Cacao Chemistry Awarded $10,000 Backing Small Businesses Grant from American Express and Main Street America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Colorado Springs, CO — February 17, 2026 — Cacao Chemistry, a specialty chocolate shop and pastry kitchen located in downtown Colorado Springs, has been selected as a recipient of the Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant from American Express and Main Street America.

The $10,000 grant was used to upgrade and replace commercial freezers used to store and serve the shop’s house-made ice cream. The new equipment improves temperature stability, product quality, and energy efficiency — particularly during peak summer months when demand is highest.

Founded in 2016, Cacao Chemistry is known for its small-batch chocolates, pastries, and ice cream made with ethically sourced ingredients and a science-driven approach to flavor development. Located in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, the shop serves both locals and visitors seeking high-quality confections made without artificial flavors or shortcuts.

“Independent food businesses operate on tight margins, and equipment failures aren’t just inconvenient — they’re expensive,” said Samantha Lang, Founder and Executive Pastry Chef of Cacao Chemistry. “This grant allowed us to proactively upgrade critical infrastructure so we can protect product quality and continue serving our community at a high level.”

Since its inception, the Backing Small Businesses program has distributed more than $14 million in grants to over 1,600 small businesses nationwide. The initiative supports entrepreneurs working to strengthen local economies and build resilient, community-centered businesses.

For more information about the Backing Small Businesses program, visit mainstreet.org/backingsmallbusinesses. A full list of this year’s recipients is available on Main Street America’s website.

About Cacao Chemistry

Cacao Chemistry is a specialty chocolate company and pastry shop based in downtown Colorado Springs. The company produces handcrafted truffles, confections, pastries, ice cream, and hot chocolate mixes using ethically sourced cacao and small-batch production methods. The shop partners with local businesses and hospitality groups while serving both residents and visitors seeking premium chocolate experiences.

Learn more at www.cacaochemistry.com

Upgrade Your Candy: Local Chocolate Shop Turns Halloween Haul Into Treats for Troops

Date: Oct. 1st, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Colorado Springs, CO — This November, Cacao Chemistry invites the community to “Upgrade Your Candy.” Instead of letting leftover Halloween candy go to waste, locals can donate it to Treats for Troops, a national program that ships sweets and care packages to deployed service members.

From November 1st to 15th (unless we hit our goal early), drop off your unopened Halloween candy at Cacao Chemistry (109 N. Tejon St.). For every pound of candy donated, you’ll receive a handcrafted truffle—made with ethically sourced chocolate and crafted in small batches here in Colorado Springs.

“Think of it as trading in a sack of fun-size fillers for chocolate that actually tastes like chocolate,” said Sam Lang, Co-Owner and Executive Pastry Chef of Cacao Chemistry. “The best part is knowing the candy you donate brings our troops a taste of home and a reminder they haven’t been forgotten.”

In 2023, the shop collected 440 pounds of candy; in 2024, nearly 100 pounds. This year, the goal is to donate 200 pounds—enough to make a significant impact, but not so much that the shop is overwhelmed with Milk Duds until Christmas.

Details:

• Collection dates: Nov 1–15, 2025 (unless we hit 200 lbs early)

• Location: Cacao Chemistry, 109 N. Tejon St.

• Donation perk: 1 free truffle per pound, up to 5/day

• Program partner: Soldiers’ Angels Treats for Troops

For more information, visit Treats for Troops or contact:
Sam Lang, Co-Owner & Executive Pastry Chef
Cacao Chemistry
719-633-3686

About Cacao Chemistry:
Cacao Chemistry is a science-driven chocolate shop and bakery in downtown Colorado Springs. Specializing in artisanal truffles, confections, and pastries, the shop blends chemistry, craft, and creativity to reimagine fine chocolate.