Blacc Bottle's Journey with CEDF: A Story of Growth and Opportunity

By Laura Krueger

Blacc Bottle, a thriving minority-owned business, has been making waves in the beverage industry, thanks in part to the invaluable support provided by the Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF). Founded with a vision to bring high-quality, inspirational-themed beverages to the market, Blacc Bottle has grown from a small startup to a recognizable brand with a strong community presence.

Necas Collins, President of Blacc Bottle, recalls the early days of the company and the challenges they faced as a minority-owned business seeking funding and guidance. “When we first started, we had the passion and the product, but we lacked the financial backing and business expertise to scale up,” Collins said. “That’s when we found CEDF, and their support has been a game-changer.”

CEDF provided Blacc Bottle with the capital and mentorship they needed to take their business to the next level. Through a combination of financial assistance and business development resources, CEDF helped Blacc Bottle navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, from securing loans to refining its business strategy.

The mission at CEDF is to uplift small businesses, particularly those in underserved communities, by providing the tools and resources they need to succeed. “Blacc Bottle is a perfect example of how access to funding and mentorship can transform a promising startup into a thriving business, said Steve Adamo, Business Advisor with CEDF.”

With CEDF's backing, Blacc Bottle was able to expand its product line, increase distribution, and build a solid customer base. Today, the company not only sells its beverages through retail locations but has also gained a loyal following through strategic marketing and community engagement.

“We’re not just selling a drink; we’re sharing a culture and a story,” Collins emphasized. “Our products reflect our heritage and identity and having an organization like CEDF believe in our vision means the world to us.”

The success of Blacc Bottle underscores the importance of organizations like CEDF in fostering economic growth and diversity within the business landscape. By providing financial support and expert guidance, CEDF continues to empower entrepreneurs like Collins and his team, helping them turn dreams into reality.

Blacc Bottle’s rapid rise in the drinkware industry has been fueled by its mission of empowerment and cultural change, and its partnership with the NBALAB marks a major milestone in the company’s journey. In just under a year, Blacc Bottle secured licensing rights to brand their stainless-steel water bottles with NBA teams, giving fans a stylish and sustainable way to show their team pride. “Partnering with the NBA has been a game-changer for us,” said Necas Collins. “It’s more than just a licensing deal—it’s about bringing our message of positivity and financial empowerment to a broader audience.”

Through this partnership, Blacc Bottle now offers team-branded drinkware for major franchises like the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Golden State Warriors. The collaboration has also expanded through a major deal with Fanatics, making NBA-branded Blacc Bottles easily accessible to fans nationwide. By combining sports, sustainability, and social impact, Blacc Bottle is making waves in both the drinkware and sports merchandising industries, all while staying true to its mission of advancing cultural change.

One of the most meaningful moments for Blacc Bottle Vice President Ralph White came when he was invited to speak at a middle school in Norwalk. “I went there to talk to the students about entrepreneurship and creativity,” White recalled. “One student came up to me afterward and said, ‘I really appreciate you coming to speak to us. What’s your advice for a young student who likes to draw?’” The interaction was especially powerful because White later learned that the student was typically quiet and rarely spoke up in class. “For him to come up and ask me that—it showed the impact of just being there,” White said. “You never know who you're reaching when you're speaking to a big crowd, but even if it’s just one person, that’s what matters.” Moments like these reaffirm Blacc Bottle’s mission to inspire and empower their community.

Recently, Blacc Bottle was recognized when the company received the Built Award from Horizons at Sacred Heart University. “It was pretty special to be recognized for the work we’re doing in financial empowerment,” said Necas Collins. “We spend hours working with youth and aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them understand financial literacy and business ownership. To know that people see the impact we’re making—it really means a lot.”

Looking ahead, Blacc Bottle aims to further expand its reach, increase production, and continue to inspire other minority entrepreneurs. “This is just the beginning,” Collins said. “With the right support and determination, anything is possible.”

As CEDF continues its mission to support small businesses across Connecticut, success stories like Blacc Bottle serve as a testament to the power of economic empowerment. For aspiring entrepreneurs, organizations like CEDF can be the catalyst for growth, proving that with the right resources, businesses can thrive against the odds.

Laura Krueger is writer based in Southbury.