https://spring2025report.necessary.systems/investor-report-runner 2025-04-02T00:50:51+00:00 always 0.5 https://spring2025report.necessary.systems/menu-button 2025-04-02T00:50:51+00:00 always 0.5 https://spring2025report.necessary.systems/menu-button-copy 2025-04-02T00:50:51+00:00 always 0.5 https://spring2025report.necessary.systems 2026-07-17T15:14:53+00:00 always 0.5 https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/G869893239669391294007305120348/horizontal.svg https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/J2267448650803068908715007300729/Live-Like-A-Local-Tours-Boston-New-Website-Mockup-2.jpg <a href="https://www.livelikealocaltoursboston.com/"> Live Like A Local Tours</a> was featured in the Bay State Banner for its <a href="https://baystatebanner.com/2024/09/11/tour-company-highlights-the-black-businesses-of-marthas-vineyard/">unique approach to showcasing Boston's Black and brown neighborhoods</a>. LLAL is teaming up with fellow UGBA member Sydney Janey Designs to co-produce this year’s Martha’s Vineyard Black Biz Day Tour. Stay tuned for more updates! They’re now accepting spring and summer reservations for tours; <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&%7B%7BemailTrackingId%7D%7D&%7B%7BsecureId%7D%7D&linkId=2042455&targetUrl=https://www.livelikealocaltoursboston.com/">book yours here</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/K2267449807413922330303893623929/240966448_1934732019998718_4680916801094611104_n.jpeg Eastie Farm has launched a <a href="https://eastiefarm.com/csa/">Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program</a> for 2025: a subscription program to access fresh, local produce from May 28 to November 14, 2025. Flexible payment options, including SNAP and tiered pricing, ensure accessibility for all. Subscriptions are now open—sign up to bring nutritious, locally grown food to your table! Also, <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&{{emailTrackingId}}&{{secureId}}&linkId=2139409&targetUrl=https://eastiefarm.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Eastie Farm</a>, in partnership with <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&{{emailTrackingId}}&{{secureId}}&linkId=2139383&targetUrl=https://piersparksailing.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Piers Park Sailing Center</a>, <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&{{emailTrackingId}}&{{secureId}}&linkId=2139405&targetUrl=https://veronicaroblesculturalcenter.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Veronica Robles Cultural Center</a>, and <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&{{emailTrackingId}}&{{secureId}}&linkId=2139385&targetUrl=https://mlcsboston.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Maverick Landing Community Services</a>, is offering paid mentorship sessions to support East Boston youth with career planning <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&%7B%7BemailTrackingId%7D%7D&%7B%7BsecureId%7D%7D&linkId=1922419&targetUrl=https://eastiefarm.com/">Eastie Farm</a> invites volunteers to come to their weekly openhouse! Stop by their greenhouse in East Boston every Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 pm. Check their <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&%7B%7BemailTrackingId%7D%7D&%7B%7BsecureId%7D%7D&linkId=1922415&targetUrl=https://eastiefarm.com/calendar-of-events/">calendar</a> for additional dates. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/H2267458533166591052690837230713/ugba-updates.png https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/H2267459970352421835402003633273/6HUZ77Y5UJGU3GKWIPX3RZGCGM.jpg <a href="https://hillsidesauce.com/">Hillside Harvest</a> announced that you can now find their delicious marinades at all <a href="https://www.davesmarketplace.com/">Dave's Fresh Marketplace</a> locations in Rhode Island! Stop by your nearest Dave's Fresh Marketplace and stock up today! Hillside Harvest is also thrilled to announce the launch of their vibrant new website, bringing the flavors of the Caribbean straight to your screen. Additionally, the brand recently launched its new podcast, <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&{{emailTrackingId}}&{{secureId}}&linkId=2139384&targetUrl=https://www.youtube.com/@hillsideharvest7825/podcasts" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CHOP IT UP</a>, hosted by founder and owner Kamaal Jarrett. Explore the new site and check out their exciting rebranding <a href="https://hillsidesauce.com/?mc_cid=2304faa93c&mc_eid=0a59e267a1">here</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/M2267461255795335867778398442617/TCPJXFED6SWJWDOPK37DYVWOJA.jpg <a href="https://www.comfortkitchenbos.com/">Comfort Kitchen</a> just celebrated their two-year anniversary on January 25th. This milestone marks two years of living by their values of community building, collaboration, and fostering cross-cultural understanding in their brick-and-mortar home–right in the heart of Uphams Corner, Dorchester. They celebrated the occasion with a communal dining event, “<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DE3TBv3Of1S/">Dorchester to the World,</a>” to affirm their home neighborhood’s diverse and diasporic food offerings. In October 2024, Comfort Kitchen was named to Boston Magazine’s <a href="https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/best-restaurants-in-boston/">Top 50 Restaurants in Boston</a> for the second time in two years! The restaurant was also recently featured on NESN’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsIMxnVZgVg">Dining Playbook</a> program, showcasing their unique take on global comfort food. Wish them congratulations and stop by their location at 611 Columbia Road in Dorchester. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/K2267463336458940173699853866105/2fce3d_292b595d4ee44de2b687aeffdfacbadfmv2.jpg <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&%7B%7BemailTrackingId%7D%7D&%7B%7BsecureId%7D%7D&linkId=1776341&targetUrl=https://www.kidogoproductions.com/">Kidogo Productions</a> recently hired a Chief Technology Officer and a Creative Director to the team, building needed capacity to meet their goals. Kidogo Productions is also launching a new clickable prototype for Kidogoville, a new platform designed to engage young learners–<a href="https://forms.gle/uftDNJoCB7LoNZK78">try it out here</a>. Founder Keeana Saxon <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgQ-oHz1g0Q">recently reflected with us on her experience as an investee</a>, sharing her gratitude for the communal support and uplift while founding a tech and infotainment start-up. Watch her reflections, and more, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgQ-oHz1g0Q">here</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/Q2267464772261265150882803897465/8776E1F7-CC90-4A9D-B96A-38DF10F5017D-2.jpg <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&%7B%7BemailTrackingId%7D%7D&%7B%7BsecureId%7D%7D&linkId=1776297&targetUrl=https://www.thepearlsouthbay.com/">The Pearl</a>’s second location at Boston Landing, a commercial and residential hub in Brighton, is now open, with a new location website to <a href="https://www.bostonlanding.co/places/the-pearl">boot</a>. Recently, their opening was featured in the <a href="https://baystatebanner.com/2025/03/20/restaurateur-mika-winder-opens-a-second-location-of-seafood-spot-the-pearl/" target="_blank">Bay State Banner</a> for Women’s History Month—another Ujima portfolio company. The new location is available for <a href="https://www.bostonlanding.co/host-an-event">event hosting</a> and <a href="https://www.bostonlanding.co/contact">event rentals</a>, and they’re taking reservations now. Check the site <a href="https://www.bostonlanding.co/places/the-pearl">here</a> for more updates! Visit The Pearl for fun ambiance, mouthwatering oysters, and so many more delicious offerings. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/Q2267465854900674836896388240505/YGGURHE53YWJ4KVIPFZUCYJOX4.jpg <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&%7B%7BemailTrackingId%7D%7D&%7B%7BsecureId%7D%7D&linkId=1713494&targetUrl=https://www.dorchesterfoodcoop.com/">Dorchester Food Co-op</a> is making exciting changes based on community feedback to better serve its members and customers. They have brought on interim General Manager <a href="https://columinate.coop/consultants/garland-mcqueen/">Garland McQueen</a> to improve operations and align with community needs. The café has added a free community library. Finally, they recently commemorated their year-plus of operations with a short documentary that exemplifies their vision, values, and commitment to serve their community as a worker-owned grocery store that makes healthy food accessible. Watch the video <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFQI5VIu_xz/?hl=en">here</a>. To support Dorchester Food Co-Op, please consider <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&%7B%7BemailTrackingId%7D%7D&%7B%7BsecureId%7D%7D&linkId=1713500&targetUrl=https://dorchesterfoodcoop.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9329b353c913b2073fc02eb3c&id=eee085d5a2">subscribing to their newsletter</a> or <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&%7B%7BemailTrackingId%7D%7D&%7B%7BsecureId%7D%7D&linkId=1713504&targetUrl=https://www.dorchesterfoodcoop.com/join-the-coop">becoming a member of the co-op</a>. Wish them congratulations, and visit their store at 195 Bowdoin St in Dorchester. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/A2267483771061048754340171109497/sadie-IR.png <div style="text-align: center"><h1><a href="sadie" rel="history">SADIE MODI</a></h1></div> https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/X2267503803985305129955001914489/STACEY-IR.png <div style="text-align: center"><h1><a href="stacey" rel="history">STACEY CORDEIRO</a></h1></div> https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/Y2267518192556363087847519704185/header-3600x.png https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/R2267635729657130798923841819769/PU-news.png https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/N2267660827079632379274940142713/logo-mathtalk1.png Read more about MathTalk’s work in education <a href="https://www.ujimaboston.com/post/ugba-welcomes-mathtalk">here</a>. MathTalk is currently seeking investment from the Ujima Fund. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/B2267665186340404902021339829369/side-presents.png Read more about SidePresents Production’s work in culture and event organizing <a href="https://www.ujimaboston.com/post/ugba-welcomes-side-presents">here</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/S2267665448671552374244873360505/DVM-Housing.jpeg Read more about DVM Housing‘s work in development <a href="https://www.ujimaboston.com/post/ugba-welcomes-dvm-housing-partners-dvm">here</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/Q2267667671135278374771652056185/cropped-DAP-Seal-Logo.png Read more about Dorchester Art Project’s work in cultural organizing and arts sustainability <a href="https://www.ujimaboston.com/post/ugba-welcomes-dorchester-art-project">here</a>; and read our interview with one of their co-op organizers, Amyas McKnight (who is also an organizer with BCCO) <a href="amayas" rel="history">here</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/J2267669018946634120360040879225/birthingheirs-logo.png Read more about the BirthingHeirs Project’s work in health equity <a href="https://www.ujimaboston.com/post/ugba-welcomes-birthing-heirs-project">here</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/E2267673682172855489692432094329/pixworx.jpeg Read more about Pixworx‘s work in photography <a href="https://www.ujimaboston.com/post/ugba-welcomes-pixworx-llc">here</a>. In March 2025, Pixworx was <a href="https://baystatebanner.com/2025/03/19/nonbinary-photographer-showcases-lgbtqia-community/" target="_blank">featured</a> in Ujima Fund Portfolio company, Bay State Banner’s Women’s History Month Special Edition. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/T2267675305117399094658783270009/boston-innovation-outlet.jpeg Read more about Boston Innovation Outlet’s work in story-telling and model-building <a href="https://www.ujimaboston.com/post/ugba-welcomes-boston-innovation-outlet">here</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/A2267675305670801416870069818489/urban-gardener-logo.jpg Read more about the Urban Gardener‘s work in landscaping <a href="https://www.ujimaboston.com/post/ugba-welcomes-the-urban-gardener">here</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/X2267676984324512124439266874489/2birdsnostones.jpeg Read more about 2 Birds No Stones’s work in design and play <a href="https://www.ujimaboston.com/post/ugba-welcomes-2-birds-no-stones">here</a>. Recently the company was featured in Ujima Fund Portfolio company, the Bay State Banner. <a href="https://baystatebanner.com/2025/03/05/curator-of-joy-brings-art-and-sensory-play-to-city-youth/" target="_blank">Read more</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/S2267745754063120074753334596729/Screenshot-2025-03-20-at-4.32.20PM.png https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/U2267785569220380864270189745273/01a075_b632cfd8099543e48a0648827a272b85mv2.jpg https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/P2267820519971229416578283754617/01a075_c5871a48d6954427805c7cfee4c6f3cemv2.jpg https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/S2267820520026569648799412409465/01a075_827ec4f015f14a338de40fd416ad0992mv2.jpg https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/I2267820519989676160651993306233/01a075_e05c95e8a4d94793a2efbfdcd3b10c59mv2.jpg https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/K2267820520063463136946831512697/01a075_702ee1425fa94fde912c2448fa0c13cbmv2.jpg https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/O2267820520081909881020541064313/01a075_c29dfe0631a14f69b4c3acf614239200mv2.jpg https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/K2267820520045016392873121961081/01a075_b632cfd8099543e48a0648827a272b85mv2.jpg https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/H2267820520008122904725702857849/01a075_fdac139f712645feafa3d264fb136d3dmv2.jpg https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/D2285366554671002479156147278969/website-landing-pg-bg.png https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/Z2285367748359811488901232350329/Screenshot-2025-03-31-at-5.53.49PM.png https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/V2285503449268492306972067779705/Social-21-1062-WHITE-074.jpg <a href="https://cupcaketherapyboston.com/">Cupcake Therapy</a> has recently acquired a physical location, slated to launch in the North End neighborhood of Boston at 117 Atlantic Avenue. The “Cupcakes with a Boston-accent” company has launched a <a href="https://cupcaketherapyboston.com/collections/crowdfunding-campaign-perks">crowdfunding campaign</a> to support the effort. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/C2285508409948461864870978802809/Use-for-Web-and-Presentation-The-Bay-State-Banner_Logo.jpg In October 2024, the Bay State Banner <a href="https://baystatebanner.com/2024/10/02/the-banner-returns-to-the-heart-of-roxbury/">announced</a> that they are relocating their headquarters “to the Nubian Square area to take over the historic Cruz Company offices at One John Eliot Square,” in the heart of Black Boston. 2025 marks the New England paper’s 60th anniversary. Over the past year, the print version of the newspaper and the website have gone through extensive changes. They have added special sections for business and sports and launched a virtual art gallery. In partnership with local PBS outlet WGBH, they have begun a live community conversation series entitled GBH Amplifies: Ron Mitchell and the Bay State Banner, part of a larger community conversation series designed to elevate local voices from Boston and beyond. Held each month at GBH’s studio at the Boston Public Library, GBH Amplifies events feature a cast of rotating hosts from local media, community organizations, and more. Looking ahead to the next chapter, they anticipate the opening of a full, live-streaming studio where they will produce a weekly online Bay State Banner newscast. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/F2285522614181206294183947293817/Screenshot-2025-03-31-at-8.13.44PM.png Entering their 14th year of business, <a href="https://kushgrooveclothing.com">Kush Groove Clothing</a> has not slowed down. You can find a full inventory of t-shirts, jackets, their latest spring sweatshirts <a href="https://kushgrooveclothing.com">online now</a>— with a sale to boot. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/Z2285530834493087396929176622201/jazzurbanecafeconcertphoto.png Build out at Jazz Urbane’s 2300 Washington St location has begun. In January 2025, they held their first Investors’ Reception, that included a small group, hard-hatted, guided tours of our physical space. On April 18, 2025 they’ll present <a href="https://www.icaboston.org/events/jazz-urbane-cafe-at-ica-presents-art-forward/" target="_blank">Art Forward,</a> an evening featuring the Imagine Orchestra directed by Dr. Bill Banfield, filmmaker Karina Choudhury and much more. <a href="https://www.icaboston.org/events/jazz-urbane-cafe-at-ica-presents-art-forward/">Tickets are available now.</a> https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/N2287020766722513544302955353209/SparkFM_Transparent_OnlineLogo_Blk-2.png Read more about SparkFM’s work in media <a href="https://www.sparkfmonline.com" target="_blank">here</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/V2287063958353362841542428742777/Boston_-_buildings_.jpg <a href="https://www.bnclt.org/home-ownership" target="_blank">Boston Neighborhood Community Land Trust</a> (BNCLT) has expanded to include affordable homeownership as well as rentals as part of its programming. BNCLT is also inviting land owners to consider selling or donating their properties to the land trust. <a href="https://www.bnclt.org/home-ownership" target="_blank">Read more here.</a> BNCLT is currently seeking investment from the Ujima Fund. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/N2287079539229724003651815232633/11807287_10153097349946588_8658534701967324012_o.jpg Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative was highlighted in a recent <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fixing-the-housing-crisis-goes-beyond-building-more-units/id1589481246?i=1000697820394" target="_blank">NextCity podcast</a> covering the housing crisis in the US. They added their voice to the community wealth-building conversation with co-authorship of a <a href="https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/its-time-for-funders-to-put-their-money-behind-community-ownership" target="_blank">Next City article</a>, calling on funders to resource community ownership initiatives. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/A2287091209008959913788358546553/Screenshot-2025-04-01-at-7.50.58PM.png Fresh Food Generation <a href="https://www.boston.gov/news/city-boston-licensing-board-approved-37-new-liquor-licenses" target="_blank">recently secured a liquor license</a> for their Dorchester location. In addition, the company has <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DG0rvUCM_K-/" target="_blank">extended their operating hours</a> to 11 am to 8 pm, Tuesday through Friday. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/A2287102907915604716312283862137/SydneyJaneyHorzTag1028x512.png Sydney Janey Design is teaming up with fellow UGBA member Live Like a Local Tours to co-produce this year’s Martha’s Vineyard Black Biz Day Tour. Stay tuned for more updates! https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/X2287124011728694802987714630777/bsb-ad-feb-25.jpg https://spring2025report.necessary.systems/nav---mobile 2026-04-02T14:11:14+00:00 always 0.5 https://spring2025report.necessary.systems/nav-—-colophon-|-desktop 2026-07-17T15:14:53+00:00 always 0.5 https://spring2025report.necessary.systems/sadie 2025-04-02T00:50:51+00:00 always 0.5 https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/A2267483771061048754340171109497/sadie-IR.png https://spring2025report.necessary.systems/stacey 2025-04-02T00:50:51+00:00 always 0.5 https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/A2267483771061048754340171109497/sadie-IR.png https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/X2267503803985305129955001914489/STACEY-IR.png https://spring2025report.necessary.systems/amayas 2025-04-08T20:34:57+00:00 always 0.5 https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/A2267483771061048754340171109497/sadie-IR.png https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/X2267505184207590213051072926841/AMAYAS-IR.png