Celebrating the 2025 GK Folks Entrepreneurship Award Winners!
On June 3, 2025, GK Folks Foundation hosted a powerful evening of celebration, connection, and empowerment at The Mill Entrepreneurship Center to honor the winners of this year’s GK Folks Entrepreneurship Award.
The event brought together outstanding entrepreneurs from our community—business owners who represent the heart, hustle, and heritage of Black and immigrant innovation in Utah. This year’s five winners were recognized not only for the number of votes and support they received but for their commitment to building sustainable, community-rooted businesses.
The event brought together outstanding entrepreneurs from our community—business owners who represent the heart, hustle, and heritage of Black and immigrant innovation in Utah. This year’s five winners were recognized not only for the number of votes and support they received but for their commitment to building sustainable, community-rooted businesses.
Award Ceremony Highlights
The evening kicked off with networking and introductions among the winners and our invited guests, including local leaders and business champions. We were especially honored to have Beth Colosimo, Executive Director of The Mill Entrepreneurship Center, lead a dedicated resource workshop for our winners. Beth also extended access to continued business advising throughout the year—a game-changing opportunity for each entrepreneur.
We were joined by two incredible CEOs whose stories deeply inspired everyone in attendance. One recently won a national pitch competition and shared his remarkable journey as a minority business owner. The other, a successful female entrepreneur, spoke about resilience, growth, and navigating business ownership as a woman of color.
We also welcomed Kim Tolman from Cyprus Credit Union, a longtime advocate for small business owners, who shared valuable financial resources and support opportunities available through the credit union.
We were joined by two incredible CEOs whose stories deeply inspired everyone in attendance. One recently won a national pitch competition and shared his remarkable journey as a minority business owner. The other, a successful female entrepreneur, spoke about resilience, growth, and navigating business ownership as a woman of color.
We also welcomed Kim Tolman from Cyprus Credit Union, a longtime advocate for small business owners, who shared valuable financial resources and support opportunities available through the credit union.
2025 Winners
These five winners not only gained visibility through our platform but also walked away with all the funds raised from their votes--plus access to an expert business advisor, market research reports, and additional resources provided through The Mill.
- Rosette’s Beignets & Mandazi – Rosette Bahati | Special congratulations to Rosette, whose business topped the vote count! Her vibrant culinary brand was also featured in Utah Business Magazine for its growing impact on Utah’s food scene.
- Mama Africa’s Pili Pili Sauce – Carthy Tshilokemba | Authentic African flavor in every jar—Carthy’s sauce business continues to grow and connect Utah to the bold taste of Africa.
- Golden Express Construction – Milly Smith | As a Black woman in construction, Milly is not just breaking barriers—she’s building futures.
- African Roots – Rosette Bahati | Rosette’s artistic business showcases African culture through handmade crafts and educational experiences.
- 801 Treats, LLC – Tiffany Alexander | Bringing joy through sweet treats, Tiffany’s fun and delicious funnel cakes and deep-fried Oreos are local favorites.
What Each Winner Receives:
- Dollar equivalent of the funds raised from public votes
- Personalized business advising sessions throughout 2025
- Customized market research reports and lead generation tools
- Financial analysis, help with projections, and funding strategy
- Introductions to potential funders and clients
A Word from GK Folks Foundation
"These entrepreneurs are the future of our community’s economy. By supporting them, we are investing in job creation, innovation, and wealth building for communities that have historically been left behind." — Gloria Mensah, Executive Director
We thank everyone who voted, shared, and cheered these business owners on. Special thanks to The Mill Entrepreneurship Center, Cyprus Credit Union, and our speakers and guests for making this an unforgettable experience.
We thank everyone who voted, shared, and cheered these business owners on. Special thanks to The Mill Entrepreneurship Center, Cyprus Credit Union, and our speakers and guests for making this an unforgettable experience.
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Competition Structure
This competition is designed to support entrepreneurs in raising funds for both their businesses and the GK Folks Foundation. Participants will not only gain access to valuable resources, mentorship, and exposure but also have the opportunity to attract capital and support for their ventures. The ultimate goal is to empower small businesses.
Voting will happen in three phases:
- Initial phase: Top 20 advances to Semi-Final
- Semi-final: Top 10 Advances to Final
- Final Voting Round: The top 5 winners are selected
The competition starts on April 1st, 2025
Award Ceremony scheduled for May 16th, 2025 (Location and time TBA)
Voting Mechanism
Cost: $3 per vote
Benefits for all participants: Keep the funds they raise.
- $1 to the Business
- $1 to GK Folks
- $1 for the Processing platform
Benefits for all participants: Keep the funds they raise.
- You raise money for your business by having people vote for you. A vote is $3, so if you raise 1000 votes that is $1000 that goes to you and your business
- Opportunity to get featured in Utah Business magazine
- And get mentored by Utah's Top CEO's
Top 5: Additional benefits and access to resources
- Access to Capital from our Lending partners
- Free Cyber Security Analysis of Your Business
- Free (Worth $5000) Brand new Business website if needed (Hosting not included)
- Business AI integration/adaptation
- Social Media coach
- Be Assigned an Expert Professional Business Advisor
- One-on-one, customized consultation with a business advisor biweekly or monthly throughout 2025. Topics of consultation will be based on the needs of your business.
- Personalized Market Research Reports customized to industry, product or service type, competition, site evaluation, etc. from high-value subscription databases and other sources
- If B2B business, a list with contacts of potential clients or customers
- If in need of funding, a list with contacts of potential funding sources
- Financial Analysis of Your Business
- Assistance with Business Plans and Financial Projections
- Introduction to other business service providers
TOP 5 WINNERS
Winners will receive an exclusive resource workshop the 1st week in June 2025.
Winner's Additional Benefit
To Participate: Send your logo, a short description of your business, and why people should vote for you to [email protected] on or before March 31st.
Winner's Additional Benefit
- Monetary Reward for the Winner: Amount raised through votes X 2
To Participate: Send your logo, a short description of your business, and why people should vote for you to [email protected] on or before March 31st.
