Mercado on Fifth and the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Western Illinois University – Quad Cities (WIU-QC) awarded $16,044.42 to 19 minority-owned small businesses and startups on Monday during a ceremony at Moline Public Library.
Awardees of the Minority Business Equipment Grant span a wide range of both mobile and brick and mortar establishments – food vendors, cleaning companies, health and wellness providers, retail businesses, a family farm, professional artist and more. Funds will be used for a variety of equipment-related purchases, such as a new iPad, vending machine repairs, an electric massage table, treadmills and a food truck wrap.
This marks the fifth funding cycle of Mercado’s equipment grant program, spearheaded by the late Mercado founder and successful Latino businessman Bob Ontiveros. Since its launch in 2018 in partnership with the SBDC at WIU-QC, the program has invested more than $78,000 in minority-owned businesses.
Mercado President Maria Ontiveros credits her grandfather’s longstanding commitment to empowering minority entrepreneurs for the continued success of the program.
“This is one of the many ways his (Bob’s) legacy will continue to have a positive impact on the Quad Cities,” Ontiveros said. “Access to capital is challenging for these businesses, and we’re happy to provide a little support.”
To be eligible for funding through this program, business owners must sign up for a one-on-one consultation with the Illinois SBDC at WIU-QC, which offers free confidential services in English and Spanish. This ensures businesses are set up for success beyond the grant.
“Once a client, always a client,” said Ann Friederichs, SBDC Business Advisor. “This grant is not only for our local business owners, it is a celebration of their willingness to persevere. We are here to honor them and their hard work.”
Awardees
| Business Name | Item Requested |
| CleanBee Residential, LLC | Vacuums and Cleaning Supplies |
| Just Beachy Home+ | Trailer |
| Polished QC | Commercial Carpet Cleaner |
| Tamales for Hope | Cart and Dolly |
| Adolfo’s Hair Studio/ Adolfo’s Imports | Tent, Tables, Hair Stations |
| Isa Balloon Design and More | Balloon Stuffing Machine |
| Gomez Family Farm, LLC | Trailer |
| Alienboi Boxing Academy | Treadmills |
| Bodywork With Dionna Reed | Electric Massage Table |
| Matar Tronos | iPad |
| Empanadas Cali | Commercial Fryer, Rolling Dough Mill, Mixer |
| Taqueria Roly’s | Blender |
| Emmanuel Garcia – New Vegan Food Truck | Electric Griddle |
| Lucky Vend | Machine Repair and Tools |
| Speeding Movers LLC | Truck Wrap |
| 2 Brothers’ Biscuits | Stove and Refrigerator |
| Raulito’s Tacos | Commercial Food Warmer and Commercial Refrigerator |
| Los Charros | Stove |
| Shades of Color Beauty Supplies INC. | Register Repair and Laptop |
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