CNN - In Harlem During the Covid-19 Lockdown, Women Entrepreneurs Thrive (Gold Anthem Award Winner)

As the first film of Mastercard’s “One Billion and Beyond” campaign, the story takes place during the covid-19 lockdown in New York City. Sheila Black founded LiHA, her mobile boutique in a converted delivery truck, in the heart of New York City’s Harlem community. But her business came to a screeching halt in March when the COVID pandemic struck New York City.

Sheila was forced to take her shop off the street — and was unsure what the future would bring. Help came from non-profit Grameen America, a microfinance organization which is investing heavily in women entrepreneurs in 15 U.S. cities, including Harlem.

Mastercard: One Billion and Beyond Campaign

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth's partnership with the non-profit Grameen America has helped women-owned small businesses weather the COVID-19 pandemic through more equitable access to capital and digital tools. The film profiles 4 different women of color entrepreneur’s success stories thriving during the covid-19 lockdown with the help of Mastercard and Grameen America.