We’re thrilled to share that the NorthSTAR Collaborative, powered by RevHub, has received a $50,000 grant from Wells Fargo to expand the NorthSTAR Microgrant Fund. This fund directly tackles the challenge of limited early-stage capital for entrepreneurs from underserved communities in Orange County. By offering grants ranging from $500 to $2,500—and pairing them with financial mentorship from Wells Fargo volunteers—NorthSTAR is fueling new businesses with the resources they need to thrive.

Several of our microgrant recipients shared their gratitude and excitement. Karen Caswelch, founder of bridgED Robotics, says, “I support and believe in what NorthSTAR stands for…The opportunity to get my business sorted out was because of NorthSTAR and RevHub.” 

Meanwhile, Victor Macias, founder of Santana Snacks, describes the experience as “very empowering” and thanks RevHub “for the continuous support.” For Mark Aretskin, founder of AML Consulting, this support is exactly what he needs. “This organization is fantastic,” he relates. “Thank you for being involved with my business.”

Diane Muigai, founder of Healing Waves, highlights the boost to her mission-driven work. She states, “This money will boost my ability to reach out to the community and those I am looking to serve.” And Robyn Rosales, co-founder of Gubtek, notes that the process provided helpful clarity for next steps. “It made us create a plan,” she says. “The money will allow us to develop a new product for a larger customer base.”

Thanks to Wells Fargo’s grant, early-stage founders across Orange County can overcome the initial hurdles of launching their ventures—from covering crucial expenses to receiving expert guidance. NorthSTAR’s broader vision is to cultivate an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where promising ideas are given the chance to flourish—regardless of a founder’s background or financial means.

Below is more information about each microgrant recipient, their businesses, and how they plan to use the funds.

Diane Muigai, Founder | Healing Waves

  

Healing Waves Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting mental health and alcohol recovery for individuals aged 18–35 through holistic programs, community support, and nature-based therapy. Founded by Muigai, the organization strives to empower individuals on their healing journeys by providing resources, guidance, and a safe space for growth and transformation.

Use of Funds

• Legal and administrative setup
• Program activities and materials
• Marketing and outreach

Karen Caswelch, Founder | bridgED Robotics

bridgED robotics is bringing advanced manufacturing education to high school students through a unique, hands-on microfactory experience. With installed microfactories, students build drones and gain real-world, certified skills such as 3D printing, mechanical and electrical assembly, problem solving, continuous improvement, and quality systems. They also learn to use robots to automate the drone-assembly process.

Use of Funds

• Incorporation with all appropriate legal documents
• Drone hardware kits 
• Marketing

Mark Aretskin, Founder | AML Consulting

Aretskin founded AML Consulting LLC, operating under the trademark Perfect Invention®. This innovative consulting firm specializes in guiding inventors and creators through the entire innovative lifecycle. With over a decade of experience and more than 160 completed projects—three to five times the volume of comparable firms—AML Consulting excels in idea development, engineering design, prototyping, and expert referrals.

Use of Funds

• Digital advertising
• Lead generation
• Email marketing campaigns

 

Pennie Douglas, Founder + Executive Director | William H. Douglas Foundation

William H. Douglas Foundation’s mission is to provide college access to students regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds or geographic locations. The foundation prides itself on meeting students where they are and finding viable, scalable pathways to where they are going.

Use of Funds

• Feasibility experiment study
• Marketing and outreach 

 

Victor Macias, Founder | Santana Snacks

 

Santana Snacks is a premium snack brand dedicated to bringing authentic, all-natural flavors to your table. Inspired by the traditional Mexican antojitos its founders grew up with, these organic treats evoke cherished memories while encouraging healthier choices.

Use of Funds

• Expanding outreach programs
• Digital advertising
• Content creation 

 

Robyn Rosales, Co-Founder | Gubtek

Gubtek, a small synth manufacturer based in California, is led by passionate musicians Robyn Rosales and Julio Quijano. Designing their own instruments since 2019, Rosales and Quijano discovered a “happy accident” in their first prototype that taught them to embrace mistakes and surprises. This discovery became the foundational philosophy of Gubtek, which designs and manufactures innovative electronic music instruments that empower musicians to explore new sounds and push creative boundaries.

Use of Funds

• Potentiometer bulk purchase
• Restocking product
• Product development
• Housing enclosures
• Component assembly
• Marketing