For many Black entrepreneurs, the journey of becoming their own boss has been cultivated over many years of working on their passions in silence. There is no clear roadmap to becoming a successful Black entrepreneur. At times it can feel like you are walking through a labyrinth contemplating every turn, trying to navigate your way through. Finding resources in the community geared toward helping Black entrepreneurs thrive, while making a connective impact, can be a challenge if you don’t know where to begin. But, in today’s progressive landscape of community connections, there are a variety of resources designed to help Black entrepreneurs thrive in the community.
For years, organizations, businesses, and companies like the Black Chamber of Arizona, MBDA-Minority Business Development Agency, and Local First Arizona-WE RISE have provided resources to help meet the needs of Black entrepreneurs through education, community collaboration, financial capital, mentorship, and networking. The framework of resources throughout our community is rapidly evolving to meet their needs.
Today’s Black entrepreneurs are an enthusiastic, vibrant force of creativity and imagination. They are our surrounding communities with a wide variety of products, services and skills based businesses, which speaks to our diversity.
Making Connections for Your Business
As a former broadcast journalist and the owner of DIVA STRONG MEDIA LLC, I’ve spent years cultivating relationships and connecting with the community through volunteer opportunities. I know firsthand how vital community resources can be in aiding your business while making an impact as a Black business owner.
Every day is an opportunity to strive towards cultivating new connections while building your business. The month of August is especially important as we celebrate, encourage, and provide helpful tips to inspire our community of Black entrepreneurs.
As a Black entrepreneur and a professional communications coach, it is important to share your business with everyone, seizing every moment to create a lasting impression. How we communicate and share the passion behind the “WHY” of what we do as Black entrepreneurs helps to open the door to new connections. This is one of the most powerful avenues to connect others to our businesses.
Tips for connecting with people and resources
1. Get out in the community
Here’s a key piece of advice that was given to me: Start networking with the various chambers of commerce. The chambers are a great way to attend local events, make new connections and share your business with others. Plus, the opportunity to learn about other businesses in each city gives you unlimited power in navigating toward your target audience.
2. Get your business some local exposure
Share your business with the Arizona Informant Newspaper. This is the only African American newspaper in the state of Arizona and has been around for over 50 years. Whether you are just starting on your entrepreneurial journey or you have been working on your business for years, integrating a community presence for your business is essential to your growth and connections.
3. Take advantage of resources
Opportunities like Pitch In, a platform that provides entrepreneurs the space to create a pitch presentation, receive feedback, and connect with other entrepreneurs. Pitch In is offered through the ASU J. Orin Edson Entrepreneur and Innovation Institute. Follow and connect with Pitch In on LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Explore Diverse Resources
Here are a few resources Black entrepreneurs may find beneficial to growing their businesses while creating a connection to their surrounding communities:
- Utilize LinkedIn – This business connections-based site provides Black entrepreneurs with unlimited resources to connect with other Black businesses, attend workshops, engage in content while promoting their business.
- SEE ME PROGRAM – The Social Economic Equity for Minority Enterprises Program is designed to help Black-owned businesses in Arizona.
- Local First Arizona – They thrive on helping Black entrepreneurs through their program “WE RISE.” Learn more on their website.
- DIVA STRONG MEDIA LLC – Access communications-based workshops to help entrepreneurs enhance their communication skills through public speaking and storytelling techniques. Our next series of workshops starts in September – October 2024 at the Burton Barr Phoenix public library. Learn more on the library calendar.
- Afri-Soul Education Center – This is a Black Business Incubator that empowers Black entrepreneurs to thrive. Learn more on their website.
- The Journey – The Journey is closing the racial and gender opportunity gap by empowering diverse founders to pursue entrepreneurship while providing resources and support to increase their odds of success.
Embrace the journey, have fun along the way and share what makes your business special in our community.
If you’re seeking entrepreneurship education and support from a welcoming community, attend an Edson E+I event to expand your network and find a variety of resources to help you succeed.
