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Why Former Journalist Ngozi Ahanotu Launched A Search Engine Geared Toward The Black Community And Funded It Herself

If you are on the hunt for Black-owned businesses, look no further than a search engine designed for its community.

Samantha Dorisca

May 25, 2022

Gabrielle Union Opens Up About Flawless And Entrepreneurial Struggles — 'I Made That Initial Deal Out Of Fear'

Gabrielle Union is creating a table and Black-owned businesses are the centerpiece. As a part of a new partnership with LinkedIn, which includes an exclusive new content series, “Getting Real with Gabrielle Union,” the star opens up about being a Black woman in the industry, business, and how fear drove her decisions, plus more. Now Gabrielle Union has adopted a new mindset to land the right opportunities and she has since racked in many wins. As AfroTech previously reported, Gabrielle Union recently became an investor in Angel City Football Club alongside her daughter Kaavia James Union Wade. “If it does not positively impact my peace, my joy and my grace, I don’t wanna have anything to do with it. When I look at investments, businesses, I look at who else is involved? Are these people that I would trust with my child or trust with my life? No. Okay. Well that’s okay. That’s not for me,” Gabrielle Union said in an interview with LinkedIn News Editor in Chief Dan Roth. Gabrielle...

Samantha Dorisca

Feb 22, 2022

Coalition To Back Black Businesses Announces Second Round Of Its Multi-Year Grant Program

Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB), co-founded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, American Express, and four leading national Black business organizations – announced 491 Black-owned small businesses across 39 states were each awarded a $5,000 grant as part of a multi-year grantmaking and mentorship initiative. The recipients will be eligible to apply for enhancement grants of $25,000, which will be provided to a select number of 2021 grantee recipients in July 2022. The CBBB was formed in September 2020 to address the needs of businesses impacted by the pandemic and support their long-term growth. Since its launch, CBBB has awarded grants to more than 1,000 Black-owned small businesses. “From nationwide supply chain disruptions to worker shortages, Black small business owners are facing new and daunting challenges brought on by the pandemic,” said Carolyn Cawley, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “The strength of our economy depends on the...

ComplYant Raises $5.5M Seed Funding Round To Build Digital Tax Assistant For Small Businesses

ComplYant is here to help small businesses with their tax needs. And thanks to a recent seed funding round, they’re able to help now more than ever. In a press release announcement, it was revealed that the company closed a seed funding round of $5.5 million led by Craft Ventures with participation from Mucker Capital, Slauson & Co., and Techstars. ComplYant was founded by Grid 110 and Techstars alum Shiloh Johnson. There are more than 31 million small businesses in the United States, and they pay billions in tax penalties every year for filing forms or making payments late. Some businesses just forget while others don’t understand enough about the taxes they owe to know that they owe them. ComplYant’s digital platform solves this problem by streamlining workflow, providing a savings wallet for taxes, and allowing accountants to collaborate with client accounts – all right in your browser. Using ComplYant, U.S. small business owners easily manage and take charge of income tax, sales...

Ciara Joins Forces With Meta To Promote Wealth Building In The Black Community

Ciara and Meta Elevate are back to support small Black-owned businesses! To ensure businesses will receive support and prosper amidst the pandemic, entrepreneurs were encouraged to apply to Meta’s newest program in the fall of 2021. Now, Ciara has personally selected 10 Black-owned businesses that will participate in the inaugural cohort. “The ten businesses I’ve nominated are dear to me because they embody determination, community, empathy and empowerment. The success of Black-owned small businesses is key to wealth building in our community, which is why connecting Black owners to these opportunities is so important to me,” Ciara said in a press release sent to AfroTech. As AfroTech previously told you, nominated businesses will receive marketing mentorship and six weeks of support. Businesses will have the opportunity to create powerful marketing campaigns on Facebook and Instagram. In addition, Meta will distribute $100,000 in ad credits and creative support for businesses to...

Samantha Dorisca

Jan 26, 2022

Target Commits $100M To Help Fuel Economic Prosperity In Black Communities

One thing about Target, they’re going to pay it forward. As AfroTech previously reported, the retail giant announced this past April, that it will provide $2 billion in support toward products from over 500 Black-owned businesses. Now, they’ve announced in a blog post that they will be allocating $100 million in funding to Black communities through 2025. With this new commitment, they aim to fuel economic prosperity to Black-led organizations as a part of their Target Forward Strategy designed to ensure the company equitably represents the communities they serve. “As one of the largest retailers in the U.S., we know we have the responsibility and opportunity to use our resources to help end systemic racism and accelerate economic prosperity for Black communities,” said A manda Nusz , President and Corporate Responsibility senior of the Target Foundation, in a blog post. “With this commitment, we aim to support the next generation of Black talent, expand the impact of Black-led...

Samantha Dorisca

Oct 13, 2021

Frank Ocean Launches Homer, An Independent American Luxury Company

Frank Ocean is, officially, in the jewelry business. In a press release announcement, it was revealed that the former member of Odd Future has launched Homer, which is being touted as an “independent American luxury company” by its official press release. Homer Catalog / Courtesy of Homer And the first capsule  is quite extensive, with pieces including diamond-encrusted bracelets, cartoon-colored enamel pendants, patterned silk scarves, and gold rings sculpted into the word “OK.” Homer Catalog / Courtesy of Homer “The first Homer collection comprises fine and high jewelry pieces, plus printed silk scarves. The pieces are handcrafted using 18K gold, recycled sterling silver, hand-painted enamel, and American lab-grown diamonds,” reads the press release, which adds that the products are designed by the Homer team in New York City before sending the designs off to Italy for manufacture. Homer Catalog / Courtesy of Homer According to the Homer team, the inspiration for the designs comes...

This HBCU Grad Has Helped Over 1,000 Black-Owned Businesses Generate Revenue

This Bowie State University alumnus knows how difficult it can be to market a business, so he started one to make it easier on others. Dante Lee is the founder of several platforms focused on promoting and sharing the stories of Black business and entrepreneurs including BlackNews.com, BlackBusiness.com, BlackHistory.com, BlackPR.com, BlackJobs.com and HispanicJobs.com. Lee started his marketing and PR firm while still on campus. According to Black Business, he graduated in 2002 and was known for his marketing genius and is the self-proclaimed “Revenue Doctor.” He estimates that he has helped more than 1,000 Black-owned businesses generate $90,000 in revenue via his press release distribution service BlackPR.com. “African Americans have an annual buying power of $1 trillion dollars,” Lee says. “But there are very few affordable services that help marketers reach these consumers. What I’ve created helps underprivileged business owners affordably and effectively achieve their...

Abriana Walton

Mar 27, 2021

This Mother and Her Two Daughters Own Every McDonald's in the City of Compton

Patricia Williams opened her first McDonald’s franchise store in 1984. Today, Williams and her daughters Nicole Enearu and Kerri Harper-Howie own every McDonald’s in the city of Compton, according to Black Business. Williams and her daughters, who began working with her in 2000, have successfully opened 13 stores, generated almost $50 million in revenue and have employed over 700 people. Williams’ journey started over 30 years ago. She and her husband — inspired by family members who already owned McDonald’s franchises — cashed out their retirement plans and set out to open their first store. Their risk reaped major rewards, as the McDonald’s brand grew throughout the 1980s, Williams and her husband were able to purchase a second store before making another bold business move. When her marriage ended, Williams bought her husband’s share in their business, sold their stores and opened five more. This leap of faith required her to take out a small business loan, attend the required...

Abriana Walton

Mar 23, 2021

How to Start Your Own Marketing Agency

There’s no question that marketing is an effective way for small and large businesses to win over clients. However, some business owners just don’t have the time, patience, or skill to promote their products and services. That’s why marketing agencies are so high-value. If you’re looking to start your own marketing agency, you’ve chosen a highly lucrative industry. But there’s a method to every business venture, and if you don’t do things right, you’ll take longer to be successful. Here’s our quick guide to starting your very own marketing agency. HOW TO START YOUR OWN MARKETING AGENCY 1. CHOOSE A NICHE Pick the type of business you’d like to work with. While it’s fine to target all types of companies, it’s often better to specialize in a particular industry. For example, you can target real estate agencies or individual agents and brokers. It would be especially helpful for your agency if you’ve had previous experience in real estate. This can definitely set you apart from your...

AfroTech

Dec 10, 2020

How To Start An Online Business With Minimal Investment

One of the key aspects of starting an online business is identifying if the business can exclusively work online. There are some businesses that will not require any type of physical infrastructure in order to achieve success, but there are some businesses that will require frequent shipping and distribution. Those are just a few elements you will need to think about while starting an online business. While you may view an online business as more attainable, we will recommend following the same process of owning or starting a traditional business. Generate A Business Idea Do you know how much it will cost you to come up with a business idea that can lead to a multi-million dollar company? It costs $0. An idea is completely free, and it does not matter if you have one idea or if you have a ten ideas, all you will need is a pen and a notebook that will allow you to begin working on your online business idea. How many issues are you facing right now in your life? How many things are...

AfroTech

Nov 14, 2020

Canada’s Prime Minister Announces Investment of Up to $221M in Black Entrepreneurs

In a press conference on Wednesday, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the launch of Canada’s first Black Entrepreneurship Program, according to a press release . The program offers investments of up to $221 million in partnership with multiple Canadian financial institutions and the Canadian Government in support of businesses affected by the COVID-19 crisis. “The pandemic has shone a light on the inequalities that disproportionately hurt Black Canadians, and has underscored the need to restart our economy in a way that allows all Canadians an equal chance to succeed,” said the Prime Minister, according to the release.“As we move forward, this program will help support Black entrepreneurs and create new opportunities for Black-owned businesses, so they are well-positioned for our economic recovery.” The press release reveals the program includes a new National Ecosystem Fund with $53 million dedicated to helping Black entrepreneurs gain access to funding and capital,...

Abriana Walton

Sep 10, 2020

Everybody Eats, No Questions Asked at This Donations-Only Black-Owned Restaurant

At Drexell & Honeybee’s in Brewton, Alabama, restaurant owners Freddie and Lisa Thomas-McMillan display classic Southern hospitality. With their business philosophy, “Feed the Need,” they operate on a donation-based system without turning anyone away reports Good News Network . Guests from all walks of life can come in and enjoy southern cuisine served family style. After their meal, tucked in the corner of the mom and pop soul food establishment, is a donation box where guests can leave a donation that fits their needs. These donations go right back into running the restaurant meaning the owners get virtually no profit, says Black Business . In a video by It’s a Southern Thing , Lisa explains that she learned the lesson of giving back to others as a young girl which has carried on into her adult life. “We don’t have any suggested prices, everybody gets treated the same,” she said in the video . “If you go to the box and don’t have one red cent— no one will ever know. And we won’t...

Abriana Walton

Aug 18, 2020

NFL's Patrick Mahomes Makes History as Youngest Sports Team Owner at 24

Big news erupted in the sports world for Super Bowl MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes as he is now part-owner of the Kansas City Royals. Go @Royals !! #AlwaysRoyal https://t.co/CDApf9wejT — Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) July 28, 2020 Mahomes’ new business venture now makes him the youngest sports team owner at only 24-years-old, according to a press release . “I’m honored to become a part owner of the Kansas City Royals,” said Mahomes, who was once a promising amateur baseball prospect drafted by the Detroit Tigers, according to ESPN , before switching lanes to focus on football. He concluded saying: “I love this city and the people of this great town. This opportunity allows me to deepen my roots in this community, which is something I’m excited to do.” The Kansas City Royals are excited to welcome Mahomes to their ownership group and integrate him into the baseball world. “We are very proud and excited to have Patrick as our partner in the ownership group of this franchise,”...

Njera Perkins

Jul 30, 2020

These Are The Qualities to Look for in a Potential Business Partner

If your business has reached a point where it’s prudent to take on a partner, you’ll need to choose wisely . A good business partner can help you grow your business, but a bad partner can cost you money, opportunities, and even your business itself. When considering a potential partner, look beyond their resume or history. Assess these seven qualities before extending an offer. Character You and your business partner should share the same values and definitions of right and wrong. If not, you’ll find it impossible to set consistent expectations for your staff and maintain a cohesive and productive organizational culture. Shared Vision It’s also critical to share the same vision about your business’ direction. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself spending more time fighting over strategic and tactical decisions rather than planning and executing them. Reliability Avoid people who consistently promise to handle things but fail to deliver. An unreliable business partner can cost you...

AfroTech

Jul 27, 2020