Page 53 - 2021 Westchester County Economic Development Guide

Above: Sacred Seeds’ award-winning products are made with all-natural ingredients and inspired by Perry’s global travels.
Right: Sacred Seeds Spa Bath Salts
When COVID-19 threatened to shutter her business, Perry sprang into action – applying for – and securing – an impressive litany of grants, assistance, training and resources available to entrepreneurs in the County.
GRANTS
After receiving her MWBE certification, Jennifer was able to apply for host of grants, including:
• A Women’s Enterprise Development
Center grant, with a six-week scaling
accelerator.
• A Microenterprise Grant from the city
of Yonkers to support microenterprises
financially impacted by COVID-19.
• A Westchester County CARES Act grant
to support temporary staffing.
TRAINING
Jennifer took part in:
• New York Women Chamber of Commerce ContractHER – an eight-week contract readiness program to help companies compete for city and state contracts.
• Mentorship from SCORE, which provides free small business education.
• Pre-COVID-19, she was a graduate of Just Add One, a program to assist eligible small business owners in making their business models/operations more efficient.
LOANS
Jennifer secured: •AYonkersIDAloanat0%.
• A Small Business Administration loan
via Community Capital.
• A COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan and participation in the Paycheck Protection Program.
Learn more about available resources in the County on page 42.
online presence, but that was a secondary focus. I reminded myself of my “why” and went heavy at grants to support my business. (See sidebar.) It was a lot of paperwork – like applying for college. It took focus, but I didn’t want to lose my business. I also used this time to educate myself. I took webinars and workshops with the Business Council of Westchester.
What’s your philosophy of self-care?
I envision a world where nourishing mind, body and soul is self-care, not selfish; where caring for oneself is not self-indulgence. Now, more than ever, we need coping mechanisms like these. My business is purpose-driven and conscious. My feeling is, the better we do, the more we can help.
What’s ahead for 2021?
I am really excited about 2021. I’m rebranding, and also launching a spring collection, beauty boxes and a subscription service. I’m expanding my home collection. I’m also launching podcasts that promote soul connection, and wellness in mind, body, spirit and soul. 2021 will be my best year ever.
“Jennifer is an inspiration. Her story is a testament not only to her diligence and tenacity, but to Westchester’s commitment to supporting our talented entrepreneurs.”
—Deborah Novick, Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Westchester County Office of Economic Development WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE 51
© Damon Hall Booth
© Damon Hall Booth