The woman-owned Alicia’s Spice Co. in Worcester is racing down a path of growth, evident with its Biz-M-Power partnership in June or its developing goal of putting products in schools.
The Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp.’s Biz-M-Power Crowdfunding Matching Grant Program selected Alicia’s Spice for a live fundraiser in which the business must raise $20,000 by Aug. 1. If completed, Biz-M-Power will match the $20,000 raised, so Alicia’s Spice can purchase new machinery.
So far, the fundraiser has spread through word-of-mouth.
“It’s been extremely hard,” said owner Alicia Haddad. “But I’ve overcome so many different things. Starting this business seven years ago, I think persistence and resilience has rewarded me.”
The partnership started with Haddad’s acknowledgement of the growing demand for her products. She switched up the packaging of her spices and rubs a couple months ago. It’s more colorful, vibrant, and descriptive.
Customers have noticed.
“The mission has remained the same since day one,” said Haddad. “It’s to provide healthier, allergen-friendly seasoning blends that don’t contain artificial preservatives, dyes or ingredients.”
This motive surfaces from Haddad’s struggles with allergies.
“I’ve been cooking and baking since I was old enough to stand on a stool and hold a spoon. Doctors found I’m allergic to preservatives and dyes, not disclosed on packaging,” she said.
Haddad said brands will simply list spices on their packages, neglecting other ingredients that individuals can be sensitive to.
However, her vision has come with great difficulty. Haddad built and certified her facility all by herself.
“The machines here have never seen dairy. They’ve never seen soy,” she said. “I have all the certifications.”
Alicia’s Spice is gluten-free, kosher, keto, and vegan.
Haddad is still the only full-time employee, and there are two part-time employees.
“Once there’s more revenue coming in the door to support full time staff, I’m all for it,” she said.
Haddad said she was set to hire in April 2020 before the pandemic.
Haddad is onboarding with two major grocers and collaborating with a specialty food distributor. She’s working with Boston beer brand Samuel Adams, as she won its Brewing the American Dream initiative last August.
“They have a plethora of resources and programs that help entrepreneurs such as myself,” she said. “You’ll see a lot of cool stuff come out in the coming months with Sam Adams.”
Haddad’s long-term goal is for Alicia’s Spice to become a nationally recognized brand. She’s working with school districts looking to buy her taco seasoning.
“Everyone’s diet is changing. The way we look at food is shifting, said Haddad. “Over the last five years, especially during the pandemic, people have started eating healthier, growing their own vegetables, reading labels, and researching.”
