FAQs

INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS 

Q: What is the Famous Amos® Ingredients for Success (IFS) program?
A: IFS is a national award program hosted by Famous Amos and its community partner, the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC). Created to honor the legacy of Famous Amos founder Wally Amos, IFS aims to provide early-stage Black business owners with invaluable tools and resources that foster long-term success. Each year, IFS awards three business owners with $50,000 in capital, in addition to wrap-around services that include mentorship, networking, and educational resources.

Q: Why did Famous Amos create IFS? What specific goals does it aim to achieve?
A: IFS was created in 2020 to honor Famous Amos founder Wally Amos by creating pathways to success for the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. IFS aims to help early-stage Black business owners thrive long-term and achieve their dreams.

Q: What are the program eligibility requirements?
A: To be eligible for the Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative, businesses must be

• At minimum 90% Black-owned
• In business for five years or less as of 2025
• Headquartered in the United States (excluding Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other Commonwealths, Territories, and Possessions)
• Owned by owners at least 21 years old at the time of application submission

Note: Franchise and non-profit businesses are not eligible. 

All applications require the following: contact information, a tax ID number for the business, a business overview, social media page information, and a pitch video between 90-120 seconds. Please visit the Official Rules for a comprehensive list of the items required to apply.

Q: Are there any key deadlines or important dates applicants should be aware of?
A: Please see a high-level program timeline below:

• March 12 – Applications open online
• March 18 – IFS & USBC host a workshop to assist with the application process
• April 23 – Applications close
• On or around May 14 – IFS notifies top 10 finalists
• July 1 - IFS formally announces winners

Q: How are winners selected?
A: After IFS and USBC identify 10 finalists, they must complete an essay in the next round. A panel of judges then review and select the three award recipients. This year’s judges include:

• Shawn Amos – Entrepreneur, author, and son of the late brand founder, Wally Amos
• Steve Canal – Founder of ONE Venture Group, best-selling author, and branding expert
• Brittany Rhodes – Founder of Math Equals Me and previous IFS winner

Q: When will winners be notified?
A: Winners will be notified by June 17, 2025.

Q: Do IFS participants receive support and resources once the program concludes? 
A: The Top 10 finalists (including the three winners) will receive mentoring sessions with judges for up to one year after the program ends.

Q: Can businesses outside the U.S. apply?
A: Only businesses headquartered in the United States can apply to the program. 

Q: Are there any famous IFS alumni?
A: IFS alumni are famous for following their unique paths, whether it's developing tools to spark Black girls’ interest in Science. Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), creating a stylish eye-wear brand or innovating pediatric learning tools. Some of our notable alumni include:

• Brittany Rhodes – Founder of Math Equals Me and previous IFS winner
• Nancy Flowers-Harris & Tracy Green – Founders of Vontelle Eyewear
• Londyn Jackson – Founder of The Language Arc

Visit the alumni page to see a full list of IFS winners and bios.

Q: Is there new IFS programming compared to previous cycles?
A: Like previous cycles, IFS will provide $150,000 total in award funding along with vital services to help early-stage Black entrepreneurs thrive long-term. Additionally, to commemorate Famous Amos’ 50th anniversary, IFS is embracing the Famously You campaign and partnering with Shawn Amos – son of founder Wally Amos – throughout the program. Shawn will serve on a panel of judges to help select IFS winners and assist them in their pursuit of building a healthy, sustainable business.

Q: What is USBC’s role in IFS?
A: Famous Amos partners with USBC to provide educational resources, mentorship and a total of $150,000 in capital awards to Black early-stage business owners – enabling them to unlock opportunities that help achieve their business dreams. IFS will also work with USBC to review applications and identify winners.

Furthermore, the USBC website offers a one-stop shop for early-stage business owners regardless of their decision to apply for the IFS program. The site offers innovative and cutting-edge resources including training programs, small business resources, certifications, matchmaking programs and more. Visit usblackchambers.org/resources for more information.

FAMOUS AMOS 50th ANNIVERSARY

Q: How is Famous Amos celebrating its 50th anniversary?
A: To commemorate Famous Amos’ 50th anniversary year, the brand is launching Famously You, a campaign celebrating the qualities that make Famous Amos fans unique. Inspired by Wally Amos’ life and legacy, the Famously You campaign will feature exciting events, engaging content and impactful programs including the fifth year of Ingredients for Success. 

Also, Famous Amos will release limited-edition packaging that features elements from the brand’s original graphics from 1975. The Collectors Edition packaging highlights the origin of the iconic cookie brand and features an image of its founder Wally Amos in his signature Panama shirt.

Q: How does the brand plan to honor Wally Amos’ legacy during this milestone year?
A: The Famously You campaign celebrates the indelible imprint that Wally Amos made not only on the Famous Amos brand but also the world. Throughout the year, Famous Amos will host events, release content and facilitate programs that honor Wally Amos’ journey and legacy, and aim to inspire the next generation to embrace what makes them “famous.” 

LTO Packaging

Q: What is the Collectors Edition packaging, and why is Famous Amos coming out with it?
A: In honor of the 50th anniversary of its founding, Famous Amos will release limited-edition packaging that includes elements of the brand’s original graphics from 1975, along with an image of brand founder Wally Amos in his signature Panama shirt. The Collectors Edition pays homage to the authenticity of Wally Amos and aims to inspire the next generation to stay true to what makes them unique.

Q: When and where will the Collectors Edition packaging be available?
A: The Collectors Edition 50th anniversary packaging will be available wherever Famous Amos Cookies are sold, beginning in March 2025, while supplies last.

Q: Are there any new items or promotions being offered with Collectors Edition?
A: For the first time ever, Famous Amos is releasing retro packaging inspired by the brand’s original 1975 design. While there are no additional promotions with the Collectors Edition, fans can stay tuned to Famous Amos’ socials for the latest updates: Threads, Instagram and Facebook.

Q: How much do Collectors Edition packages cost?
A: Collectors Edition prices are determined by individual retailers and may vary by location.