Number 235 August 11, 2023 St. Louis
Black Busisness Month Client Spotlight: Chef Neesee of That’s So Good
Justine PETERSEN is highlighting clients who are Black business owners throughout the month of August – Black Business Month. The clients we love to work with are those we form long-term relationships with through the different products and services at JP. One of those clients is Chef Neesee Larry, owner of That’s So Good Catering Company. Chef Neesee originally came to JP as a credit building client, looking to overcome barriers in her credit history that were reflecting in her credit report and score. When clients come in to our credit building team, they receive one-on-one guidance on how to address issues showing up on their credit report, as well as customized plans for how to build their credit going forward. Chef Neesee was diligent in putting in the work she needed to, which in turn allowed her to become fearless to take the steps towards her dream of becoming a business owner. With a newfound sense of joy in her own personal financial wellness accomplishments, Chef Neesee wanted to give some of that back to the community in the best way she knew how: her food. With the support of programs and grants from fellow partners of JP, Better Family Life and Spectrum Business, Chef Neesee launched That’s So Good. The contracts have been coming her way ever since. The growing demand is no surprise to anyone who’s had the fortune of tasting Chef Neesee’s dishes, including JP’s leadership team who were going back for seconds (and thirds!) of her delicious lasagna at a training earlier this week that she catered. To keep up with this growth, Chef Neesee was able to get a small business loan and take on “good debt” through JP without issue due to what she qualified for through her improved credit score. JP was most happy to make this loan, as the St. Louis community is better with Chef Neesee’s food in it. Fair warning though: JP was one of four events Chef Neesee had Wednesday, so be sure to book her early, and after you’ll probably find yourself doing so often.
Join JP + Anika Porter of Lifespiration for a Lunch & Learn This Week
This Wednesday, August 16th CEO of Lifespiration Anika Porter will be hosting a Lunch and Learn, in partnership with JP, on social media marketing. Anika will be sharing her knowledge, and of course inspiration, that will leave you and your business feeling less overwhelmed with social media strategy. Check out this feature in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for more about it! Register to attend here.
Grants Available for North St. Louis Small Business and Non-Profits
Applications are now open for the North St. Louis Small Business and Non-Profit Grant Program. The program, through St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) intends to reverse the the impact of disinvestment in this particular geographic area by disbursing $37 million of Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Funds (SLFRF). Interested applicants should visit this website.
Happy Birthday, Jim and Gigi!
Some days are better than others, and Tuesday, August 8th was one of those. We got to celebrate a couple of JP gems, Jim and Gigi! Jim is one of JP’s co-founders and currently serves as a Senior Asset Building Counselor. Gigi currently keeps everything in order for our clients as a Compliance Associate, though will soon be doing so for all of us in the office when she moves up to Office Manager in September. You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who does not smile when thinking of Jim or Gigi. We hope you both have many in return this birthday!
Remembering Michael Brown, Jr.
Wednesday, August 9th was the nine anniversary of the day an unarmed Michael Brown, Jr. was shot and killed by a police officer in Ferguson, MO. Michael Brown, Jr. was many things, including a member of the community and a student. In honor of this anniversary, we continue to hope and ask local, state, and national leaders for equity in opportunity and an end to gun violence within our neighborhoods.
Resources Available for Missouri Tenants
Mortgage Assistance for Illinois Homeowners
As a HUD certified counseling agency, Justine PETERSEN is here to support. We encourage anyone interested in learning more about mortgage assistance and the application process to contact us by emailing JPHomeTeam@justinepetersen.org. More information can also be found here.
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA