The Hilton Networking Group (HNG) awarded its first annual business grant of $5,000 in December 2023. Allison Burke, of Hilton, was awarded the grant during an awards presentation and grant signing alongside members of the HNG at their annual holiday party at Braddock Bay Tavern and Grill on December 14.
Burke is launching “Social Soup,” a marketing business that supports small businesses through content creation, marketing strategies, education, and support.
“Social Soup will create an opportunity to help small business resolve challenges that keep them from reaching their ideal customers and clients,” says Burke. She adds, “I know the pains that small business owners face. They must play CEO, CFO, marketing director and manager…all while running their business. The world of social media and online advertising has evolved into a complex landscape. Social Soup will provide small business owners accessible and affordable support to reach their client base.”
Pete Miles, owner of the Hilton Family Pharmacy & Coffee Corner and member of the Hilton Networking Group, was in attendance for the ceremony. “I’m excited to be a part of the HNG and to help give back to the community. When one locally-owned business is healthy the other local businesses, and the community, benefit.”
Miles adds, “I look forward to watching Allison’s business take off. Her business plan is driven towards providing excellent customer service. You can’t overstate how important that is. I own a hometown pharmacy in Hilton. My business is built on providing customers great personal service. Small businesses are the best at providing that.”
In addition to the business grant, the Hilton Networking Group also provided two $1,000 scholarships to students from Hilton High School to attend the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, which is based out of the Golisano Institute in Henrietta.
The Hilton Networking Group was formed in 2019. Its vision was to create a network of trusted professionals and entrepreneurs to encourage economic growth on the west side of town. The group currently totals 24 members from Hilton, Parma, Spencerport, North Greece, Hamlin and Kendall. The group will provide its next grant to an aspiring entrepreneur from the west side of town in 2024. Follow them on Linked-In or Facebook for more information about the group and their philanthropic activities.
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