Jeanette Sellers is the proud owner of Wadada Healthy Market & Juice Bar, Atlanta's first black-owned and woman-owned vegan grocery store and juice bar. Opened in March of 2019, Wadada is located in Atlanta’s historic West End. Alongside fresh produce and herbs, Wadada provides superfood sea moss smoothies, fresh-pressed juices, organic teas and sea moss gel. More than 90 percent of the store’s products and vendors are other local black-owned businesses. Wadada’s mission: to serve and support the local community while being a partner in your health journey.

Having heard about the Atlanta Open for Business Fund from various sources, Sellers contacted Invest Atlanta, regarding a Commercial Property Improvement Grant. “Thanks to the grant I received, I was able to enhance my business with new flooring, lighting, mural/artwork and painting,” shared Sellers. The grant, made possible from a $20 million donation from Wells Fargo and in collaboration with United Way of Greater Atlanta, helps Atlanta small business owners own more of their businesses’ assets, including property and equipment, and enables physical upgrades to their facilities.

What started out as foundational support expanded quickly into the Atlanta Open for Business Fund team offering additional guidance, including accounting and financial advice through consulting services with ATLinBusiness. “The team went beyond the scope of the project–they were happy to help in any way they could.”

When asked if she would advise others to consider a grant opportunity with Atlanta Open for Business Fund, Sellers enthusiastically replied: GO FOR IT.

As a result, Sellers is able to deliver an enhanced experience to Wadada’s target audience of health conscious consumers, fitness community members, and students. “Engaging the Atlanta Open for Business Fund helped my business tremendously,” said Sellers. “I walked away with information and resources that I really needed. Everyone was super helpful and professional. You can’t take it for granted!”

Learn more about Wadada at www.wadadaatl.com/. Follow along on Instagram @wadada_atl.

The Atlanta Open for Business Fund is designed to help small business owners in Atlanta build wealth by investing in assets such as commercial space, equipment and technology. It is supported by a generous donation of $20 million from Wells Fargo in partnership with United Way of Greater Atlanta to help Atlanta businesses impacted by the pandemic recover.