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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...