The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) and Jewelers of America (JA) have announced the recipients of grants from this year’s Emerging Jeweler Accelerator Program (EJAP).
Launched in 2023, the EJAP offers a series of workshops designed to help new jewelry retailers gain the knowledge needed to build successful businesses in the industry. The first group of four jewelers has now completed the program and received grants, according to JA.
The 2024 grant recipients are Patricia Carruth of Your Personal Jeweler in Royal Oak, Michigan; Cloyette Harris-Stoute of Twin Elegance Jewelry in St. Albans, New York; Soojin Kim of Suu Atelier in Los Angeles, California; and Ashley Perryman of Jewelry Lady in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“We’re thrilled with the success of the first Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program,” said David Bonaparte, CEO of JA. “Our cohort and subject matter experts worked together to create an engaging environment that provided real business insights.”
Looking ahead, BIJC and JA will launch the second edition of the program in early 2025, featuring six retail jewelers. The program lasts eight months and ends with a presentation where participants outline how they will apply the lessons learned to grow their businesses. One winner will receive a $10,000 grant, and the other participants will each receive $4,000.
“We are excited to continue this impactful program,” said BIJC President Malyia McNaughton. “Starting and running a successful jewelry business is challenging, and we aim to support these entrepreneurs in turning their dreams into reality through expert-led workshops.”
Applications for both subject matter experts and participants are open until November 22, 2024.
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