Creative Touch Barber and Beauty Salon: Community-Minded Barber Leverages the Small Business Grant to Enhance Shop

Creative Touch Barber and Beauty Salon is a 22-year-old establishment owned by Keith Jefferson. Affectionately known as KJ to his customers, Jefferson is not just a business owner; he's always giving back to the community. He contributes with school uniforms, school supplies, CPR classes, Cancer and Stroke awareness education, and cares for needy families during the holidays. In 2015, Creative Touch Barber and Beauty Salon was recognized as a Business of the Year in his ward at the annual Mayor's Business Luncheon.

During the COVID Pandemic, Jefferson and his team were forced to find new ways to pivot to keep the shop open. As a result, Creative Touch became an appointments-only shop and managed to survive the pandemic. Alderwoman Pam Boyd then asked Jefferson to apply for a Small Business Grant to help curtail some of the shop's expenses during COVID. Jefferson was excited to apply for the grant and stated, "The process is not hard, but you have to pay your taxes and remain current on your business license."

After getting approved for the $5,000 grant, Jefferson used the grant to update Creative Touch Barber and Beauty Salon's restroom facilities, lighting and stations. This grant's funding helped maintain the quality of services for Creative Touch's clientele and ensure their business' longevity.