MVYRADIO announced this week that it has awarded its latest round of quarterly ‘Business Diversity Initiative’ grants to two local businesses.
This round, CB Stark Jewelers in Vineyard Haven and Edgartown and 51 Art Gallery in Vineyard Haven were selected to receive a grant of sixty underwriting messages each on MVYRADIO to be used to inform the public about their business. The flight of 15-second messages is valued at $1200 for each grantee. So far, MVYRADIO has donated $41,400 worth of airtime to this initiative.
MVYRADIO’s Business Diversity Initiative was created to offer underwriting messages to traditionally under-served business owners, including businesses that are owned by women, those who identify as black, indigenous or people of color, immigrants, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, the disability community, and veterans.
“The Business Diversity Initiative is a win-win. MVYRADIO is gratified to be able to help our local area minority-owned businesses that but also to spread the word of the work in the communities in our broadcast area. As stated in our Mission Statement, MVYRADIO aspires to reflect Martha’s Vineyard and the region in music, news, culture and community. Supporting locally-owned businesses truly makes a difference” said Tristan Israel, MVYRADIO Board member and Co-Chair of the Equity & Inclusion Action Group in a statement. “Since 2021, we have been pleased to be able to help local minority-owned businesses tell their unique story to our loyal, responsive listeners.”
This quarter’s grantees are:
CB Stark Jewelers: A woman and LGBTQIA-owned business, a full-service jewelry store featuring an outstanding selection of fine jewelry. They also provide quality repairs, custom work and friendly, professional customer service. Many of their handcrafted designs, available in gold, silver, and platinum, are inspired by the natural coastal beauty of Martha’s Vineyard. https://www.cbstark.com/
51 Art Gallery: A woman-owned business, the only custom picture framing business currently on the Vineyard, also offering limited edition fine art black and white photography from Marthas Vineyard, NYC and beyond, a labor of love by the artist. https://www.theshoppewiththereddoor.com/
Applications for the next round of grants have already opened. The deadline is September 30, 2024, with grants awarded in early October. The application and more information on the program can be found at www.mvyradio.org/diversity.
