ORLANDO, FLA. — The Black Pet Business Network (BPBN) announced the third cohort of its Retail Inclusion and Success for Entrepreneurs (RISE) Program, marking a historic milestone as the program’s first ever all-female founder cohort.
The cohort brings together five Black women entrepreneurs who are building innovative pet brands focused on wellness, nutrition, sustainability and community impact. Through mentorship, retail readiness training, strategic networking and industry exposure, the RISE Program helps founders strengthen their businesses and prepare for long-term growth.
“As a Black woman founder myself, this cohort means a lot to me,” said Lashonda Geffrard, founder and chief executive officer of BPBN. “These women are building incredible brands, solving real problems and helping shape the future of pet retail. We’re proud to support their journey and help create greater access to opportunity.”
This year’s cohort includes Sierra Obioha of Raw Dawg; Lindsey Wendt, DVM, of Botanical Bones; Tiffany Webb of D’OAJIE WASTE; Aisha Byrd of R&B Dog Bakery; and Autumn Smith of Parents2Pawz.
Since launching in 2025, the RISE Program has supported emerging founders through mentorship, education, industry connections and retail readiness development. The program was created to help ensure that Black founders have the tools, relationships and visibility needed to succeed in today’s pet industry.
“Together, these founders represent more than emerging brands — they represent the next generation of leadership, innovation and inclusion in pet retail,” the network shared.
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