On Monday, July 18, the Get Down to Business Accelerator will award mentoring, resources and
$100,000 in unrestricted grants to fuel local entrepreneurs. Leaders from Bell Bank, The Get Down
Coffee Co. and Neighborhood Development Center will host the event during the 3M Open in Blaine,
Minnesota.
Business Industry: Oral Care
How it all started: Hicks and Banks have both long had a passion for oral care. They brought their knowledge together to create Code White in 2018, starting off as a salon suite. Since then, the two have opened a brick-and-mortar store in Eden Prairie.
Next Big Step: Introduce new items to their product line, increase marketing efforts and expand their employee base to open more locations.
Location: 8251 Flying Cloud Dr. suite 1224, Eden Prairie
Business Industry: Beauty
How it all started: Shabazz started her career working behind the chair at a suite salon, but recognized a need for a Black-owned beauty supply store in the Twin Cities. After starting out doing deliveries during the COVID-19 lockdown, Shabazz opened her store in April.
Next Big Step: Diversify product and service offerings so everyone can get what they need at E.Bazz, expand marketing efforts, grow her team and create beauty vending machines.
Location: 1561 Randolph Ave, St Paul
Business Industry: Skincare and Wellness
How it all started: Annie Qaiser couldn’t find health and wellness products that aligned with her values, so she teamed up with her husband to create Silk Road Wellness, which offers products that are halal certified.
Next Big Step: Increase Silk Road Wellness’ marketing presence, upgrade e-commerce platform, work to get products into more stores and move production into a warehouse or flagship store space.
Location: Eastside co-op, Wedge and Linden Hills co-ops and other boutique stores and wellness spaces