A Message from Ebony Gaynor Barbour

At Ever-Evolving Consulting (EEC), we are dedicated to strengthening micro, small, local, and minority-owned businesses by expanding their access to education, resources, and opportunities—especially within the airport concessions ecosystem.

While we proudly uplift the entrepreneurs we serve, we also recognize that airports remain central to our mission. Each month, this newsletter will bring valuable insights for both airport partners and business innovators, including funding opportunities, program updates, and industry highlights.

Thank you for being part of our growing network.

✨ Special Program Feature: The Ascend ABQ Program

In this issue, we are proud to spotlight Ascend ABQ, EEC’s first standalone program, within “GATEWAY”, our flagship program designed to build local business capacity within airport concessions.

Over the last 12 months, Ascend ABQ has:

Supported nine businesses through tailored coaching and technical assistance
Facilitated meaningful connections between concessionaires and airport stakeholders
Prepared entrepreneurs for RFP participation and long-term success inside airports

This program reflects what equity in action looks like—from pitch, to preparation, to celebration.

🎥 Ascend ABQ: The Journey Begins

We’re excited to share the first look at the Ascend ABQ journey, created in partnership with the City of Albuquerque and the Albuquerque International Sunport.

Nine businesses. One incredible opportunity.

▶️ Watch the Two-Minute Ascend ABQ Journey and the Grand Opening Highlights!

See the Journey Begin

Watch the Grand Opening Highlights

Unlock New Opportunities for Your Business

This month, we’re spotlighting high-impact grants, accelerators, and industry updates designed to help small, local, and minority-owned businesses grow.

Whether you’re seeking funding, scaling your brand, or preparing for future airport opportunities, these resources can provide the boost you need to move your business forward.

💰 Grants & Funding Opportunities (Nov–Dec 2025)

500 Global: Flagship Accelerator Program

What it offers: $150,000 investment + 4-month accelerator in San Francisco
Applications: Rolling
Ideal for: Early-stage, high-growth companies
LEARN MORE

Sephora x Fifteen Percent Pledge – Beauty Grant

Award: $100,000 unrestricted funding + pro-bono consulting + gala recognition

Eligibility:

U.S.-based CPG beauty brand
$100K+ annual revenue
Majority underrepresented founder
Deadline: November 28, 2025
LEARN MORE

Walmart Spark Good Local Grants

Mini-grants ranging from $250–$5,000 for community-serving organizations.
Deadline: December 31, 2025
LEARN MORE

SEED SPOT: Mental & Behavioral Health Impact Accelerator

Program Dates: Jan 26 – Mar 27, 2026
Deadline: December 8, 2025
LEARN MORE

SEED SPOT: Emerging Brand Accelerator

Program Dates: Apr 7 – May 28, 2026
Supports diverse CPG founders preparing for retail distribution.
LEARN MORE

100+ Small Business Grants & Programs

A growing directory of national grants, loans, and resources for small businesses.
Perfect for ongoing reference.
More grant & program information can be found here - Free Grants and Programs for Small Business

Industry Insight: Opportunity is Rising in Airport Concessions

With post-pandemic travel exceeding prior-year levels, airports across the U.S. are actively expanding concession options.

Key trends include:

Increasing demand for local and minority-owned brands inside terminals

Focus on “sense of place” — airports showcasing regional businesses

Growing interest in health, wellness, and tech-enabled service concepts

This is a strong time for small businesses to position themselves for airport RFPs and partnership opportunities.

The Rise of Micro-Retail in Airports: Why Smaller Footprints Are Winning Bigger Results

- written by Ebony Gaynor Barbour, Founder & CEO of EEC

One of the biggest shifts happening in concessions right now is the strategic rise of micro-retail: RMUs, kiosks, carts, and flexible pop-up spaces. Airports nationwide are realizing these formats are not just space fillers—they’re revenue accelerators, innovation incubators, and powerful tools for diversifying who gets to participate in airport commerce. Leading the Ascend ABQ and other programs has shown me how these smaller footprints can activate underutilized space and introduce high-impact local brands that travelers gravitate toward.

Micro-retail allows airports to test concepts quickly, adapt to changing passenger flows, and lower the barrier of entry for small and minority-owned businesses. But the real value comes from what happens behind the scenes: structured coaching, operational oversight, product curation, and data-driven forecasting. Without that infrastructure—which EEC has honed across multiple airports—micro-retail is simply furniture. With the right strategy, it becomes a fully functioning concessions ecosystem that drives measurable revenue and community benefit.

As airports look ahead to 2026 and beyond, flexibility will define our industry. Micro-retail gives airports the agility to keep their offerings fresh without long-term construction costs or high-risk leases. The airports that win next will be those willing to embrace dynamic retail models—backed by strong management frameworks that ensure operators succeed, not just occupy space.

Client Spotlight

Coming next month: We’ll begin showcasing minority-owned businesses making an impact through innovation, service, and community leadership.

If you’d like to be considered for a spotlight feature, send us an email with your business name and story!

Submit Your Business Story

Upcoming Resources & Workshops

We’re excited to bring you practical resources and interactive sessions designed to help small businesses succeed in airport concessions and beyond. From readiness guides to Q&A sessions and grant writing tips, these events will equip you with the tools and insights you need to grow and thrive.

EEC Airport Concessions Readiness Guide - December 8th

Virtual Q&A: “Preparing Your Small Business for Airport Opportunities” - January 13th 12:00-1:00pm EST

RFP Prep 101 - February 10th 12:00-1:00pm EST

Get Your Readiness Guide

Sign-up for RFP Prep 101

Community Highlight:

AMAC Baltimore-Washington Chapter Holiday Party

EEC CEO Ebony Gaynor Barbour invites our community to the annual AMAC Baltimore-Washington Chapter / BWI Business Partnership Holiday Party.

Date: Tuesday, December 16th, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: The Maryland Jockey Club
Tickets: $25 per person

Celebrate community, aviation, and the shared mission of advancing minority participation in airports. Register below.

Upcoming Conferences, Summits & Forums

Stay plugged into the airport, concessions, and business-development ecosystem. These upcoming national events offer valuable insights, networking, and opportunities to connect with industry leaders.

Airport Experience (AXN) Conference

February 2026 - The premier event for airport concessions, design, and operations—ideal for businesses that want to stay ahead of industry trends and opportunities.

AMAC Annual Airport Business Diversity Conference

June 2026 - A leading national conference focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within aviation and airport industries. Expect high-impact sessions, matchmaking, and networking with airports, primes, and suppliers.

EEC Tip of the Month

Get your capability statement ready.

Airports and prime concessionaires expect a one-page document summarizing: