A lover of artisan chocolates since youth, Milene decided to hone her skills creating her own brand of artisan chocolates. She creates chocolates that are inspired by French and Japanese culture, and injects international ingredients into her chocolates. Her chocolate truffles include only the finest natural ingredients and no artificial preservatives. She plans to continue celebrating diversity and chocolate, as well as creating chocolate bars and additional chocolate sculptures.

Dana noticed a need for natural hair & body products with high quality ingredients, and decided to start her business in 2017. Each product is handmade, and contains familiar ingredients that people can recognize. Since the pandemic, they have had to pivot from in-person events to digital marketing, and they are hoping to grow sales over the next year.

Kathryn is the owner of a design/manufacturing business for custom and CA-themed gifts. Kathryn creates detailed architectural drawings and high-quality cardboard ornaments/souvenirs. She sells on her website and Etsy, in addition to local wholesale and consignment merchants. Kathryn would like to improve her business infrastructure to be more self-sustainable, as Kathryn was recently diagnosed with a disability and unable to spend too much time working on her business. She would like to improve manufacturing processes and inventory capacity before doing any marketing pushes.

Jasmine is the owner of a start-up coaching business for young black women looking to start a business, network, and facilitate their creative growth. Alongside consultations, Jasmine wants to build multiple streams of income and has developed an entrepreneurship curriculum targeting community organizations to offer programming to their clients / local entrepreneurs. Jasmine would like to bring on a partner to support business operations as well as increase support for in-person events and consultations.

Based in Los Angeles, California, Stacey's company creates everyday household supplies that are eco-friendly, high-quality and free of harmful chemicals. Their mission is to reduce the use of carbon emissions, carcinogens, and electricity expended by providing eco-friendly products to their consumers. The brand offers household items, such as their best-selling dryer balls that provide an eco-friendly alternative to chemically infused dryer sheets.

Nikki started her business in 2014 as a wedding videographer, which is when she first started working with Start Small Think Big. She is a passionate and hardworking business owner who loves what she does. Unfortunately, she has run into difficulties due the pandemic and weddings being postponed, and is hoping to build her way back to a full schedule of new weddings.

Cassandre operates a fun, thoughtful cafe that serves as a hub for local community activities and conversations. Her menu includes a range of options inspired by her cultural roots. Cassandre also hosts significant events, including art shows, open mic nights, cultural conversation groups, and concerts.

Rebekah offers home organizing services with the goal of optimizing space for her clients by developing functional and beautiful systems. She is looking to build a wellness and lifestyle brand to eventually sell home decor and products that will complement her services. Rebekah wants to lead the revolution that expands the way Black women and families experience the freedom that organization brings to their home.

Gift is the owner of a small business consultancy, helping individuals looking to advance their career and business owners looking to improve their businesses and build connections. She offers consulting services at different rates and gives clients custom-tailored services depending on their needs and goals.

Dru and Trin are a couple who founded a Queer art center and event space in Berkeley, CA. Being a physical safe space attracts local LGBTQ+ artists and folks looking to support / engage in the Berkeley queer creative community. Folks may shop one-of-a-kind pieces from local queer artists in-store, as well as attend educational events and workshops. Dru and Trin are looking for financial/marketing assistance to increase sales and create a more loyal customer base to have more consistent revenue.