PRESS RELEASE: NewTown Macon and Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages Announce Winners of Downtown Initiative

Macon, GA January 9, 2025 – In partnership with the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages, NewTown Macon completed the fifth round of the Downtown Diversity Initiative (DDI). Today, NewTown Macon and the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages announced the winners of the 2024 Downtown Diversity Initiative at Upper Echelon WRLD Clothing on Forsyth Street.

Since its launch in 2018, the Downtown Diversity Initiative has trained 167 entrepreneurs, graduated 99 participants and provided $120,000 in grant funding to participants. Now in its fifth year, the program continues to serve as a catalyst for disrupting the racial wealth gap and building a thriving, inclusive downtown community.

“The Downtown Diversity Initiative was inspired by the idea that downtown Macon, the heart of our community, should be where everyone has the opportunity to shape their financial future,” said Alex Habersham, publisher of the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages. “Through this program, we have equipped entrepreneurs with the resources they need to run successful and sustainable businesses while filling downtown’s storefronts at the same time.”

Over the past five years, DDI has advanced NewTown Macon’s strategic goal of increasing Black-owned businesses downtown. Since 2021, the percentage of Black-owned businesses increased from 18% to 27.96%, with 53 Black-owned businesses now operating in the downtown area. Simultaneously, downtown storefront occupancy has hit a record high of 83%.

“Downtown Macon is where vision meets opportunity,” said Lauren Marshall, vice president of community development at NewTown Macon. “The Downtown Diversity Initiative empowers local entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into thriving realities by providing the tools, training, and support needed to create successful, sustainable businesses that enrich our community.”

The Downtown Diversity Initiative is a six-session business training program designed to attract more Black business owners and customers to Macon’s urban core. Through group learning and presentations by local industry experts, participants developed an informed and complete business plan and set of financial projections. The program curriculum focuses on helping entrepreneurs develop their value proposition, target customer, customer success delivery, financial reports and sustainable business funding and wealth-building strategies.

Twenty-five entrepreneurs successfully presented their concepts and graduated as part of the 2024 cohort. The five entrepreneurs with the highest scores from the pitch contest were awarded $5,000 thanks to Wells Fargo’s generous sponsorship of the program. These awards will enable entrepreneurs to start or scale their current businesses. Winners include:

Alison Booker – Wonder Media: A multimedia production company capturing the essence of every story through video creation and photography, delivering impactful and innovative imagery.

Rachel Solomon – TheRadiantPop: A digital advertising and marketing agency serving small businesses and nonprofits, offering professional services and educational support for well-informed decision-making.

Kia Nikole Sutton – Fee Simple Law: Specializing in real estate closings, Fee Simple Law provides exceptional legal services for purchases, sales and refinances offering mobile closings across Metro Atlanta and Middle Georgia.

Keysha Foster Washington – Simply Grace Aesthetics: A multicultural facial studio offering elevated luxury skin care therapy and total body wellness focusing on healthy skin results.

Lonzo Whitfield – Upper Echelon WRLD Clothing: A downtown Macon streetwear boutique featuring a curated collection of rare, one-of-a-kind fashion that sets trends.

About NewTown Macon

We are an independent nonprofit that focuses on economic development and revitalizing Downtown Macon. We make it safe and beautiful and fun and affordable. And we keep it local. We are located at 555 Poplar Street, Macon, GA 31201 and can be reached at (478) 722-9909. For more information, please visit newtownmacon.com.

About Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages
The Black Pages is an annual publication that promotes and showcases African-American businesses in the Middle Georgia area. We also aid in small business promotion with web and print design and other marketing campaigns. Learn more at maconblackpages.com.