Khadijah's Kitchen Receives Grant from Growth + Equity Fund

Chantel O'Hara started Khadijah’s Kitchen in 2021 as a way to bring cuisine rooted in halal principles and inspired by global fusion flavors to the Central New York community. The growing Syracuse food business specializes in baked goods, desserts, jams and sauces, but provides full-service catering to its customers. Originally based out of a food truck, Khadijah’s Kitchen now operates through local vendor markets, pop-up retail, online sales and catering.

Retail and wholesale operations have been profitable, but the largest driver of growth has been catering. Currently located in a temporary retail space in a medical office building on Taft Road, O’Hara dreams of one day growing Khadijah’s Kitchen into a permanent brick and mortar location. And as catering demand has grown, O’Hara is looking to invest in equipment and supplies that will allow her to take on larger catering opportunities.  

To help her reach her goal, CenterState CEO has selected O’Hara as the latest awardee of its Growth + Equity Fund (G+E Fund). The Fund provides grants and loans to entrepreneurs who work closely with CenterState CEO’s small business development team or its partners but may not be able to access traditional financing. Since its launch, the G+E Fund has distributed more than half a million dollars to entrepreneurs through a combination of loans and grants, with loan capital making up a majority of the Fund's awards. 

O’Hara has participated in technical assistance programming with CenterState since late 2024 and is client at the North Central Small Business Development Center. The G+E grant will help O’Hara scale her catering business and support its overall growth.

"I have enjoyed working with the CenterState team. I have learned a lot, and through them connected with some great resources to assist me in growing my business," O'Hara said. "I am very grateful to receive a grant for Khadijah’s Kitchen which will allow us to purchase new uniforms, as well as upgrade our catering equipment."

Through the CenterState CEO Foundation, the G+E Fund is helping people from historically underserved communities access the financing they need for success. Grants like the one awarded to O’Hara are made possible through the support of donors like John Peter, owner of Peter’s Discount Liquor. As a founding contributor to the Fund, Peter has helped members of the community to build vibrant small businesses in Syracuse and create generational wealth for their families.

"It’s a privilege to support Chantel and Khadjah’s Kitchen through the Growth + Equity Fund," Peter said. "Meeting Chantel, I was immediately impressed by her creativity and ambition, paired with a strong business mindset - a rare combination in an entrepreneur. I’m thrilled that she received this grant and confident it will support her continued entrepreneurial journey. Thank you to CenterState for making this opportunity possible."

Learn more about the CenterState CEO Foundation and how to get involved.