Holiday Gift Guide 2022: Shop Small to Make a Big Impact This Season
Happy holidays from everyone at CDC Small Business Finance and across our Momentus Capital family of organizations!
The holiday season is here, and CDC Small Business Finance wants to help you find the perfect goodies for everyone on your list. That’s why we’re celebrating our treasured small business borrowers in our annual Holiday Gift Guide. In addition, we’re thrilled that this year’s guide highlights a collection of companies that share our mission of building diverse, inclusive, and equitable communities. So whether you’re looking for something sweet or a unique experience to give, these handpicked items are sure to make your friends and family smile.
The best part? Buying from these companies keeps small businesses strong, creating more jobs and building wealth in local communities.
Clothing & Thoughtful Goods
African Rich
If you are searching for an influential, innovative, and progressive company to support, African Rich has clothing for all ages and sizes. Inspired by their African roots, African Rich has taken a socially-conscious, modern approach to fashion. This small business celebrates inclusivity, belonging, and pride in one’s heritage as its core tenets.
Connect: africanrich.com
ILERA Apothecary
Founded in 2015, ILERA Apothecary is a plant-based skincare brand in Detroit. The ILERA Apothecary team strives to keep West African practices and philosophies alive by delivering sustainable and natural ingredients.
In addition to offering products with skin-healing benefits, this business also excels in social good. They are involved in partnerships that create jobs and encourage economic development in three countries (and growing).
Connect: Location finder; 313-936-0223; ileraapothecary.com.
MMclay
Initially a solo project by artist MaryMar Keenan, MMclay has grown into a multi-store ceramic tableware business. Catapulted into the public eye by their Progress Collection (designed for the San Francisco restaurant), MMclay products are a perfect gift for the connoisseur in your life. Their ceramics are elegant, made to withstand everyday use, and will be a favorite in any household.
Connect: 415-916-7730; Find a location; mmclay.com
Olivier Napa Valley
Founded by Erich Klein in 1995, Olivier Napa Valley manufactures and sells gourmet oils, vinegar, marinades, sauces, preserves, and much more. Know someone who spends all of their free time in the kitchen? Olivier Napa Valley’s wide selection of cookware, cookbooks, and other accompaniments are sure to round out their collection.
Connect: info@oliviernapavalley.com; 866-497-8456; 1375 Main Street St. Helena, CA; oliviernapavalley.com
Sunny&Ted
SUNNY&TED is a holiday shop specializing in Black and Brown holiday goods that reflect the beautiful diversity we see daily. SUNNY&TED hopes you see yourself or a loved one in these mugs and enjoy your favorite drink while making memories.
Connect: sunnyandted.com
Sweets, Snacks, & Spices
Bea’s Squeeze
The team at Bea’s Squeeze wants to make all your childhood lemonade dreams a reality. Based in Detroit, they have perfected a lemonade chock-full of nostalgia and modern tastes. They even use a bucket and pulley system to send products to customers.
Connect: sip@beassqueeze.com, Location Finder; beassqueeze.com
Madly Hadley Coconut Bacon
Who knew you could make bacon from coconuts? Plant-based chef Madelyn Hadley has spent the last six years making and perfecting her coconut bacon while working as a private chef. After constantly being asked, “where can I buy this?” Madelyn decided to turn her recipe into an entire business. This is an excellent option for anyone looking to eat healthily but craving something savory.
Connect: Location Finder; madlyhadley.com
Rowe of Venice
Following an autoimmune skin condition diagnosis, doctors recommended that Rowe Samieian remove dairy, wheat, carbs, gluten, and processed sugar from his diet. As his health improved, Rowe realized “what we eat matters a great deal,” and Rowe of Venice was born: 100 percent raw, dairy-and-gluten-free, non-GMO, and delicious vegan snacks. Rowe’s delectable treats are a hit for those with and without dietary restrictions.
Connect: rowe@rowofvenice.com; 213-357-1512; roweofvenice.com
The Good Chocolate
This organic, bean-to-bar chocolate shop was born after owners Ben and Miki started experimenting with eliminating sugar from their diet for a healthier lifestyle. Their journey led to feeling great and a new chocolate bar company offering rich, bold chocolate that is surprisingly sweet and worthy of its name.
Connect: info@goodchocolate.com; 415.-452-9964; 25 Leland Ave. San Francisco, CA; thegoodchocolate.com
Unique Experiences
Lovely Leaps
The team at Bea’s Squeeze wants to make all your childhood lemonade dreams a reality. Based in Detroit, they have perfected a lemonade chock-full of nostalgia and modern tastes. They even use a bucket and pulley system to send products to customers.
Connect: 760-539-2543; 301 E. Grand Ave. Escondido, CA; lovelyleaps.com
The Flourish Consultancy
With The Flourish Consultancy’s classes and in-depth sessions, you can learn from global thought leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and industry visionaries. These self-improvement courses aim to provide streamlined education in a social-emotional learning setting.
Connect: hello@theflourishconsultancy.com; 949-690-3067; theflourishconsultancy.com
Thank You for Supporting Small Businesses
Did you know that for every dollar you spend at a small business, an average of $0.67 stays in that community? So by shopping small with the companies listed above, you are ultimately helping communities succeed.
Thank you for doing your part. We wish you and your loved ones a safe holiday season.
Looking for more inspiration? Please see more CDC Holiday Gift Guides from past years:
