When starting your own business, it's important to be well-connected to resources and opportunities that can take it to the next level. Luckily, there are many organizations dedicated to helping Black entrepreneurs get to an even playing field when it comes to certifications, funding, networking, marketing, and other necessary business assistance. Below are six organizations supporting Black-owned businesses and ventures.
National Urban League
Advocating for Black Americans and underserved urban communities, the National Urban League also provides support to Black entrepreneurs. Their Entrepreneur Centers are available in 12 major cities, including Philadelphia, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Chicago, for counseling and training.
Empower Global
This e-commerce platform is the most recent addition to this list, launching earlier this month. Created by Sean "Diddy" Combs, Empower Global (EG) allows consumers to discover and purchase products created and sold by Black entrepreneurs. They add new Black businesses monthly.
Black Business Association
Founded in 1970, the Black Business Association advocates for those seeking contractor and procurement opportunities. They also have workshops, webinars, and many other resources to train and expose members to tools of the trade. The nonprofit organization has also partnered with ADP and Spectrum Reach for educational programs, marketing, and other resources.
Black Girl Ventures
This organization was founded in 2016 to support Black and Brown woman-identifying founders and address unique challenges to them. Part of that mission includes community building, fellowships, and an accelerator program for students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). They also have a Shark Tank-style pitch competition, which funded 450 women of color, according to their website.
National Minority Supplier Development Council
The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) establishes connections between minority-owned businesses and corporations, increasing supplier diversity. Business owners can look forward to several programs, educational opportunities, certifications, and much more. The nonprofit has matched over 15,000 certified minority-owned businesses, including Black-owned, to more than 1,700 corporations.
Advancing Black Pathways
JPMorgan Chase has committed $30 billion by the end of 2025 to tackle economic disparities and uplift the Black community. One of those methods is giving Black business owners access to education, coaching, networking, sessions with bankers, and other resources.
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