I am grateful that Roots Rising helps small BIPOC businesses, like my own, that may otherwise have been overlooked. It means a lot that our businesses are getting the financial help they need to keep from giving up. This fund is an amazing opportunity: the whole idea of helping BIPOC businesses boosts morale and lets BIPOC entrepreneurs know that there are people who care about our business, dreams, and goals.

Dai is the owner of Berkshire Yarn Works and vendor at the Roots Rising's Pittsfield Farmers Market. Roots Rising granted her business a BIPOC Vendor Fund award, which supports BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) farmers and entrepreneurs at our market.

Roots Rising is an award-winning organization whose mission is to empower youth and build community through food and farming. Our vision is to lift up teens as community changemakers and strengthen the local food system through the transformational power of meaningful work. Learn more at RootsRising.org.