Black entrepreneurs encourage others at Juneteenth panel in Omaha
Black business owners from across the city gathered for a panel Monday. The topic was the importance of Black entrepreneurship. The panel was hosted by Nebraska Enterprise Fund, an organization that helps small businesses with loans and financial aid.
"Black entrepreneurship is critical to Black financial success in America," Steven Butler, president of Controlled Comfort, said.
Not only can Black entrepreneurs help the economy, but they can also inspire the next Black leader. Sharnelle Shelton, owner of Onyx Street Boutique, talked about the importance of diversity in the business industry.
"People need to see someone who looks like them doing business within their community," Shelton said. "I tell people all the time, it's no longer about me, it's about the people coming up after me."
Those young leaders also need a helping hand to guide them through the process — which these entrepreneurs are ready to offer.
"If a young person came to us asking our advice on how to start a business, whether we're in an event setting or not, all of us would jump at the opportunity to run our mouths," Butler said.
He mentioned that some people can be scared to ask because they feel they have to repay the favor. Butler says not to worry about it.
"I've never thought of it as, 'You need me or you owe me something,'" Butler said. "It is literally exciting and exhilarating to be able to mentor and to be able to help somebody else because I want everyone to do better than me."
As we celebrate Juneteenth, Black businesses have one request.
"Honor Black and brown business not only during Juneteenth, not only during Black History Month, but be intentional about shopping with your local businesses throughout the year," Shelton said.