The Western New York Impact Investment Fund and its CEO Tom Quinn were honored Thursday evening to present Top Seedz with the 2024 Impact Deal of the Year, per Upstate Capital.
Quinn, an Upstate Capital board member, was on hand for its annual awards ceremony at the Harro East Ballroom in downtown Rochester and presented the award to Top Seedz founder and CEO Rebecca Brady.
The Fund became the first private investor to write a check to Top Seedz earlier this year, when it made a $750,000 investment to support the company's growth. Top Seedz is embarking on a national retail expansion with major partners such as CVS and Kroger, which is supported by its new manufacturing facility in downtown Buffalo.
The company has an innovative workforce method that involves partnering with local agencies to hire resettled refugees who are making their home in Buffalo.
Read more about that strategy here
The WNY Impact Investment Fund has raised more than $20 million since its debut seven years ago. That money is being redeployed into the community with investments that show commercial promise and the intention to create positive change in Western New York.
“When you talk about talented founders in Buffalo, you think about Rebecca Brady,” Quinn said. “It was an unforgettable honor to present a prestigious award to this incredible person, who is putting Buffalo, NY, on the map when it comes to healthy CPG products. Congratulations to Rebecca and the entire Top Seedz team to all they have accomplished.”
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