Before the holiday festivities kicked off and the New Year’s resolutions were set, the Catapult entrepreneurship team had another reason to celebrate and reflect. On December 6th, we gathered at the Gallery on Centre with these 21 entrepreneurs ready to leave a lasting impact on the retail and culinary worlds.
After a year of studying and dedication, the Catapult Startup to Storefront and Culinary cohorts were ready to grow their businesses with their newly honed skills and knowledge.
Equipping entrepreneurs with the tools for success
Our 12-month entrepreneurship programs prepare individuals to launch a new business or grow an existing one. The comprehensive course curriculums cover everything from the foundations of setting up a company, online marketing, and industry-specific training. Catapult Culinary participants can even earn their ServSafe certification through the program, an essential requirement for running a food-based enterprise.
But our programs aren’t just about business training — they’re designed to level the playing field by addressing the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds. That means our course content and instruction account for specific barriers caused by the trauma of racism or poverty, from mindset shifts to more flexibility for single mother entrepreneurs.
Whatever the journey may be, Catapult instructors take the time to understand each participant’s unique background and challenges to ensure they get the tailored support and tools they need to excel.
Darnella Murray, a 2021 graduate and current Catapult Commercial Kitchen tenant, is a testament to this holistic approach. This year, amid personal tragedy, she found strength and motivation in the support of the Catapult team.
A graduation to remember
The 2024 graduation was a true celebration, featuring food and decorations from two Catapult alumni, Boujie Bites and Opulent Occasions. Catapult’s director of entrepreneurship Lachelle Bell reminded graduates that they too could be hired for future Catapult events, with regular work opportunities sent out to alumni via email.
Dr. Renee Galloway, owner of Sweet Inspirations and another Catapult alum, was the night’s guest speaker. Her message to the graduates? Keep analyzing your goals and don’t hesitate to adapt them as you go.
“You’ve graduated, but now what? You’ve got to be specific in what your goals are,” she said. “I want everyone to succeed and come away from this program with at least one solid goal that they’re going to achieve as they end 2024 and start 2025 on a good note.”
Opportunities beyond the program
While participants may have graduated, that doesn’t mean they are leaving the pond. After graduation, there are many ways for them to continue to benefit from the Catapult ecosystem, including by getting involved with our Retail Gallery Incubators and Catapult Commercial Kitchen in Bellevue, which is offered to entrepreneurs for free for one year following graduation.
Six Startup to Storefront graduates will now sell their products in Gallery on Centre, our gallery incubator space in the Hill District. 15 Catapult Culinary graduates will also work out of the Catapult Commercial Kitchen, a key opportunity to accelerate their businesses without the pressure of high kitchen overhead.
"We are incredibly proud to have celebrated the accomplishments of our recent retail and culinary entrepreneur graduates. Their dedication and hard work throughout this program have laid the foundation for their continued success. This milestone reflects not only their commitment but also the strength of our community in fostering growth and opportunity. We are excited to see the lasting impact these entrepreneurs will have in their industries and beyond."
Meet our 2024 graduates and help them soar
As we power forward into the new year, let’s hear a round of applause for our 2024 graduates!
2024 Catapult Culinary Graduates:
- Brandi Allen – We Cook We Eat
- Tyler Coulverson – Soul Food Connection LLC
- Richard Cruse – Family Soul Connections LLC
- Krista Culliver – Sweet 412 LLC
- Shadeah Davis – Supa’s Kitchen
- TerriLawson – Terri Berriez Sweet Boutique and Café
- Lisa Lowery – Ms. Lisa’s Grow-op
- Keesha Marcelle Bennett – Peacefulplatez
- Stacey Sherer – S & S Chocolatz LLC
- Amber Sparks – So Good Nutrition LLC
- Kiona Stowers – Seasoned With Grace Soulfood & Catering
- Taqualaya Venson – Gilda’s Kitchen and Catering
- Moses Wamalwa – Meza by Musa
- Kierra Williams – Lil Sis Supper Club
- Shakale Williams – KaBoozy Delights
2024 Startup to Storefront Graduates:
- Alexis Adams -Charm Beauty and Esthetic
- Melissa Caldwell – Rings and Blings LLC
- Angel Ford – Lavish Lamb
- Lemuel Harper – Wise and Wicked
- Charonda Hill – Thribal
- Aris Robinson – Aridescent Fit
Interested in joining Catapult’s entrepreneurship programs? Follow us to be the first to know about our 2025 fall cohort applications, which will open up in June or July.
