The Startup Collective by Aveeno Awards $150,000 in Grants

In June, The Startup Collective by Aveeno, which is designed to empower Black female-identifying business owners with a chance to win a $100,000 grant and access to hands-on business guidance and mentorship, opened for submissions.
 
Today, the winners were announced.

First Place Prize

For 2023, the first-place grant of $100,000 was awarded to Kristen Dunning, Founder of Gently Soap—a line of herbal soaps tailored for those with extra-sensitive skin types. 
 
Dunning shared, “I am truly honored to receive this year's award. The resources offered through The Startup Collective by Aveeno are a source of great excitement as they will propel my business Gently Soap towards growth in helping to provide relief to those in my community struggling with skin health.”

Runner-Up

The 2023 runner-up grant of $50,000 was awarded to Kimba Williams, Co-Founder of Kushae, — a feminine hygiene line that specializes in products that target women’s health concerns.  
 
“The feminine wellness category needs products that women can feel confident in,” Williams states. “The Aveeno Startup Collective by Aveeno will be instrumental in aiding us to bridge this gap by providing the necessary resources and mentorship. This support allows us to continue instilling confidence in women seeking effective and reliable solutions for their well-being.”