Ascend program issues more grants to minority-owned businesses

The Ascend program has issued another round of grants to minority-owned businesses.

Five small businesses were awarded $5,000 grants on Thursday at the Efactory, according to information provided by U.S. Bank. Ascend, which stands for Accelerating Springfield’s Commitment to Entrepreneurship, Networking and Diversity, is a partnership between U.S. Bank, the Efactory and the Multicultural Business Association.

The five grant recipients yesterday were Crystal Campbell, Lashes by Aja, Snail Art House, The Cut and The Riksha.

Campbell, a Chicago native, plans to use the funding to open a sneaker and apparel store, according to U.S. Bank officials.

Lashes by Aja, owned by Aja Starks, intends to purchase three to four lash beds – used to provide comfort for eyelash extensions – with a long-term goal of buying a building for her business. The business is located at 1925 E Bennett St., Ste. C.

Chloe Thome's Snail Art House, 204 S. Campbell Ave., plans to buy a screen-printing machine, photography backdrop and other supplies.

The Cut, a barbershop owned by Charlten Henderson, plans to use the funds for educational purposes, such as how to perform services like cranial prosthesis, according to U.S. Bank.

Sakiko Kong's downtown restaurant The Riksha intends to use the funding to update furniture, fixtures and equipment, as well as strengthen marketing.

The first Ascend grant round in June awarded $5,000 apiece to five businesses, according to past reporting.