Business
Founders First CDC Announces 2022 Kitty Fund Grant Recipients for Mom-Preneurs

Fifty (50) Small Businesses Owned by Mothers Awarded Micro-Grant in Honor of Mother’s Day
Founders First CDC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers expansion and job creation in diverse founder-led, revenue-generating businesses, announced the fifty (50) grant recipients of its 2022 Kitty Fund.
The Kitty Fund makes micro-investments in mothers who are running employer-based small businesses. The awards, granted in honor of Mother’s Day, were inspired by Founders First CEO Kim Folsom’s mother, Catherine “Kitty” Abrams Tadlock Webster, who passed away in March 2020.
The 50 mom-preneurs for 2022 are:
Brandy Archie | AccessAble Living |
Adriane Alvarez | Adriane Alvarez |
Pamela Fullerton | Advocacy and Education Consulting |
MJ Cunningham | AfroFreelancer.com |
Lani Cabral Pasao | Angels Over Us |
Nicole Murphy | Barter Black |
Brianna Hairlson | Bri’s Dance Place |
Jeanette Burton | Burton photography |
Crystal Wash | CERA |
Valarie McGhee | Children Are Heroes Learning Center |
Vickie Cobb-Lucien | Embrace Health |
Kiara Moore | Embracing Oak Therapy |
Reneta Jenik | Foodom |
Breonna Vereen | Imani Cowrie |
Amanda Ma | Innovate Marketing Group |
Naijean Bernard | Jeany’s Caribbean Elixirs |
Alexandra Register | KLSD |
Larisa Lopez | LL Services |
Lois Tiedemann Koffi | Lois Koffi Enterprises |
Givona Sandiford | Melospeech |
Sonia Smith-Kang | Mixed Up Clothing |
Tenisha Hopkins | Mogul Mompreneurs |
Denise Fernander | MOMpreneur Success Academy |
Kerri Honeywood | Moon Cycle Mama Doula and Wellness |
Lisa Marsh | MsPsGFree |
Linda Stewart | Multi Level Apparel Group/The T-Shirt Spot |
Delasber Sanders | Amoree’s Journey |
LaKya Boone-White | Oily Herb Soap Company |
Jala Eaton | On My Own Financial |
Yenny James | Paradigm Doulas |
Arlidian Pearson | Pearson Workforce Solutions |
Sylvia Kan | Pulse Instruments |
Rashida Reese | ReBirth Marketing & Consulting |
Ruby Gordon | Scent by Kennadi |
Michelle Turner-Young | Soulfire Movement |
Cara Pitts | Southern Roots Vegan Bakery |
Geetha Jayaraman | Spoon and Sprout |
Tina Fears | Stage Ready |
Jasmine Williams | Sunny and Ted |
Takala Fomond | TBF Diagnostic |
CJ Harris | That’s So Creative |
Roseline Joseph | The Answer Management Services |
Helsa Thompson | The Aura House |
Madilynn Beck | The Better Spot |
LaTeasha Gaither-Davis | Therapeutic Focus |
Victoria Prince | Tori Prince Beauty |
Claire Risoli | Toro y Leon |
Lashawnda Tillis | Visionz |
Davinna Warren | Warren’s Divine Homes |
Erica McCullom | Web Designs 4 Less |
“Women have always faced discrimination in securing small business funding,” said Josaline Cuesta, Senior California Program Manager for Small Business Majority. “The pandemic only exacerbated disparities in accessing funding and resources that were already in place. An estimated 90% of women and minority-owned small businesses were shut out of federal emergency funding during the height of the pandemic, despite most women needing access to government aid to continue operating their business. That’s why we are honored to support the Kitty Fund. Since its creation in 2020, this grant has successfully bridged the funding gap for more than 100 mom-led small businesses and encouraged the growth of diverse small businesses throughout the country. We are happy to support programs that foster resiliency and promote business resources for women.”
The 2019 State of Women-Owned Business Report commissioned by American Express reports that women own about 42 percent of U.S. small businesses, or almost 13 million businesses. According to the SBA, women-owned businesses employ 10.1 million workers and collect $1.8 trillion in receipts. It’s estimated that one in three of these businesses is owned by a mom, representing more than four million businesses.
Learn more: https://foundersfirstcdc.org/kittyfund.
Business
Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Hawaii Chamber as Honorary Global Member

Empowering Future Generations: IERCC and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii Forge Partnership for Youth Development
In a landmark meeting that signifies the growing collaboration between regional chambers of commerce, the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce (IERCC) proudly welcomed the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii as an Honorary Global Member. This momentous occasion was marked by a ceremonial presentation led by Eddy Sumar, MBA, CCE, CICE, a distinguished member and Chair of the Education and Youth Skills Development Liaison at IERCC.
Eddy Sumar, renowned for his passionate advocacy for youth education and skill development, met with Sherry Menor-McNamara, CCE, President & CEO, and Tyler Hunt, Associate Vice President of Membership Services, of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. The meeting was not just a formal presentation but also an opportunity to share the innovative approaches IERCC is employing to champion youth development.
In a unique and inspiring gesture, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii representatives were introduced to IERCC’s youth initiatives through a trilogy of educational books authored by Eddy Sumar himself. These books – “A Treasure Hunt With OTIS,” “The Hidden Dreams,” and “The Cutting Edge” – are a testament to Sumar’s dedication to empowering the youth. Each book addresses critical areas of youth development:
- “A Treasure Hunt With OTIS” provides wisdom to guide young lives.
- “The Hidden Dreams” unlocks the potential of identifying and pursuing youthful aspirations.
- “The Cutting Edge” offers vital insights into understanding credit and financial literacy.
Edward Ornelas, Jr., President & CEO of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, expressed his enthusiasm for this new partnership, stating, “This collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii represents a significant step in our ongoing commitment to foster the leaders of tomorrow. By combining our resources and expertise, we can more effectively prepare our youth for the dynamic world they will inherit. Our shared vision for youth development and education is the cornerstone of this partnership.”
The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii expressed its enthusiasm for the collaboration, recognizing the value of the resources provided by IERCC. This partnership is a significant step towards a shared goal of fostering a brighter future for youth through education, skill development, and empowerment.
The Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce is enthusiastically developing plans to launch a summer internship program exclusively for students from the Inland Empire, offering them the opportunity to travel to Hawaii for this enriching experience. This initiative, which stems from the IERCC’s recent collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, is focused on providing Inland Empire students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse business and cultural environment of Hawaii. The program aims to equip these students with invaluable hands-on experience in various industries, enhancing their skills and broadening their perspectives. This visionary approach underscores the IERCC’s dedication to fostering the professional and personal growth of its youth, preparing them for successful careers in an increasingly interconnected world.
The IERCC is committed to continuing these collaborative efforts and looks forward to a fruitful and impactful partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, collectively striving to nurture the leaders of tomorrow.
Business
Corona Factory Files Landmark Trade Secret Lawsuit in New Hampshire Federal Court

Leading Private Label Company Alleges Massive Data Breach by SGS North America, Inc., Threatening Millions in Investment and Profits
Amid a surge of corporate theft nationwide, U.S. Continental Marketing, Inc. has initiated trade secret litigation against SGS North America, Inc. alleging misappropriation of proprietary and confidential chemical formulations that may cost U.S. Continental millions of dollars.
The largest private label leather and fabric care company in the world, U.S. Continental operates out of a 100,000 square foot factory in Corona, California, and partners with popular footwear, fashion, and furniture brands such as Birkenstock, Timberland, and Michael Kors to develop a range of products. The company provides commercial packaging solutions as well.
In its complaint filed last week in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire, U.S. Continental alleges that earlier this year, it spent millions to develop five unique and secret chemical formulations for an unnamed customer for use on branded textiles. Those formulas were sent to SGS North America for independent testing. David Williams, U.S. Continental’s President, explains, “Leading up to its testing, we made very clear to SGS that the confidentiality of any and all information about our formulations was critical. Third parties, and even our customers, could not be privy to our proprietary data and SGS knew that.”
Williams added, “To put a finer point on the sensitivity of the formulations in question, we negotiated an ironclad NDA with SGS, which it signed, promising not to disclose confidential information related to our formulations to anyone without written approval.”
U.S. Continental’s complaint alleges that despite its assurances, SGS twice sent detailed, unredacted testing reports directly to the customer in August, revealing specifics about the chemical formulations SGS promised to keep under wraps.
According to Williams, “By virtue of SGS’s indiscretion, which one of its Vice Presidents cavalierly claimed was a ‘mistake,’ our customer was sent all the information it needed to manufacture essential chemical formulations on its own. That puts at risk the $2 million we invested in R&D, along with another $20 million or so in profits from our manufacturing agreement with the customer. It only gets worse from there if SGS discloses our proprietary information—which it refuses to return—to any others.”
Jeffrey Farrow, a partner at Michelman & Robinson, LLP, which represents U.S. Continental along with local counsel in New Hampshire, says, “It’s beyond crucial that trade secrets, like my client’s chemical formulations, be carefully safeguarded. By failing to do so, SGS breached its NDA—a breach that continues given that the data at issue has yet to be returned despite multiple requests from U.S. Continental. This is simply unacceptable and through this lawsuit, we want SGS to know that its unlawful disclosure of trade secrets, and unlawful retention of them, won’t go unchecked.”
The lawsuit is currently pending and U.S. Continental is awaiting a response from SGS.
Business
Alibaba.com Partners with Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce to Launch California Pavilion

In a landmark initiative, Alibaba.com, a global leader in e-commerce, has announced a strategic partnership with the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce (IERCC) to bolster business opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in California. This historic collaboration is set to unveil the California Pavilion on Alibaba.com, a pioneering platform promoting the “Made in California” brand to a global audience.
Join us for a special event where Mattia Miglio, Director of North America Business Development at Alibaba.com, will introduce the California Pavilion alongside representatives from the IERCC. This digital hub is the first of its kind, designed to connect California’s SMEs with international buyers, importers, and distributors, marking a significant milestone in global business expansion.
This initiative sees the convergence of several key trade associations including the California Trade Alliance, California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Valley Industry & Commerce Association, all coming together to transform the SME landscape in California.
As part of the California Pavilion, members will receive an exclusive membership package offering numerous benefits designed to elevate businesses to new heights. This initiative not only supports business growth but also aligns with Alibaba’s vision of empowering SMEs in the global market.
The Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce stands as a pivotal partner in this venture. Known for its innovative approaches and customized support for businesses, the IERCC plays a crucial role in guiding enterprises in the Inland Empire, from startups to established companies.
“We are thrilled to partner with Alibaba.com in this groundbreaking initiative. The California Pavilion is more than just a digital platform; it’s a beacon of opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises across California. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to empowering local businesses, giving them the tools and exposure they need to thrive in the global marketplace. We believe that through this partnership, we can elevate the ‘Made in California’ brand to new heights and open doors for unprecedented growth and success for our members”, stated Edward Ornelas, Jr., President & CEO of the IE Chamber.
We invite businesses to explore the advantages of joining the California Pavilion. Learn how this platform can revolutionize your business prospects and connect you with the global market.
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