Interview by Jonathan Kersting
The Market Confidence Award is given to an organization whose work contributes to a thriving business district. They position the community to manage market forces to prevent displacement of people and local businesses and the neighborhood is a place where people want to live and invest time, resources and capital.
The mission of Cocoapreneur is to foster an environment of economic prosperity in order to ensure more sustainable neighborhoods for the historically African American communities and neighborhoods around Pittsburgh. Through support to businesses via advertising, marketing and consulting, Cocoapreneur aims to normalize the idea of entrepreneurship–to make becoming a business owner a more feasible and attainable goal for African Americans in the greater Pittsburgh area.
Khamil Scantling of Cocoaprenuer Pgh is a community leader who supports small, Black-owned businesses in combating the negative aspects of gentrification. In addition to her day-to-day work of supporting small businesses, she also has jointly launched initiatives, like Greenwood Week Pittsburgh, which is a collaborative project between Cocoapreneur PGH, LLC and SYLA Pittsburgh, aimed at making information about running a small business accessible to minorities, women, and other systematically disadvantaged demographics who are often left out of programs that address similar needs. This week-long conference offers classes for current and aspiring entrepreneurs on mental health, finances, funding, business structure, marketing, and other essentials for small businesses, led by expert local MWBDE entrepreneurs. She’s also created an amazing Black business owners directory where anyone can go to find Black-owned businesses near them. Her impact has bettered the lives of many community members and helped to provide relief for small businesses that are staples in our communities.