RVA Entrepreneur Empowerment Program from Culinary Concepts AB, Bridging Virginia, Hatch, and Capital One Celebrates 4th Cohort With Special Video
The Entrepreneur Empowerment Program (EEP) has graduated 32 entrepreneurs representing 27 Richmond businesses. Through a strategic alliance with Capital One and Bridging Virginia, we provide the training and capital access (over $221k to date) needed to bridge the critical “Year 1 to 5” gap for small food businesses.
Richmond VA – September 18, 2025: The Entrepreneur Empowerment Program (EEP) is celebrating the graduation of its 4th cohort of locally-based culinary entrepreneurs. The Program began in 2022 through a collaborative partnership between Culinary Concepts AB, Hatch, Bridging Virginia, and Capital One, and has since graduated 32 individuals representing 27 local businesses. Together, these partners offer local culinary entrepreneurs workforce development and opportunities for financial support, strengthening and expanding Richmond’s vibrant ecosystem of local restaurants and small businesses. Today Culinary Concepts AB released a special video commemorating the most recent cohort of graduates and the impact of EEP on the community.
This innovative program leverages partnerships to support entrepreneurs through the business lifecycle. The Entrepreneur Empowerment Program (EEP) begins with a 6-week course for culinary entrepreneurs that brings together the cultural, technical, and business skills that participants need to move from chef to restaurant owner. After completing the program, graduates participate in a special showcase, Spark RVA, to connect them to the larger RVA small business community. Bridging Virginia then works with graduates to identify any financial needs and help connect them to capital. To date, Bridging Virginia has provided graduates with $221,00 in business capital.
“Eighty percent of food and beverage businesses fail within their first five years. While many programs help businesses get started or support them once they’re profitable, there’s a critical gap between year one and five—the period when businesses need the most support. That’s where our Entrepreneur Empowerment Program excels. At Culinary Concepts AB, we give small businesses the tools and training they need to thrive, helping our community connect to the resources necessary for lasting success,” shares Antwon Brinson, a nationally recognized Chef and the Founder & CEO of Culinary Concepts AB.
“The Entrepreneur Empowerment Program allows us to work in collaboration with our regional partners to offer small business owners access to more resources than any of us could do alone. We have already seen that this model works, and we are excited to continue to collaborate and innovate so our communities can grow and thrive,” says Leah Fremouw, President & CEO of Bridging Virginia.
The Entrepreneur Empower Program, powered by an investment from Capital One, is a comprehensive initiative designed to support businesses in Richmond, Virginia, with a special focus on those owned by women and minorities. We foster a collaborative environment where entrepreneurs can set and achieve clear goals, implement sustainable practices, and gain the necessary tools to scale. Leveraging Hatch Kitchen as an incubator, participants can test their concepts while minimizing overhead, and upon program completion, they gain access to low-interest capital through Bridging Virginia to fuel their growth. Together, we create a sustainable ecosystem and a supportive community that drives long-term success.
“Access to capital, workforce development, and a supportive network are three crucial elements for the success of any small business. We are proud to partner with The Entrepreneur Empowerment Program and support their ongoing work connecting entrepreneurs with these critical resources,” says Phil Hatfield, Managing Vice President, Small Business Bank at Capital One.
The next EEP cohort launched on September 10, 2025, including 8 participants representing 6 small businesses: Buna Kurs Ethiopian Cafe, The Sweet Xscape, Block Blenders LLC, The Conscious Table, Good Vices, Sub Rosa Bakery.
Graduates of the program’s past cohorts include:
1. Penny’s Wine Shop (Richmond)
Penny’s Wine Shop is a brick-and-mortar concept located at 405 Brook Rd in Richmond, specializing in natural wine, small plates, and seasonal menu offerings. Founded by two childhood friends, this shop uniquely combines a curated bottle shop with a full wine bar and restaurant experience.
A significant recognition for Penny’s was being named by Forbes as one of the top ten restaurants in Richmond. Since participating in our Entrepreneur Empowerment Program (EEP), the business has made significant strides in its operations, including hiring a new chef and expanding its catering services. Penny’s has also been able to stabilize its front-of-house operations and grow its overall business by 25%.
2. Con Salsa (Glen Allen)
When Con Salsa launched its food truck in 2023, it faced several operational challenges. After joining the Entrepreneur Empowerment Program (EEP), owner Maly Fung-Angarita implemented new systems that helped her scale the business dramatically.
Con Sals successfully expanded from a single food truck to a dual operation, running both a mobile unit and a new brick-and-mortar location simultaneously. By streamlining day-to-day operations, the business not only achieved this significant expansion but also saw a substantial increase in its bottom line. Weeknight sales jumped by 25%.. This growth demonstrates how the program’s focus on operational efficiency and strategic planning directly led to the company’s expansion and financial success..
3. TBT El Gallo (Richmond)
Founded in 2023, TBT El Gallo is a Mexican street food business that specializes in modern interpretations of traditional cuisine. As participants in the Entrepreneur Empowerment Program (EEP), the company hoped to tackle challenges with labor management, space constraints, and budgeting.
Since completing the program, TBT El Gallo has transformed into a thriving multi-location enterprise. It now operates two brick-and-mortar locations and has a successful catering division, with total revenue exceeding $500K. This remarkable growth has also attracted significant media attention, including a feature in Richmond Magazine.
4. For the Love of Flour (Richmond)
Jennifer McGarry launched For the Love of Flour in 2020 as an online bakery, but was looking to expand their limited menu and diversify revenue channels.
After completing our Entrepreneur Empowerment Program (EEP), Jennifer opened a physical storefront, expanded her menu, and developed new wholesale and B2B sales channels. This strategic diversification not only secured a new location but also increased Jennifer’s financial acumen and confidence to grow her business significantly.
More details about the Entrepreneur Empowerment Program can be found at https://culinaryconceptsab.com/entrepreneur-empowerment-program/.
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Media Contact
Contact: Diana Manzano
Title: Executive Assistant
Email: info@culinaryconceptsab.com
Phone: 434.218.2637
About the Culinary Concepts AB
Culinary Concepts AB’s mission is to empower people and build community through food. We are dedicated to strengthening the workforce ecosystem through innovative training and collaborative partnerships. Collectively working together with strategic alliances, CCAB equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential tools and mentorship to thrive in the dynamic food industry.
About Bridging Virginia
Bridging VA provides financial resources and support to underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses. By connecting entrepreneurs with funding opportunities and offering valuable business guidance. Bridging VA helps to bridge the gap and create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
About Capital One
Capital One is a leading organization that supports Richmond-based entrepreneurs by offering resources such as grant funding and skills-based volunteerism through its Pro Bono Growth Consulting program. Capital One has committed over 100K to supporting the entrepreneur ecosystem in Richmond, VA.
