Ahead of Jazz Urbane Cafe's highly anticipated live events and forthcoming brick-and-mortar opening this fall, the company launched a new initiative: the Jazz Urbane Hour on KBLA. This weekly radio program, hosted by co-founder Dr. Bill Banfield features music and compelling conversations with influential musicians and entertainers every Saturday.
The forthcoming restaurant has hired Chef Chris Faison, who will design their menu and come on as their full-time chef. In addition, they have launched a new YouTube channel showcased Jazz Urbane Records performances, while also securing a media partnership with the Bay State Banner, The Jazz Urbane Cultural Commentary.
KIDOGO PRODUCTIONS
Following an affirmative investment vote of $300,000 from Ujima Members, Keeana Saxon, Founder & Executive Director of UGBA member Kidogo Productions, was recognized among the '2024 Black Leaders Shaping the Greater Boston and New England Startup Scene.' Startup Boston highlighted Kidogo's role in creating diverse, educational content for preschoolers.
Additionally, Saxon was named a 2024 Black Ambition Semifinalist, part of a select group receiving mentorship and resources to support business growth.
KUSH GROOVE CLOTHING
Kush Groove Clothing released its latest Spring/Summer clothing drop with hoodies, tees and more. Shop and support the brand here.
THE PEARL
Ever closer to a major milestone, The Pearl’s second location at Boston Landing is near-completion.
They are currently hiring for all locations.
Recently, the seafood hotspot was named one of the 9 Best Seafood Restaurants in Boston, by the Boston Globe.
CERO COOPERATIVE
CERO Cooperative has recently hired 2 new employees, a business analyst and an account manager, strengthening their operations. They continue to support local organizations and businesses with their composting services.
SUBSCRIBE
To stay up-to-date about the latest with our UGBA members and portfolio companies, subscribe to the UGBA Wire newsletter today.
“In our work with Ujima, everything that we do with you all is local. Every acquisition, equity investment, or loan that we're working on with you all, there's a tangible benefit to Boston’s communities when those investors use the funds that they get from Ujima to further their organizations.”
—Ashley Keenan
“In our work with Ujima, everything that we do with you all is local. Every acquisition, equity investment, or loan that we're working on with you all, there's a tangible benefit to Boston’s communities when those investors use the funds that they get from Ujima to further their organizations.”
—Ashley Keenan
BUSINESS ALLIANCE UPDATES
NEWS & UPDATES FROM UJIMA’S GOOD BUSINESS ALLIANCE
INTERVIEWS
COMING INTO ALIGNMENT
Since the last Investor Report, we’ve have added two members to our Ujima Good Business Alliance, and we’ve caught up with long-time members in the ecosystem! Read on to hear from new members Hillside Harvest and Boston Neighborhood Community Land Trust, and catch up with Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, Shanti, and Sydney Janey Designs.
BOSTON NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY LAND TRUST
Boston Neighborhood Community Land Trust (BNCLT), a new member of the UGBA, opened for membership earlier this year. In addition, they were selected for Boston’s “Welcome Home” program in partnership with Co-Everything. Mayor Michelle Wu highlighted this initiative as transformative for Boston, emphasizing inclusivity and community empowerment.
Further, BNCLT united with the Greater Boston Community Land Trust Network to champion legislation that bolsters their mission—and succeeded in passing it! They continue to acquire and develop new properties, advancing their commitment to affordable housing and community development.
DUDLEY STREET
NEIGHBORHOOD INITIATIVE
In June, Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI) marked its 40th Anniversary, celebrating four decades as a land trust empowering Dudley residents to organize, plan, and cultivate a vibrant, diverse, and high-quality neighborhood in collaboration with community partners.
On Aug 17, they will host a Multicultural Festival to honor the arts and culture of our communities.
LIVE LIKE A LOCAL TOURS
Live Like a Local Tours Boston was spotlighted in Simmons University MPH Monthly, featuring an interview with founder Collin Knight. Collin emphasized the tour's mission to showcase communities of color and educate participants on their rich history. The company is currently preparing for its annual Martha’s Vineyard Tour scheduled for September 2024, in partnership with Ujima’s Hyperlocal Procument Initiative.
FRESH FOOD GENERATION
Fresh Food Generation and Roundhead Brewing proudly present the Alianza Park Series, an innovative summer experience in Boston. This collaboration introduces a mobile beer garden and hospitality series. Join them all summer as they tour Boston neighborhoods with community activations including games, art, vendor markets, music, and family-friendly activities.
COMMONWEALTH KITCHEN
CommonWealth Kitchen has released their 2023 Annual Report, highlighting a year of impactful initiatives, from members preparing meals for newly arrived refugees to creating their very own "Field Fritter" out of a cover crop of yellow peas.
Recently, CommonWealth Kitchen announced a new food festival, ‘A Taste of Ethnic Boston’ on July 30, 2024, at Big Night Live. This event celebrates Boston's diverse culinary scene.
EASTIE FARM
Earlier this year, Eastie Farm celebrated the successful implementation of a USDA grant aimed at supporting local farmers and food-insecure families in the Environmental Justice community. Through the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program, the initiative aided low-income residents and uplifted over 50 local farms. In spring, they launched a CSA subscription offering weekly fresh produce, promoting health and supporting local farmers.
They also host a biweekly farmstand at their greenhouse.
SHANTI
Shanti Indian Cuisine opened its doors in Hub Hall Boston, offering a dining experience inspired by its namesake, derived from the Sanskrit word for 'peace.'
Shanti was also recently featured by Time Out as one of the best Indian food spots in Boston. The feature states: "The original Dorchester location of Shanti garnered so many fans of its classic curries and tandoori that the restaurant has expanded to Roslindale. The extensive menu also offers fragrant and well-spiced korma, bhuna, biryanis and veggie dishes."
INVEST
Want to invest in local businesses? The Ujima Fund hosts an annual Investor & Business Relations Gathering. Email us to get on the list.
While the Ujima Fund is currently closed for investments, we have created an opportunity for accredited investors to meet BIPOC-owned businesses, in the Ujima Fund portfolio and Good Business Alliance, to move money to support local economies.
“I was blown away by how many different projects there are and how many balls are in the air at Ujima. It's not just community development or just investment in socially responsible businesses.
There's a lot of boots-on-the-ground action, but also structural and economic development activities that are happening, too.”
- Irene Hong
“I was blown away by how many different projects there are and how many balls are in the air at Ujima. It's not just community development or just investment in socially responsible businesses.
There's a lot of boots-on-the-ground action, but also structural and economic development activities that are happening, too.”
- Irene Hong
INTRODUCING UJIMA’S 2024-25
RESTAURANT FELLOW
The Boston Ujima Project is excited to announce the selection of Biplaw Rai as our 2024-25 Restaurant Fellow. This fellowship recognizes and supports restaurateurs in the Ujima ecosystem who are committed to forward-thinking hospitality practices. Rai brings a wealth of experience as both a restaurateur and community organizer. The restaurateur and co-owner recently celebrated the first anniversary of Comfort Kitchen, a nationally acclaimed and James Beard-nominated cafe and restaurant specializing in global comfort food. Rai channels his passion for food, culture, and community to create intentional, collaborative spaces that connect people from all walks of life. Read more.
“Everybody who works [with Ujima] feels the same way.
They’ll often say, ‘now I remember why I went to law school.
I wanted to have an impact on people's lives.’”
- Carl Valenstein
“Everybody who works [with Ujima] feels the same way.
They’ll often say, ‘now I remember why I went to law school.
I wanted to have an impact on people's lives.’”
- Carl Valenstein
UJIMA FUND TOWN HALL
In 2023, Ujima initiated a new tradition to enhance transparency and information sharing with our investors, members and wider communities. We have established a quarterly Ujima Fund Town Hall, inviting investors and members to learn about our operations and contribute their insights. Watch the Spring and Summer 2024 on Youtube now. Stay tuned for our next Town Hall in Fall!