Pictured: Brenda Carney / Can Chasers, Alex Nicolette / Bloom Nutrition Solutions, Ana Felica Brito / D. Furniture Upholstery, Ingrid Quiceno-Vela / Barrio Builders, and (not pictured) Gabriella Marchesani / Legacy Fiberoptics
Five Women-Owned Businesses Recognized and Awarded a $5,000 Grant Totaling $25,000
Sponsored by The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Baird Private Wealth Management and the Griffiss Institute
Five women-owned businesses in Herkimer and Oneida Counties were each awarded $5,000 to support the growth and development of their businesses. The grant initiative is made possible by The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties with support from Baird Private Wealth Management and the Griffiss Institute.
“Our financial support of women entrepreneurs in our area began in 2022,” noted Ellen Rainey, Vice President of The Women’s Fund and chairperson of the Women Investing in Women committee of the board. “Our initiative has been embraced by the business community; we had 38 women business owners apply representing Oneida and Herkimer Counties. The diversity of the applications was impressive making the judging process both exciting and challenging.”
The grant applicants had to be 51 percent women-owned, located in Herkimer or Oneida Counties and in business for a minimum of one year.
“Baird Private Wealth Management’s partnership with The Women’s Fund speaks to our goals of helping women achieve financial and personal success,” stated Michele Sheridan, Director and CFP Professional at Baird. “All the applicants demonstrate an impressive resume of talent and entrepreneurial know-how. They are making an important impact. We are proud to help support the growing number of women-owned businesses in our communities.”
“As chairperson for the Assembly Small Business Committee, it is vital we support entrepreneurs throughout New York State,” commented Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon. “The work of The Women’s Fund and their partners make a difference in our local communities. I appreciate all they are doing to support women and small businesses. When small businesses thrive, so does our area.”
The 2025 award recipients are:
Ingrid Quiceno-Vela // Barrio Builders — Barrio Builders is a Latina-owned construction and housing rehabilitation firm based in Utica that specializes in lead-safe renovations that protect families and revitalize underserved neighborhoods. The grant will help pay for a construction trailer.
Alex Nicolette // Bloom Nutrition Solutions — According to Alex’s application, “The Utica area has limited access to nutrition-related care, while many individuals struggle with chronic illnesses requiring specialized dietary therapies. Additionally, a growing population of women diagnosed with eating disorders requires the expertise of a registered dietitian experienced in meal planning and nutrition counseling tailored to this condition.” The grant will be used for marketing efforts to expand the group practice and increase client numbers.
Brenda Carney // Can Chasers –– Can Chasers offers equine therapy to individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities. Their work aligns with Herkimer County Mental Health Services’ goals to expand respite services by providing horse-centered and art therapeutic activities. The grant will be used to purchase arena rails to expand their outdoor horse arena.
Ana Felicia Brito // D. Furniture Upholstery— An immigrant from the Dominican Republic, Ana’s business bucks the trend of “disposable” furniture. The grant will be used to purchase industrial machines, allowing her to work faster and with heavier fabrics.
Gabriella Marchesani // Legacy Fiberoptics — Legacy Fiberoptics provides repair and calibration services for fiber optic test equipment for their customers across the globe. The grant will be used to purchase nine new electrostatic discharge benches for their new facility to accommodate their increased workload and new customers.
The award ceremony was held at Griffiss Institute in Rome, New York. Griffiss attracts, develops and supports tech startup businesses in the Mohawk Valley. The Institute has supported the Women Investing In Women initiative since The Women’s Fund grant program began in 2022.
“Innovation thrives when community members support each other to be successful,” said Heather Hage, President and CEO of Griffiss Institute. “These businesses are doing good deeds in our Mohawk Valley communities by creating meaningful careers and delivering products and services that improve our quality of life. We are proud to stand with The Women’s Fund and Baird to empower the business leaders who make our communities stronger.”
The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a grassroots, volunteer-driven not-for-profit which is funded by donor contributions. The Women’s Fund has gifted nearly one million dollars to individuals and organizations in their 28 years of service to Herkimer and Oneida Counties. For information visit The Women’s Fund at www.womensfundhoc.org.
