Miguel Rodriguez helps secure grants through student organization Enactus at Malone University (OH)

2014 Dec 16

The Malone University student organization, Enactus (formerly SIFE), has applied for and secured three important grants totaling $4500 to assist local small businesses. To date, the group has received $1500 from Walmart for women's empowerment, $1500 from Sam's Club to help a small business, and $1500 from the Coca Cola Foundation to help a woman-owned niche business.

Miguel Rodriguez, a sophomore business administration major from Des Plaines, Illinois (60018) is involved in the project.

Beth Postlewaite, instructor of business administration and Enactus director, explained that the organization is working locally with the Stark County YWCA, Anthony Petitti of the Garden Center, BZTAT studios, and more. "We are excited to use this money to better the local community through workforce training, better health, and access to the arts. By helping make an organic garden center and a local artist more sustainable we are using business knowledge and entrepreneurship to make a difference in Canton," she said.

Specifically, the Sam's Club Step Up for Small Business grant will be used to help Cindy Petitti, of Anthony Petitti Garden Center, grow and improve her organic business. Enactus will roll out a "Growing Awareness" marketing campaign, as well as help Petitti with administrative needs, pricing structure, and management.

Similarly, the Walmart Women's Empowerment grant will be used to provide workforce training for women. Currently, Malone students are working with Stark County YWCA and Turnaround Outreach.

Coca-Cola's "Uncap the Opportunities" grant is designated for a small, woman owned, niche business. The group is working with Vicki Boatright, a local artist specializing in unique pet portraits and owner of BZTAT Studios, to expand her customer base.

Pastlewaite said, "We have selected these businesses because we saw women working really hard who could use some support that we are able to provide."