DD Entrepreneurial Foundation awards grants

The DD Entrepreneurial Foundation awarded grants to three female business owners Oct. 18 before the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival’s Damien Escobar performance at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.

The foundation gives out grants every year in support of female-owned businesses and female entrepreneurs.

DD Project Wines was the featured wine at Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival concerts. The weekend culminated with the launch of a second wine in the DELDON line, which is a partnership with Elena Delle Donne, a Delawarean and former professional basketball player who last played for the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. The new offering, a red wine blend, is named Rue’s Blend. DD Project Wines donates all proceeds from sales of its wine to the DD Entrepreneurial Foundation. 

Since bestowing the first round of grants in 2022, the foundation has awarded grants in support of female-owned businesses and female entrepreneurs totaling $60,000.

This year, Stacey Row, owner of Naturally Well in Lewes, received a $15,000 grant. Chevonne Boyd, owner of The Hive on Loockerman, received $3,000, and Marissa Guasperini, owner of Moments by Bella Monroe, received $2,000.

David Britz started the DD Entrepreneurial Foundation to honor his late mother, Diane Rizzo, who founded the Capriotti’s sandwich franchise. “Year in and year out, I am continuously impressed by the increase in applications we see and the quality of businesses that are applying. The 2024 DDEF class is an impressive one, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth," said Britz. "Giving these awards and supporting these female business owners in honor of my mom gives me immense pride.”

For more information about DD Entrepreneurial Foundation, go to ddefoundation.org.