Bread for the City’s Post

Honored to have participated in this panel facilitated by the incomparable Mackenson Charles of Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, Inc. ongside entrepreneurial and policy greats Joseph Charles and Segun Idowu. If we're serious about growing community-level wealth, then we have to include acquisitions of existing SMBs and real estate assets into the equation. Some resources: 1. Where to Access Funding?: The SBA7(a) Loan Program allows for the financing up to $5M for small business or commercial real estate acquisitions https://lnkd.in/eWU-7VsA 2. What is the Role of Local Policymakers?: Much can be learned from how the City of Boston has established its Commercial Assistance Fund to support ground level businesses in affordable housing developments. https://lnkd.in/ewph76Aj 3. What Happens If We Get This Right?: Brookings Institute has incredible research showing that providing more equitable opportunities is a net positive for our economy, creating significant levels of new jobs and tax revenues for municipalities. https://lnkd.in/edKS_N-U

Would you like to see Black Excellence celebrated - rather than all the negative news about our communities from the major media? Get the scoop on how the insightful and dynamic Katrina "Kash" Nangle is working to showcase Black excellence and expand wealth. Visit: https://lnkd.in/e8QTuWSU #blackbusiness #blackentrepreneur #blackentrepreneurs #blackexcellence #blackwomeninbusiness #blackwomenentrepreneurs

Happy Black History Month! I highly recommended checking out #ForTheCultureSTL for the BEST directory of local Black owned businesses! https://lnkd.in/gf4YR2yy Via their website: "We do a lot of talking about supporting black businesses, but provide a number of reasons as to why we can't: I don't know where to go, I didn't know that they were black owned, I don't know where to start. Well, no more. ForTheCultureSTL is intended to connect black people with black owned businesses and events around the city. Whether it's the entertainment industry, a family owned restaurant, a black owned dentist, or a local clothing company, For the Culture STL is here to connect the people to you and you to the people. Our intention is to put black dollars back into the black community and keep them there and build unity in the community. Support the businesses, show up to the events, get to know each other. In order to do this we have to know where to go and what to show up for. If you know of any companies, events, stores, or small businesses that we should be supporting then let us know."

Cleveland Avenue operates at the intersection of opportunity, perspective, and insight. We’re more than just a passive investor. We accelerate growth for entrepreneurs and their businesses. As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the impact our diverse entrepreneurs and businesses bring to communities across the country. At Cleveland Avenue, Black History is not just a monthly celebration - it is woven into the fabric of our firm. We are helping Black founders and their companies reach new heights. ➡️ Over one-third of the innovative businesses in our portfolio are Black-owned or founded. Cleveland Avenue is also intentional on ensuring our staff represents the portfolio companies we invest in and support. Our focus on diversity drives our success 365 days a year. ➡️ We pursue our goals with integrity, building viable businesses that benefit investors, entrepreneurs, and neighborhoods for the long term. ➡️ We are proud to uplift Black voices, empower Black-owned brands, and invest in the limitless potential of the Black community. When Black businesses rise, we all rise. To learn more, visit www.clevelandavenue.com. #BlackHistoryMonth #SupportBlackBusiness #OpportunityForAll #ClevelandAvenue

February is #BlackHistoryMonth. El Camino Health recognizes and celebrates the Black communities' contributions to American culture, and those who have made an impact in the fields of medicine and healthcare. Learn more about some of the Black Pioneers in Medicine and Healthcare: https://lnkd.in/gCzVxNs9

As more insights regarding the State of Black America become available to the public, new focus can be shifted towards crafting solutions based on research and analysis. Recent findings highlight a concerning trend of sluggish growth in Black-owned businesses. It’s important not to overlook these enterprises, which also belong to the small business sector, in policy-making discussions. For policymakers and advocates of change, here are six actionable steps to consider. Remember supporting Black entrepreneurship and innovation, not only benefits underinvested communities/groups but also ALL members of society. https://lnkd.in/gNf_XQtw

Did you know that August is National Black Business Month? Celebrate by supporting Black Businesses during the month of August! Put the Black Businesses you plan to support in the comments below. I look forward to learning about some great businesses from the comments. Also, since I am here, this graphic was created by a new feature on LinkedIn. What do you think?

🌟 Celebrating Black Excellence, Juneteenth, and Milestones 🌟 Hi Awesome Ones, As a proud Black business owner, today holds special significance. Juneteenth marks a historic moment of liberation and resilience for the Black community. It's a day to honor our ancestors' struggle for freedom and justice, and to celebrate our achievements as entrepreneurs and leaders. Being a Black business owner isn't just about the bottom line—it's about embodying resilience, creativity, and determination. It's about breaking barriers and creating opportunities for ourselves and future generations. In just 10 days, we'll also celebrate our company's 3rd birthday—a milestone that symbolizes growth, perseverance, and the support of our incredible community. This journey wouldn't be possible without your support and belief in our vision. Today, I reflect on the journey of Black entrepreneurship and the contributions we make to our communities and the economy. Let's continue to uplift and support Black-owned businesses, not just today, but every day. Here's to celebrating our heritage, our success, and the promise of a brighter future. Happy Juneteenth and cheers to our upcoming 3rd birthday! 🎉✊🏾 #BlackExcellence #Juneteenth #BlackBusinessOwner #Milestone #CommunitySupport

This Black History Month we're honoring the incredible contributions of Black scientists and physicians to the health care field. Like Dr. Patricia Bath, founding member of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, or Dr. Charles Drew, who first identified that blood plasma could be transfused and donated. These incredible discoveries were made in the context of the astronomical health inequities and social and economic barriers Black families have historically faced and in many ways still face today. These health inequities contribute to Black Americans having higher maternal and infant mortality rates and lower life expectancy overall. Black communities also experience racism and discrimination while seeking health care, and that health care is often made inaccessible by other barriers like cost and transportation. We can and must do more to address these historic and ongoing health inequities. Plan A Health created our mobile health clinic serve communities in the Mississippi Delta experiencing these barriers and support wider health care access. Our mobile clinics offer services in community spaces such as community centers, churches, barbershops, and stores. We provide free healthcare services at all locations, no insurance required. We just launched a monthly dental clinic at our brick and mortar location in Louise, MS. And we're just getting started. https://planahealth.org/

As Black Business Month comes to a close, we celebrate the incredible contributions, resilience, and innovation of Black entrepreneurs and businesses. Let's remember to carry the spirit of support and empowerment forward all-year long, uplifting Black voices and businesses in our communities. 🌟 #BlackBusinessMonth #SupportBlackBusinesses #SupplierDiversity #BusinessDiversity #SupplyChain