LIFTING THE DREAMS OF EMERGING BIPOC ENTREPRENEURS

Two DLE leaders are paving the way for economic recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic to be racially equitable and inclusive. Auric and A.J. Enchill, brothers and business activists in the Berkshires, helped secure grants for six small business owners through their leadership of a program with the Boston Federal Reserve Bank.

Called Leaders for an Equitable Pittsfield, the initiative was established in 2022 by the Enchills as part of the Boston Fed’s Leaders for Equitable Local Economies grant program–or LELE.

LELE supports the efforts of leaders taking on the critical work of rebuilding economic systems in Massachusetts’ smaller cities by making those systems work better for BIPOC entrepreneurs who are experiencing obstacles in accessing capital. The honorees have diverse business offerings ranging from self-care spa products for the Black community to commercial sewing to frozen yogurt to collaborative marketing to culinary on wheels. 

Auric and A.J. recently hosted a special event to present $24,000 in grants that united the emerging entrepreneurs with Boston Fed representatives and Berkshire business leaders who serve as champions for the Leaders for an Equitable Pittsfield. DLE President and Founder Linda Dulye is among the four LELE champions.