Africatown Community Land Trust’s Post

August marks National Black Business Month! Over the years, Black Business Month has evolved to encompass celebration, advocacy, and action. It encourages consumers to support Black-owned businesses, promotes investment in Black entrepreneurship, and calls for policy changes that promote equity and inclusivity in the business world. At Mpact PR, we acknowledge and celebrate Black-owned businesses today and everyday. And we’ll be highlighting different Black business owners, stopping by brick-and-mortar storefronts, sharing resources, and ways you can truly support Black businesses. Below, are four concrete ways to get started:  1) Shop at Black-owned businesses: Patronize Black-owned stores, restaurants, and service providers. 2)  Invest in Black entrepreneurs: Support through investment, crowdfunding, or purchasing shares. 3) Advocate for policy changes: Support policies that address systemic barriers, such as improved access to capital. 4)  Raise awareness: Use your platform to highlight Black-owned businesses and their contributions. How do you support Black-owned businesses? #nationalBlackBusinessMonth #equity #support #entrepreneurship #realinvestment #blackbusinessmonth #accesstocapital #wealthgap

Black Business Month is observed each August and is an opportunity to celebrate Black Businesses and the workforce they employ. The African American Chamber of Commerce: Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky has calculated that Black-owned businesses operating in Hamilton County further supported $1.0 billion in sales in the eight-county region, which supported 5,564 jobs with wages of approximately $219.7 million in 2023. Black-owned businesses in Cincinnati accounted for about two thirds of the indirect impact of Black-owned businesses operating throughout Hamilton County. The Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio has compiled some resources you can use year-round to support and grow your Black-owned business in Cincinnati and Hamilton County. #MinorityMinority Business Assistance Center - Cincinnati #Cincinnati Minority Business Collaborative #City of Cincinnati Black Business Directory  #DepartmentDepartment of Economic Inclusion #The Entrepreneurship Center of the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio  #TheThe African American Chamber of Commerce: Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky #JobsOhioJobsOhio Small Business Grant #MinorityMinority Business Accelerator #MORTARMORTAR #TheThe Voice of Black Cincinnati 

August is National Black Business Month! A time to celebrate, recognize, and support the vital presence of Black-owned businesses in our communities. Acknowledge the entrepreneurship, innovation, and resilience that these businesses embody. Let’s use this opportunity to uplift and patronize Black-owned enterprises, fostering an environment of inclusivity and economic empowerment. #BlackBusinessMonth #SupportBlackBusinesses #EconomicEmpowerment

Why It Matters

Last Mile Cafe, a local coffee shop located in Grand Rapids, is a comforting spot where you can sip coffee and enjoy the community. A recent Good for Workforce winner, Arick, gave us the opportunity to visit their space and check out the roasting of the beans, their recycling & composting, as well as how they prepare their drip coffee. ☕ This year, we asked our black business owners for advice for rising black entrepreneurs. Arick had this to say: "As a black business owner, one piece of advice that I would offer other black business owners is just to find different ways to build your resources, like financially saving money, budgeting. Also, just like making new friends and finding people who are going to support you along that journey. I think you know investing in both of those areas can be extremely valuable in addition to learning the skills that you need to know to grow your business." So, Happy Black History Month! It's important to always choose black owned businesses every year and not just during February or August. 💜 #BlackHistoryMonth #PeopleFirstEconomy #ChooseBlackBusiness

As #10KSB celebrates the strength and tenacity of Black entrepreneurs this #BlackHistoryMonth, I am honored to highlight Nia-Tayler Clark, M.Ed, whose story showcases her spirit of resilience and demonstrates the importance of community support. Her Dallas-based business, BLACKLIT is more than a bookstore; it's a haven of representation and literacy, a place where the readers can find books that resonate with their experiences and identities. Nia-Tayler's mission has always been to uplift and educate through literature that speaks to and for the Black community. A year ago, Nia-Tayler was faced with the daunting possibility of her business losing its location. Nia-Tayler recalls: "In January of last year, our bookstore faced eviction, and in less than 24 hours, we had raised over $20,000 to get those doors back open. [Our community] came through for us in a big way." This moment of adversity wasn't just a setback; it was a defining instance of resilience and community strength. When the doors were at risk of closing, it was the collective support and swift action of Nia-Tayler and those who believed the BLACKLIT mission that turned the tide. She continues: “I know BLACKLIT is supposed to be here when people walk through the doors of the bookstore and they just give this deep breath of relief like ‘I'm home.’” Let's reflect on our own paths—how do we see resilience shaping our entrepreneurial endeavors? Have you experienced a moment where your community's support was crucial? Learn more about BLACKLIT here: https://iamblacklit.com/

Last Mile Cafe, a local coffee shop located in Grand Rapids, is a comforting spot where you can sip coffee and enjoy the community. A recent Good for Workforce winner, Arick, gave us the opportunity to visit their space and check out the roasting of the beans, their recycling & composting, as well as how they prepare their drip coffee. ☕ This year, we asked our black business owners for advice for rising black entrepreneurs. Arick had this to say: "As a black business owner, one piece of advice that I would offer other black business owners is just to find different ways to build your resources, like financially saving money, budgeting. Also, just like making new friends and finding people who are going to support you along that journey. I think you know investing in both of those areas can be extremely valuable in addition to learning the skills that you need to know to grow your business." So, Happy Black History Month! It's important to always choose black owned businesses every year and not just during February or August. 💜 #BlackHistoryMonth #PeopleFirstEconomy #ChooseBlackBusiness

🗻 Ain’t no mountain high enough 🗻   What an incredible event! The BUD Leaders team was honoured to attend the The UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference today.     This inspiring event provided a platform for black entrepreneurs to showcase their success stories and share their experiences to inspire and empower others who may face similar challenges in their entrepreneurial journey.   The day was filled with inspirational stories from black business founders Tevin Tobun , Byron Dixon OBE and Valerie Brandes. We enjoyed the discussion around growing and scaling a business by Lord Dr Michael Hastings CBE and the stereotypes and challenges persistent racial biases, navigating corporate supplier diversity by Nedra Dickson. Further conversations revolved around specific challenges faced by black entrepreneurs, such as access to finance, discrimination, access to the public and private sector supply chain by Henry Bonsu, Theresa Harrison, Lucy Quist, Derek Redmond OLY., Vusi Thembekwayo. A huge thank you to Dr Carlton Brown for inviting us to such an impactful event 😊 At BUD Leaders, our mission remains steadfast: empowering Black-led businesses by revitalising wealth within communities and fostering inclusive economic growth. Join us in our commitment to overturning the disparities faced by Black and Global Majority women-owned businesses and eradicating the inequities created by today's decisions.    Pledge to Challenge X2 now: https://lnkd.in/e5NN2vg3 #blackfounders #ChallengeX2 #Budleaders #accesstofinance #equity #equalwealth #community #entrepreneurship

Kauffman Foundation Explores “How to Rebuild Black Wall Street For Us All” at South by Southwest - [vc_video link="https://lnkd.in/gdPWceDk"] More than a century has passed since the devastating Tulsa Race Massacre, an event that marked the destruction of the affluent Greenwood District, famously known as "Black Wall Street," by white mobs in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Following this dark chapter, Black business districts across the nation faced disruption and decline, grappling with systemic barriers that hindered Black entrepreneurs from accessing essential resources such as capital, knowledge, and networks needed for success. Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue and ensuring inclusivity in entrepreneurship, we engaged a panel of experts in a discussion at the renowned South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas, in March 2022. Led by Philip Gaskin, the Vice President of Entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation, the panel delved into critical questions about the historical prosperity of Black business districts, the factors hindering their resurgence, and actionable steps to support a revitalization that benefits entrepreneurs of color and strengthens entire economies. The panel explored the historical context, acknowledging the thriving Black business districts during times of segregation and Jim Crow. The discussion highlighted the need for systemic change, emphasizing not only access to capital but also access to knowledge and a broader understanding of the significance of business in generating wealth. Insights from panelists such as Karen Freeman-Wilson, Melissa Harris-Perry, and Neo Frank emphasized the impossibility of replicating Black Wall Street in today's fully integrated society. Instead, they emphasized the importance of reimagining what success looks like for Black business owners in the 21st century. Melissa Harris-Perry underscored the distinction between wealth and income, noting that addressing the wealth gap requires more than individual efforts. Neo Frank called for a paradigm shift that recognizes Black brilliance, creativity, and ingenuity, advocating for policies that level the playing field by increasing access to opportunity, funding, knowledge, and support. In conclusion, the panel emphasized the urgent need for a collaborative approach involving policymakers, private industry, and philanthropy to dismantle barriers and create opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. The goal is to foster a more inclusive future that celebrates Black excellence and contributes to the overall economic empowerment of communities across the nation. Original Source (Ewing Marion Kaufman Foundation)   https://lnkd.in/gWCW2QKR

🌏𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗔𝗩𝗟🌏 At Black Wall Street AVL, we’re more than just a hub for Black-owned businesses; we’re a movement dedicated to economic empowerment, cultural celebration, and community resilience. Our mission is to create lasting change by providing Black entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in today’s competitive market. Did you know? Black-owned businesses play a crucial role in their communities, offering culturally rich products and services that honor Black heritage and identity. Despite systemic challenges, these businesses generate significant economic impact, create jobs, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. Black Wall Street AVL is here to bridge the gaps—whether it’s through our mentorship programs, business development workshops, or networking events, we’re committed to leveling the playing field. By empowering Black entrepreneurs, we’re not only supporting individual success but also strengthening the entire community. Join us in building a future where economic equity and cultural pride go hand in hand. Together, we can continue the legacy of Black Wall Street, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous tomorrow. 🔗 Ready to explore and get involved? Dive in now: https://lnkd.in/gZmegQS9 #EconomicEmpowerment #BlackWallStreetAVL #CommunityStrength #SupportBlackBusiness #CulturalPride #LegacyBuilders