In this exclusive ASBN coverage of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100 event, Jim Fitzpatrick interviews TJ and Hadley Douglas, founders of Urban Grape, a wine retail and experience company. They discuss their journey from starting Urban Grape in 2010 to expanding to two locations, Boston and Washington, D.C., and launching their own wine brand, Progressive Wine Company. The Douglases emphasize their unique approach to organizing wines by body and weight to make the selection process less intimidating.
Looking ahead, they envision further expansion with additional retail locations and enhanced e-commerce capabilities. The Douglases express their desire for the government to prioritize smart policies that benefit small businesses, such as preserving tax deductions, and highlight the challenges of accessing capital for growth. They note that securing investment for small, especially Black-owned businesses, remains a significant hurdle. The conversation underscores the importance of collaboration and support for small businesses in the current political climate.
