At BII, are proud to honor and celebrate the Black Business Owners in our portfolio for Black History Month! The present and former BII portfolio company leaders reflect the depth of talent across sectors that is present among Black businesses in Eastern Massachusetts. They range from food businesses to education technology startups, and construction companies […]
Hillside Harvest is a Caribbean-American natural condiment brand that sells at regional grocery stores, local farmers markets, direct-to-consumer on their website, and even at Fenway Park! Hillside Harvest has developed three hot sauce flavors and two Jamaican jerk marinades. Founder Kamall Jarrett’s vision was to create a brand that would bring the Caribbean flavors of […]
The LAZU Group is a DEI services firm that offers strategies for product development, marketing, talent recruitment and retention, and community engagement. They use a motivational-based approach designed with the principles of community organizing, traditional DEI, and mental health, to help people create better personal and professional connections, ultimately resulting in happier individuals and healthier […]
99 Degrees Custom is an apparel manufacturer in Lawrence, MA. With fast turnaround times and a skilled staff, they aim to produce performance activewear and wearable technology faster than any factory in western hemisphere. The company is dedicated to creating quality jobs for its 350+ employees by paying living wages with a path to $35/hour, […]
Boston Impact Initiative’s Impact Director, Aliana Pineiro was interviewed alongside entrepreneur and owner of CASABE Fruit Store & Deli, Wendy Luzon for a segment about Hispanic Heritage Month on Chronicle 5 on Sept 16th. Watch here
Eastie Farm is a community-based nonprofit focused on climate justice, food access, and building-community resilience. They address these issues through creating green spaces throughout East Boston. With the help of neighborhood volunteers, they have transformed several vacant lots into community gardens. In 2021, BII provided a line of credit to Eastie Farm to finance grants […]
All In Energy is a Boston-based nonprofit organization that seeks to accelerate an inclusive, clean energy economy for underserved communities in Massachusetts. Cofounders Rouwenna Altemose and Gabe Shapiro are also focused on increasing energy sector job opportunities for diverse talent through their internship program with local universities and community colleges. In 2021, BII made a […]
EmVision Productions creates video content that helps clients communicate their organization’s social impact. Cofounder Tariana V. Little holds a DrPH from Harvard, focusing on communications and innovation and this expertise informs their Social Impact Storytelling™ framework. Their clients include nonprofits, social enterprises, government agencies, and corporations. In 2021, BII provided a term loan to finance […]
Casabe Fruit Store & Delicatessen is a small grocery store in downtown Lawrence. It is owned and operated by two Latinx Lawrence residents with deep connections to the city as activists and community leaders. The store caries fresh produce and supports local food entrepreneurs by selling their products. In 2021, BII partnered with the Harvard […]
SCI’s mission is to strengthen communities by connecting diverse individuals and organizations through civic engagement initiatives. SCI provides communities with skills and tools to engage citizens to make a difference, with a priority on promoting youth success and healthy communities. In 2021, they recognized Betty Francisco for leveraging her social capital in support of healthy, […]