When Chequena Morris-Hall’s daughter first started taking dance classes, Morris-Hall noticed few of the other students looked like her daughter — and the idea for her business, Elite Formation Studio of Dance, was born. Founded in 2017, Elite Formation Studio of Dance provides an inclusive, welcoming, and safe space for kids in the Northern Virginia area to learn hip hop, jazz, ballet, tap, and more.
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These small businesses prove the power of community
Intuit QuickBooks is rewarding three inspiring entrepreneurs with a $20,000 check for Small Business Hero Day.
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But that’s not all Morris-Hall’s students are learning: They’re also discovering that they belong in this community, and that feeling is priceless. Intuit QuickBooks so believes in this message, it’s celebrating Morris-Hall and two other small business owners — LaTrista Webb and Taylor Gardner Chaney — who foster inclusivity and belonging through their work by honoring all three in the company’s third annual Small Business Hero Day. Each year, Intuit QuickBooks awards $20,000 to small business owners across the country who are making an impact on their communities. Press play on the videos below to meet each of this year’s recipients.
Webb created The Elevation Project after witnessing firsthand the impact incarceration had on her West Philadelphia community. Today, The Elevation Project runs several programs for formerly incarcerated people, including a re-entry support hub and a small business incubator, as well as a program for young people at risk of incarceration. Watch the video below to learn more about The Elevation Project’s incredible work.
Chaney’s younger sister was born with Down syndrome, and while the two have always been very close, Chaney noticed how different their paths became in adulthood. While it was easy for Chaney to find job opportunities, her sister struggled. That inspired Chaney to found Dig It! Coffee Co., a coffee shop in Las Vegas that offers competitive wages, on-the-job training, and mentorship for adults with disabilities. Check out the video below to discover how Dig It! is building an inclusive, kind, and welcoming space, one cup of coffee at a time.