Listen to “#848 How Creating Jewelry From Repurposed Materials Won Her $50,000” on Spreaker.
On this episode of The Small Business Radio Show…
Segment 1 with Amy Peterson
To help close the gap in funding and support for women-owned small businesses, Block Advisors by H&R Block created the Fund Her Future small business grant program. The program will award five women-owned small businesses a combined total of $100,000 in funding and access to a year of small business services from Block Advisors.
Today we talk with the grand prize winner Amy Peterson, founder of Rebel Nell, launched the company in 2013 to fuse her passion for empowering women with a deep love for Detroit’s vibrant street art. Rebel Nell transforms fallen graffiti into bold, one-of-a-kind jewelry, handcrafted by women overcoming barriers such as homelessness, seeking asylum, or living with disabilities. Latasha Randle is a Strategy & Small Business Program Manager at Block Advisors by H&R Block. In this role, she develops, implements, and executes small business strategy and initiatives that promote small business growth across tax, bookkeeping, and payroll. She is also a small business owner herself.
Here is what we discussed:
Women are one of the fastest-growing segments of new small business owners in the US. However, women founders face unique barriers to accessing the funding and resources required to truly succeed in their ventures. The 2024 State of Women’s Small Business Report by Block Advisors found that 42% of women business owners who applied for a bank loan were never approved, and nearly 90% of women reported relying on personal finances and credit cards to fund their ventures due to the lack of accessible funding.
The Block Advisors by H&R Block Fund her Future grant program, now in its second year, recognizes and seeks to address the funding and support gap for the women-owned small businesses – businesses overwhelmingly created with the hopes of uplifting their communities.
This year’s grant program received more than 8,000 applicants, a 30% increase for the first year. The 2025 recipients are united by a powerful mission: to serve and uplift their communities, whether across the street or around the globe.
Rebel Nell, the recipient of the $50,000 grant and a year of Block Advisors’ small business services, creates artisan jewelry from repurposed materials – but the story behind it is much richer. Amy employs, educates and empowers women who are transitioning out of shelters, the repurposed jewelry serving as a powerful story of resilience and transformation.
What really goes on behind the scenes of some of the biggest sporting events in the world and what can you learn about organizing the best experiences for your customers.
Don Costante is a distinguished sports and event presentation expert with more than thirty years of experience transforming live events into immersive, fan-centered experiences. Throughout his career, he has directed, produced, and managed more than 2,500 live events, including three NBA Finals, two World Series, and thirteen NBA All-Star Jam Session Center Courts. His work spans major organizations across the NBA, MLB, WNBA, and NASCAR, where he has consistently elevated the quality and impact of event presentations.
He has a new book called “Beyond the Scoreboard: The Ultimate Guide to Sports Event Presentation”.
Beyond the Scoreboard – Why It Matters
Your book is the first ever devoted to sports event presentation. Why was it important to write it now, and how can its lessons inspire leaders beyond sports?
From the Field to the Business World
You’ve produced events like the NBA Finals and World Series. What lessons from sports event presentation can small business owners apply to create memorable customer experiences?
Building Atmosphere & Brand Loyalty
Why is atmosphere so important, and how can businesses create an environment that keeps people coming back?
The Power of Preparation & Execution
What role does preparation play in delivering unforgettable experiences, and what can entrepreneurs learn from how major sports events are planned and executed?
The Role of Storytelling
You’ve talked about the importance of storytelling in event presentation. How can small business owners use storytelling to connect with their audience and stand out?
