Grants & Scholarships

Since our scholarship and grant program began nine years ago, we have awarded nearly $250,000 to women across the state pursuing a wide variety of food and culinary-related careers.

2025 Entrepreneur Grant Winners

Jennifer Dunbar

Lovelight Farms

Lovelight Farm’s mission is to use ecological methods for growing nutrient-dense vegetables and fruit, focusing on soil health through biodynamic and no-till practices and

being a good steward of the Earth we all share as home.

The 12-acre market vegetable farm is focused on growing clean, healthy food through sustainable growing methods. They offer a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) weekly subscription, attend Pepper Place farmers market, sell to restaurants, offer farm tours, volunteer opportunities, and host onsite markets for two Montessori Schools.

Jennifer is using our grant to start a new revenue stream of “value-added products,” a shelf-stable line of products that will enable the farm to have revenue throughout the entire year, not just the growing season. The funding would cover labor costs, upfront supplies, and marketing materials. They intend to create soups, sauces, pickled vegetables, flavored salts, salad dressings, and dehydrated herbs.

Jennifer says, “One of the reasons I got into farming was to have a stocked pantry of healthy food for my family. This expansion into shelf-stable food production will not only provide for my family but also help me broaden that vision to include the homes of our CSA members and market patrons.”

Nedra Moore

Creations Galore and Moore

Creations Galore and Moore is a farm-to-table bakery located in the heart of downtown Calera. Nedra began baking to find peace and purpose while caring for her daughter after a severe birth injury. Her small home business has grown into a community-centered bakery.

She says, "We are a community hub for learning and creativity. We offer baking and decorating classes for all ages and partner with local schools and organizations to provide training in cake artistry, food preparation, and sustainability. We believe 'all people can learn, create, and thrive.'"

Nedra specializes in custom cakes, sweet treats, and hands-on baking

classes that connect people to their food and to each other.

She plans to use our grant to expand her educational programs by purchasing a mobile ice cream cart and baking equipment to take hands-on experiences into schools, community centers, and underserved areas. She also plans to invest in grow boxes and agri-tours, teaching others how to grow, harvest, and bake with fresh ingredients and intention. And she’s expanding her farm-to-table initiatives with an indoor greenhouse, hydroponics system, dehydrator for fresh seasonings, and a flour mill to process healthier flour for her customers.

Toni North

Tasteful Touch Catering LLC

Tasteful Touch Catering is built on Toni’s passion for creating Tasteful culinary experiences. With a deep love for food and hospitality, she founded her catering company to bring people together through thoughtfully prepared meals that not only satisfy but also create lasting memories.

She plans to use our grant to invest in upgraded catering equipment and improve her marketing strategies to reach a broader audience. This means a revised website, professional labels for her spices and creating connections with a food seasoning manufacturer to prepare her spices for retail. She says, “This financial support would allow me to scale my business while maintaining the high standards that define Tasteful Touch Catering.”

Beyond business growth, Tasteful Touch Catering is deeply committed to serving the community. She launched her own feeding program in 2023 called "Lagniappe," partnering with her nonprofit, "Femme de Dieu," and each month she provides a fully prepared meal to local homeless shelters, soup kitchens and other nonprofits that services those less fortunate.

Alexis Kimbrough
Herban Soul Cafe

Herban Soul Café is an herb-based brand on a mission to shake up wellness by revolutionizing the way customers experience herbs and tea-based food and beverage options.

Alexis says she’s “all about crafting bold, herb-infused teas and treats that make healthy living easy, delicious, and fun. Our goal is to redefine what it means to nourish your mind, body, and soul—without sacrificing taste. One sip. One bite. One experience at a time. We believe in the power of herbs to transform not just what’s on your plate but how you experience wellness.”

She says our grant will allow her to expand production, improve packaging, and grow her reach. With three local coffee shops interested in carrying her loose-leaf teas and an opportunity to enter retail, these funds will help cover licensing, equipment, updated packaging, and commercial kitchen space.

Herban Soul Café is deeply committed to community engagement. She has partnered with Jones Valley Teaching Farm to host cooking classes; she’s led tea-blending workshops at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Her company actively supports mental health and wellness initiatives through collaborations with Girls Inc., Offbeat Holistic Wellness and Nutrition, and Purposed Joy Therapy as well as herbal workshops. Alexis has hosted dining etiquette-based tea parties for girls ages 6-12, fostering confidence and social skills while keeping it fun and engaging. And Alexis has supported Birmingham’s FOOD+Culture Fest for two years, sharing how food, family, and traditions have shaped her culinary journey.