First All-female Rise Cohort Spotlights Black Women Innovators In Pet Retail

(PRESS RELEASE) ORLANDO, FL — The Black Pet Business Network (BPBN) announced Cohort 3 of its RISE Program (Retail Inclusion and Success for Entrepreneurs), marking a major milestone as the program’s first-ever allfemale 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, RISE 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 CEO 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.”

The 2026 cohort includes:

• Sierra Obioha, Raw Dawg
• Dr. Lindsey Wendt, Botanical Bones
• Tiffany Webb, D’OAJIE WASTE
• Aisha Byrd, R&B Dog Bakery
• Autumn Smith, 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 talented 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.