Hayes Valley business owner Mary Mar Keenan was recently selected as a FedEx Small Business Grant winner, one of only two winners in California. She will receive $7500 to use towards growing her small business in the Bay Area.
Mary Mar Keenan is Founder of MM Clay, a small business that customizes handmade pottery for private homes and restaurants, like the award winning restaurant The Progress. Her business is expanding with the increasing demand from restaurants for earthy handmade plates, cups and bowls and says, “The white plate is out.”
“Being one of the ten FedEx Small Business Grant winners is absolutely thrilling and I’m incredibly grateful,” said Mary Mar Keenan. “As more restaurants have gotten on board with using handmade tableware, my business has been steadily growing and we are quickly outgrowing our Hayes Valley studio. This grant will really help me to grow my business and allow me to keep a steady and talented crew of workers on my team. With hopes of a bigger space in the future I really feel like this grant is getting us one step closer.”
The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest offers significant opportunity for small businesses across the United States to share their inspirational stories and achieve national recognition while simultaneously rallying support from local communities to grow their businesses. In addition to the $7500 grant that MM Clay received, there was one $25000 grand prize and one $15000 grant.
MM Clay is located at 315 Linden St., visit www.mmclay.com for more information.