Famous Amos Kicks Off 2025 Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative and Launches "Famously You" Campaign in its 50th Anniversary

Honoring Founder Wally Amos, Ingredients for Success provides $150,000 in grants and support for early-stage Black entrepreneurs in partnership with U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.

CHICAGO, March 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ferrero North America launched the 2025 Famous Amos Ingredients for Success (IFS) Entrepreneurs Initiative today, in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Now in its fifth year, the IFS program creates pathways for early-stage Black business owners to thrive by providing a total of $150,000 in awards each year. IFS awards three recipients $50,000 in addition to mentorship and access to networking and educational resources. Created to honor the brand founder Wally Amos' legacy, IFS celebrates the qualities that make business owners unique and fosters long-term success for their companies.

"Wally Amos was boldly original, and his vision and impact are still part of Famous Amos to this day," said Rachna Patel, Vice President of Marketing for Famous Amos. "Ingredients for Success pays tribute to the brand's roots by helping early-stage Black business owners work toward their dreams – ultimately helping fuel a community where individuality and innovation can thrive long-term."

Eligible businesses must be: at minimum 90% Black-owned, in operation for five years or less, headquartered in the United States, and owned by individuals 21 years or older. Applications can be submitted at FamousAmosIngredientsForSuccess.com now through April 23, 2025. All qualified submissions are judged by a panel that includes renowned Black entrepreneurs. This year's panel of judges include:

• Shawn Amos – Entrepreneur, author, and son of the late brand founder, Wally Amos
• Steve Canal – Founder of ONE Venture Group, best-selling author, and branding expert
• Brittany Rhodes – Founder of Math Equals Me and previous IFS winner

"Fifty years ago, my father put his dream into action and founded Famous Amos," said Shawn Amos. "Since then, it has grown to become a globally recognized brand, and I'm honored to be a part of its evolution. I'm also grateful to serve as a judge for the Ingredients for Success program during this monumental year. So many entrepreneurs deserve a chance to grow their business to reach its fullest potential. IFS builds upon the lessons from my father and provides resources to help others' business dreams become a reality."

Launched in 2020, IFS has since awarded 12 business owners a total of $600,000 over four years, creating positive change and economic empowerment for early-stage Black business owners. In the spirit of Wally Amos, IFS alumni are "famous" for turning their passions into sustainable businesses – from developing a nostalgic card game to inventing pediatric learning tools to expanding access to healthy food in underserved communities. To learn more about IFS alumni and their journeys, visit FamousAmosIngredientsForSuccess.com/IFSWinners. 

Famous Amos is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year and will commemorate with programs that highlight the past, present and future. The brand's new campaign "Famously You" draws inspiration from founder Wally Amos, who was known for being unapologetically himself. To add to the festivities, there will be a limited release of Collectors Edition packaging that pays homage to the original graphics from 1975 and features an image of Wally Amos in his signature Panama shirt. The Collectors Edition bag is available nationwide wherever Famous Amos Cookies are sold, while supplies last.

Stay tuned to Famous Amos's socials for the latest brand news and 50^th anniversary updates:  Threads, Instagram and Facebook.

About Famous Amos
Famous Amos is a beloved brand that started in 1975, famous for its classic chocolate chip cookies. Founded by Wally Amos, a passionate Black entrepreneur, Famous Amos grew from a bakery in Hollywood, California into a brand serving millions of customers across the United States. In 2020, Famous Amos began a major philanthropic effort, the Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative. Now in its fifth year, this initiative creates positive change and economic empowerment for early-stage Black entrepreneurs. Ingredients for Success celebrates the qualities that make each business owner unique and fosters long-term success for their businesses.

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SOURCE Ferrero North America