Stephanie Hart is the United States’ only Black woman-owned chocolate producer. She is the founder of Brown Sugar Bakery, which she founded in 2002. The bakery provides gourmet goodies such as cakes, cobblers, pies, cupcakes, and chocolates to Chicago, IL.
According to the press release, the bakery, which has its roots in Chicago’s Grand Crossing neighborhood, has consistently been a significant community presence across the city’s South Side.
Today, the bakery’s operations have grown following the formal opening of a 10,000-square-foot manufacturing building, which was attended by Chicago Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.
The 10,000-square-foot facility will permit large-scale production on Chicago’s South Side while also creating jobs. Furthermore, as a result of its increased manufacturing area, the bakery’s statewide shipping choices will soon grow.
“One of the most important things I get to do as governor is help entrepreneurs start new businesses and help small businesses become big ones. That’s the best way to create jobs and grow the economy,” said Governor Pritzker. “I couldn’t be prouder of the Brown Sugar Bakery team as they continue to uplift the community, making a difference in so many people’s lives while bringing smiles to the faces of people everywhere.”
The bakery’s expansion was made possible by a $500,000 grant from the state’s Minority-Owned Business Capital and Infrastructure Program in 2020.
“Today marks an exciting milestone for Stephanie Hart and Black women everywhere, making her the only Black woman-owned chocolate manufacturer in the United States! This is Black HERStory in action,” said Lt. Governor Stratton. “I’m so excited for Brown Sugar Bakery’s success as they take this next step in their journey.”
The state also awarded the bakery a grant from the Back to Business (B2B) Restaurants program, which is aimed at mitigating losses and boosting job retention in one of the industries hardest hit by the COVID-19 outbreak, according to the statement.
“Additionally, Brown Sugar Bakery was featured in the Illinois Office of Tourism’s Illinois Made campaign to promote the bakery’s ‘dangerously delicious’ confections and encourage patronage from visitors near and far,” the release added.
“The State of Illinois’ commitment to supporting businesses owned by people of color and other underrepresented groups goes beyond grant funding programs; DCEO provides a number of resources, opportunities, and support to help small businesses thrive in a diverse business ecosystem,” said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards.
“Bolstered by state funding and support, Brown Sugar Bakery and other locally-owned neighborhood favorites are expanding their roots in Illinois—the best place to live, work, and do business.”