Bold Spoon Creamery Receives Grants for Growth Amidst Spike in National Attention

Park Hills, MO (April3, 2024) – On the heels of their appearance on the nationally-syndicated PBS series, tasteMAKERS, Bold Spoon Creamery, the Park Hills-based artisan ice cream maker known for its inventive flavors and farm-fresh ingredients, announced today that it has secured two major grants to expand their operations and is a finalist for a third.

Bold Spoon recently received a grant from the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (“DBIA”), which will enable Bold Spoon to increase production capacity, strategically positioning the brand for growth. DBIA, a collaboration between the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and the Center for Dairy Research, actively works towards increasing the number of thriving farmsteads and innovative dairy manufacturers in the Midwest.

 

Additionally, Bold Spoon was selected to join the 4th Cohort of the UMSL Anchor Accelerator, a pioneering program placing underrepresented entrepreneurs at the core of a purpose-driven, university-led business accelerator. This program includes a best-in-class business development initiative, offering access to networks, mentors, subject matter experts, customized educational support, and non-dilutive capital. The guidance and funds provided by the Anchor Accelerator program will propel Bold Spoon forward towards increased production, and innovation.

Bold Spoon has been named a finalist in Barclays US Consumer Bank’s “Small Business Big Wins” promotion with $255,000 in prize money to be distributed among small business owners who submitted a brief essay describing how their business is adjusting to the current economy. Members of the public are encouraged to vote for Bold Spoon Creamery to help them win the $60,000 grand prize.

 

Bold Spoon edged out more than 4,500 entrants nationwide to make it to the final 10.

 

From April 8 through April 19, the public will have a chance to review the stories of the top-10 finalists and vote for their favorite small business at BarclaysSmallBizBigWins.com.

 

The total prize breakdown for the top 10 includes:

· One Grand Prize of $60,000

· One 2nd Place Prize of $40,000

· One 3rd Place Prize of $20,000

· Seven Runner-Up Prizes of $5,000 each

 

The announcement of contest winners for the top 10 will take place during the week of May 1 to coincide with National Small Business Week. In addition to the top-10 prize fund, all businesses outside of the top 10 that submitted qualifying entries were entered in a random drawing to win one of 50 $2,000 sweepstakes prizes.

 

“Over the past four years we have heard countless inspiring stories of resilience and perseverance from small businesses across the country,” said Angelo Disperati, Director of US Branded and Business Cards, Barclays US Consumer Bank. “As we’ve seen from previous winners, the most impressive stories are from businesses that have made good corporate citizenship a key element of their business model. Winning businesses view giving back to the community as the right thing to do and one of the most important ingredients to success. We encourage people to vote for their favorite entry today!”

For more information and to vote for the finalists, visit BarclaysSmallBizBigWins.com.

 

Bold Spoon was recently featured in an episode of tasteMAKERS, a national PBS series hosted by the Emmy-winning Catherine Neville. tasteMAKERS celebrates makers, farmers, and chefs who redefine the flavor of American cuisine. The episode highlights Bold Spoon's distinctive farm-to-bowl approach to ice cream making and

traces the journey that led Bold Spoon to where it is today. The episode initially aired in the St. Louis region on Nine PBS on December 18th and can be seen here.

 

This season, the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League added Bold Spoon to their lineup of vendors at their home venue of Enterprise Center. Available at every home game and select events, Bold Spoon has been a well-received, fan favorite. The kiosk is located in section 104 and select flavors are also available in the Schnucks Grab & Go market.

 

Bold Spoon is also proud to be part of the St. Louis CITY SC’s 100% local, in-stadium food program, CITY Flavor. During the club’s 2023 inaugural season, Bold Spoon served to sold-out CITYPARK crowds each home matchday and is looking forward to providing ice cream favorites and new creations throughout CITY SC’s 2024 season. Bold Spoon has a new location on the first level across from section 100.

 

Rachel Burns, Owner of Bold Spoon Creamery, feels optimistic about 2024: “The national publicity through our tasteMAKERS episode on PBS and the amazing grants we’ve been awarded, are not only going to enhance Bold Spoon brand awareness, but also allow me to focus my energy on building our company.” She adds, “I’m grateful for the support we’ve received, and I’m inspired to keep pursuing opportunities in the future.”

 

 

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About Bold Spoon Creamery

Bold Spoon Creamery is a small batch, premium ice cream manufacturer based in Park Hills, Missouri. Bold Spoon Creamery began business operations in May of 2020 in St. Louis Missouri, and was founded by Rachel Burns. In May of 2021, Bold Spoon moved its production facility to a farm, “Bold Spoon Farm,” in Park Hills, Missouri. On the farm, we have a building that serves as our commercial kitchen with gardens right outside that supply fruit and herbs for our ice cream a true “Farm-to-Bowl” ice cream. You can find Bold Spoon ice cream pints at over 90 grocery stores in Missouri and Illinois. Bold Spoon also has retail operations in St. Louis at the STL CITY SC MLS stadium and the Enterprise Center arena. We also provide catering services and participate in selected events throughout the greater St. Louis region.