ByBlack, Powered by U.S. Black Chambers, Awards $1,000 Microgrant to Student Entrepreneur at 2025 Durag Fest in Charlotte, NC

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[Charlotte, NC] July 17, 2025 – In a collaboration to spotlight the next generation of Black entrepreneurs, ByBlack, powered by the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), and the DuGhood Foundation launched the “Pop Up & Pitch” Grant Competition during the 7th Annual Durag Fest, a vibrant Juneteenth celebration of Black creativity and culture in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The competition awarded a $1,000 microgrant and business development package to student entrepreneur Aalliyeh Clinton, founder of Monneah’s Engineered Materials, whose innovative, bio-friendly, and culturally inspired lab coats captured the attention of the live audience and expert judging panel. Clinton, a Morgan State graduate and current Johns Hopkins University graduate student, is redefining STEM apparel by infusing fashion, sustainability, and cultural identity into the lab space.

Hosted by Zhané Chesson, Co-Founder of So You Graduated, Now What?, finalists had 5 minutes to present their ventures before a live audience and panel of judges, including:

Alicea Gay, Vice President of External Affairs at USBC
Cathay Dawkins, President of The Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce (CMBCC) and Founder of Black Business Owners Corp (BBOC)
Christal Robinson, Director of Development at Union Anson County Habitat for Humanity and CMBCC

Finalists included Zion Asamoah (Goons and Goblins Clothing), Kenan Moore (Historically Cultured), Avianna Corbett (Lucky Spot Nail Spa), Kneisha Gabriel (KneishaX LLC), and Aalliyeh Clinton (Monneah’s Engineered Materials). After two compelling rounds, Clinton emerged as the winner, earning not just the microgrant, but a full business support package including:

Access to curated, exclusive grant lists
A feature in the USBC national newsletter
A spotlight in an upcoming media article
A 1:1 business strategy session focused on planning and scaling

“This opportunity isn’t just about funding—it’s about creating visibility, connection, and momentum,” said Alicea Gay. “ByBlack exists to elevate Black-owned businesses through access, exposure, and certification. Supporting young innovators like Aalliyeh reflects our mission to build a stronger ecosystem for the next generation of Black entrepreneurs.”

Clinton aims to reimagine what lab gear looks like and represents. “This grant and the resources that come with it are game-changing,” said Clinton. “I want scientists to feel seen, inspired, and proud of their culture even in sterile lab spaces. Monneah’s is about representation in research—where fashion meets innovation.”

The ByBlack Platform, powered by the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., is the nation’s first national certification program and digital directory exclusively dedicated to Black-owned businesses. Created to address the historical lack of visibility and access faced by Black entrepreneurs, ByBlack provides both Verified and Certified business listings, enabling companies to gain formal recognition, connect with consumers actively seeking to support Black-owned brands, and unlock contracting and partnership opportunities with major corporations and government agencies.

Durag Fest, held annually in Charlotte in honor of Juneteenth, is a celebration of Black creativity, culture, and community. This year’s festival served as the perfect stage to highlight student entrepreneurs shaping the future.“Durag Fest has always been about celebrating the fullness of Black expression, from culture and creativity to enterprise,” said Lisa Michelle, Founder of Durag Fest. “Partnering with ByBlack to spotlight student entrepreneurs brings that vision to life. Aalliyeh and all the finalists remind us that our culture fuels innovation, and when we invest in young talent, we invest in our collective future.”

“Events like this bring our mission full circle,” said Cathay Dawkins of CMBCC. “Supporting youth entrepreneurship aligns with our goal of building wealth and networks locally. We encourage all Charlotte-based business owners to get involved—especially now, with discounted memberships available. Partnering with USBC and ByBlack opens doors that lead to funding, mentorship, and national recognition.”

For more information on ByBlack and how to certify or list your business, visit www.byblack.us.

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About USBC:

The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) provides committed, visionary leadership and advocacy in the realization of economic empowerment. Through the creation of resources and initiatives, we support a network of African American Chambers of Commerce and business organizations in their work of developing and growing Black enterprises. Learn more at usblackchambers.org.