Soulshine Carolina Awarded $3,000 Grant to Scale Wholesale Growth and Expand Giftable Product Line
Apr 20, 2026 03:37PM ● By WNC Business
Soulshine Carolina, a cocktail infusion brand known for its small-batch, seasonal flavors, has been awarded a $3,000 grant through the WE Power Food Pitch Competition, with funding provided by NC IDEA and Wells Fargo. Founded by Adrienne Matt, Soulshine Carolina creates cocktail infusion kits in rotating seasonal flavors, designed to make great-tasting cocktails simple and accessible at home. The brand currently offers 12 flavors annually, including two year-round favorites and curated seasonal collections.
The grant marks a pivotal step in the company’s growth as it transitions from a primarily direct-to-consumer model into a scalable, wholesale-focused business. “This funding allows us to move into our next phase of growth,” said Adrienne Matt, founder of Soulshine Carolina. “After hand-labeling more than 3,000 jars, we’re investing in tools and systems that increase efficiency, reduce production time, and position us to expand our wholesale presence in a meaningful way.”
Grant funds will be used to streamline production through labeling equipment, elevate the brand’s visual presence with professional product photography, and introduce new bundled offerings designed specifically for gifting. These bundles include spirit-focused trio kits and curated gift sets featuring cocktail infusion kits paired with etched glassware representing North and South Carolina. These enhancements are expected to increase average order value, improve online conversion, and support stronger retail and wholesale partnerships.
Participation in the WE Power Food Pitch Competition connects Soulshine Carolina with a network dedicated to supporting and scaling food-based entrepreneurs. The additional backing from NC IDEA and Wells Fargo underscores a shared commitment to fostering small business growth and innovation. Looking ahead, Soulshine Carolina is focused on significantly expanding its wholesale channel, with a goal of growing wholesale from 12% of total revenue to more than 50%, creating a more predictable and scalable revenue stream.
Source: Soulshine Carolina.
The grant marks a pivotal step in the company’s growth as it transitions from a primarily direct-to-consumer model into a scalable, wholesale-focused business. “This funding allows us to move into our next phase of growth,” said Adrienne Matt, founder of Soulshine Carolina. “After hand-labeling more than 3,000 jars, we’re investing in tools and systems that increase efficiency, reduce production time, and position us to expand our wholesale presence in a meaningful way.”
Grant funds will be used to streamline production through labeling equipment, elevate the brand’s visual presence with professional product photography, and introduce new bundled offerings designed specifically for gifting. These bundles include spirit-focused trio kits and curated gift sets featuring cocktail infusion kits paired with etched glassware representing North and South Carolina. These enhancements are expected to increase average order value, improve online conversion, and support stronger retail and wholesale partnerships.
Participation in the WE Power Food Pitch Competition connects Soulshine Carolina with a network dedicated to supporting and scaling food-based entrepreneurs. The additional backing from NC IDEA and Wells Fargo underscores a shared commitment to fostering small business growth and innovation. Looking ahead, Soulshine Carolina is focused on significantly expanding its wholesale channel, with a goal of growing wholesale from 12% of total revenue to more than 50%, creating a more predictable and scalable revenue stream.
Source: Soulshine Carolina.