Khalsa Salsa was one of three Emerge Initiative Recipients Recognized with a $5000 Grant Award from Black Founders Matter and OEN
Portland, Oregon – September 289, 2021 – Khalsa Salsa was recognized by Black Founders Matter with a $5000 grant through the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN), Oregon Angel Food 3rd annual event; which focuses on investing in emerging and growing food and beverage businesses in the Pacific NW. The Emerge Award recognized 3 companies to invest in their growth and stability as they expand deeper into the region.
OEN helps entrepreneurs of all kinds in Oregon and SW Washington find the capital they need to develop their businesses, both financial and social. President and Executive Director, Amanda Oborne, shares
“We believe entrepreneurship offers freedom, empowerment and autonomy while building community, connectivity, and interdependence. We created Oregon Angel Food to address a gap in early-stage investing for local food and beverage makers. Oregon is a true innovator when it comes to food, and culturally specific products can really shine, but BIPOC entrepreneurs often face significant challenges getting funding at the earliest stages. We’re honored to support Black Founders Matter in helping close that gap for three emerging BIPOC makers, including Khalsa Salsa.”
Himalaya Rao, from Black Founders Matter, determined to partner with the Oregon Angel Food event understanding the impact and synergy a partnership could mean for small BIPOC businesses going through their program.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network to create the Emerge Initiative. This program invests in businesses, like Khalsa Salsa, that grow the local and regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. Khalsa Salsa was a clear standout; from their innovative flavor profiles to the talent and passion that both Rippy and Sukhdev shared with our selection committee. We are confident that their salsas and venture will bring Indian Fusion flavors, culture, and fire to tables everywhere” – Himalaya Rao, Managing Director
Founders, Rippy and Sukhdev, share the grant investment will be used in marketing and sales outreach to expand their retailer footprint for customers to continue to find their salsas conveniently.
“We are honored that both OEN and Black Founders Matter believe in our company, our brand and our salsas – it gives us confidence that the flavors of our culture bring joy and delight to others.”
About Khalsa Salsa Khalsa Salsa is based in the greater Portland area and creates a memorable line of Indian fusion salsas that includes Classic, Black Bean and 2021 Good Food Award Winning Mango Habanero. They create healthy, gluten free, vegan salsas made with fresh locally sourced ingredients with no artificial ingredients or preservatives. Khalsa Salsa is a BIPOC owned and woman led company committed to “Vand Chhakna” which is sharing what one earns with those in need and do so by supporting organizations who are giving back to the community. Khalsa Salsa donates a portion of their profits to various non-profits throughout the Pacific NW. Learn more at www.khalsasalsa.net
Black Founders Matter (BFM) is a $10 million venture fund focused on Black founders. The Emerge Initiative is a program launched by BFM in partnership with OEN to help early-stage founders of color access unrestricted funding for business development in order to gain market traction and become investment-ready. Learn more at www.blackfoundersmatter.org.
Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs start up and scale up. The organization hosts two main entrepreneur education and angel investment programs: Angel Oregon Tech (AOTech) and Oregon Angel Food (OregonAF), as well as the annual OEN Entrepreneurship Awards. Learn more at www.oen.org.
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Contact Information:
Khalsa Salsa
[email protected] Instagram @khalsa_salsa
Rupinder Kaur (Rippy) 503.781.8806
Sukhdev Singh 503.481.9805
Shannon Hiller-Webb, Prosparus
503.928.9539
Farmers Market Calendar:
Orenco Station Hillsboro Farmers Market – every Sunday 10 am – 2 pm through October 31st
Black & Indigenous Farmers and Makers Come-Thru Market – 1st and 3rd Mondays 12 pm – 4 pm
Locations:
Market of Choice
New Seasons Market
Green Zebra Grocery
Food Fight
Videos:
Sweet Potato Salsa Soup made with Khalsa Salsa Black Bean Salsa https://youtu.be/bCz7O4GJNwQ
Salsa Samosa Puff Made with Khalsa Salsa Mango Habanero Salsa https://youtu.be/E9EQOeBk11Y