Spearhead Global and the Enthuse Foundation are proud to announce that Ashley Xie and Hedy Yufounders of Los Angeles-basedRooted Farewere selected as the recipients of the inauguralCapital + Catalyst Grant, a $40,000 award designed to accelerate women-led innovation in the food and beverage industry.
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“Our goal is to pair financial support with guidance and access for women founders,” – Kim Lawton, Enthuse Foundation.
The winner was chosen following a live pitch event onSeptember 11, 2025, wherefive finalistspresented their businesses to the Spearhead Global team. After careful deliberation, Rooted Fare was selected for the potential Spearhead sees in the brand and the opportunity that Spearhead Global's team can positively impact the business. In addition to the grant, Xie and Yu will receive tailored mentorship and business support from Spearhead Global.
“We made the decision to award the grant to Rooted Fare based on their innovative and sustainable practices for scaling their business, the dedication of the founders, and the absolutely delicious product,” said Heather Fritzsche, Co-Founder and CEO of Spearhead Global. “This is also a nod to the support of our friends and business partners in China, without whom, Spearhead could not be what it is today.”
“Through Capital + Catalyst, our goal is to pair financial support with the kind of guidance and industry access that can be game-changing for women founders,” saidKim Lawton, Co-Founder of the Enthuse Foundation. “We're thrilled to celebrate Rooted Fare and look forward to seeing the impact Ashley Xie and Hedy Yu will make.”
The other four finalists were also recognized and selected to pitch for their innovative approaches and strong growth potential:
— Nikki Seaman, Freestyle Snacks
— Chloe Bergson & Alison Evans, Sayso
— Holly Arbuckle, Singing Pastures
— Orleatha Smith, Sip Herbals
TheCapital + Catalyst Grantlaunched in 2025 to provide women entrepreneurs in food and beverage withcapital to scale their businesses and mentorship to support long-term growth.
For more information, visitwww.enthusefoundation.org/capital-catalyst
About Spearhead GlobalCo-Founded by CEOHeather Fritzscheand CINO Robert Catalano, and headquartered inYardley, Pennsylvania,Spearhead Globalis a certified Women Owned Enterprise Business. Spearhead Global is a leader in packaging innovation for spirits and beverage brands for primary and secondary packaging solutions. The company focuses on designing sustainably though in-house R&D and helping brands stand out on shelf. Spearhead also show support for their local community through theirYardleybased non-profit Spearhead Project Earth.
About the Enthuse FoundationThe Enthuse Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs through education, capital, and community-building. For more information, visitwww.enthusefoundation.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ann D'Adamo
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
917-597-2338
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SOURCE Enthuse
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