Goodwill of North Georgia – one of the largest retail operations & workforce training agencies in Georgia with a mission to put people to work – held its annual Battle of the BIZ! competition at this year’s Gala celebration, benefiting the agency’s GoodBIZ! program and essential training programs. Goodwill raised $419,035 to support its 14 Career Centers and provide critical funds for local entrepreneurs participating in the GoodBIZ! Entrepreneurship Program. This year’s fundraising efforts not only broke last year’s record but also exceeded 2023 fundraising goals set by the agency.
A landmark program for Goodwill, GoodBIZ! provides aspiring entrepreneurs a path to running a successful business through career coaching and an 8-to 15-week workshop, at zero costs to jobseekers. Over the last five years, GoodBIZ! graduates have started 243 new businesses and created 431 new jobs.
On Saturday night, the top three 2023 GoodBIZ! graduates battled it out for the grand prize of $10,000. Kristel Valencia, founder of Cafexito Mexican Coffee Shop, was the winner and took home the grand prize. As the lead supporter of the GoodBiz! program, Truist Foundation Head of Strategy & Community Affairs Meghan Pietrantonio announced this year’s winner and presented them with the grand prize check. Truist Foundation is proud to help strengthen small businesses across North Georgia by supporting the GoodBIZ! program with a $200,000 grant.
Cafexito Mexican Coffee Shop is a culture-based coffee experience launched in August 2019. The company values sustainably sourced coffee beans to ensure fair payment for farmers in their homeland. Cafexito’s mission is to celebrate and educate on Mexican culture through every cup of Cafexito sold. It also prioritizes intentional connection with its community through events, fundraising, and support. The company’s goal is to bring the colors, flavors, and traditions of Mexican culture to the east coast through coffee and…
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