Sweet Success: Junior Expands Business with Startup Grant

Raegan Sanders ’27 is turning early success into lasting momentum.

The founder of Raes Sweetz, a custom dessert business known for its creative confections, Sanders has steadily grown her brand from a passion project into a developing enterprise. This spring, she reached another milestone, earning a startup grant from the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, a competitive program designed to support emerging entrepreneurs as they expand their ventures.

Encouraged by Ms. Kendall White, Sanders applied for the grant in late March and was recently selected as a recipient — an achievement that positions Raes Sweetz for its next phase of growth.

The funding will support several key expansions, including the development of a mobile dessert cart that will allow Sanders to bring her products directly to customers at events and within the community. While the cart is still in progress, her business is already gaining traction through local appearances.

Sanders is scheduled to participate in upcoming events, including Run Rock Run in Little Italy and Bellapalooza, continuing to build her presence and connect with new audiences. Each opportunity adds to the visibility and reach of Raes Sweetz as it grows.

This latest recognition builds on an already strong foundation. Sanders previously received a Student-Owned Business Seed Grant from the Veale Foundation, which helped her expand operations, fulfill custom orders and begin development of a dedicated website for her brand.

Taken together, these experiences reflect more than just entrepreneurial interest — they demonstrate a student actively learning how to build, scale and sustain a business.

With continued growth, community engagement and a clear vision for what comes next, Raegan Sanders ’27 is establishing Raes Sweetz as a business with both momentum and purpose.