Another three small businesses were recently awarded funding assistance from the Mission Economic Development Corporation as part as their Ruby Red Ventures Program.
The three businesses were awarded a combined $50,000 through the program, which runs twice a year, according to a news release issued last week.
The winners, Jose Luis Lopez and Heidi Lopez, own Mr. Pepe, a company that manufactures gourmet grilling sauces. They were awarded $25,000 that they will use to redesign the bottle for their product.
The second place award, $15,000, was awarded to Alejandro Chavez, owner of El Cazos Guisos, which makes pre-packaged Mexican meals and stews. Chavez will use the funds to increase production.
Maribeny Jenis was awarded 10,000 for third place. Jenis is the owner of B. Veggie, a company that produces natural fruit and vegetable juices using cold press technology. She will use the funds on a manufacturing facility.
Ruby Red Ventures is a four-month program during which small business owners attend classes to help them develop a business plan. After the four months, they present their plan to a panel of judges who select the three winners.
“Ruby Red Ventures is doing exactly what we’ve wanted it to do: Develop and nurture small business opportunities in the city of Mission,” Alex Meade, CEO of the EDC, said in the release. “We’ve awarded $600,000 to nearly 40 small businesses since the program started six years ago. These businesses, in turn, have created jobs and made capital investments here in Mission.”
