When Mani Tesema started her own business, she wanted to create a a place for people to gather and feel more connected to their community. The freedom of being her own boss was a great perk too.
Together with her husband, Dawit Zewdie, she launched Mani’s Cafe and Market, offering Ethiopian coffee and other goods.
Whether it’s sweeping the walk in front of her building, helping other neighborhood businesses, or taking part in community events, Mani and Dawit live life as a “win-win” scenario for themselves and those around them.
But when it came time to make improvements to their Georgia Avenue business, they needed a little help of their own. Through technical assistance provided by Emory Beacon of Light, they learned about the Small Business Capital Improvement Grant (Great Streets).
With guidance at every critical step of the grant process, they were successfully awarded the funding they needed to renovate and improve Mani’s Cafe. New signs, improved equipment and an updated interior now help Mani and Dawit make their cafe a thriving and welcoming part of their community.
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