5 Ways Black Businesses Can Grow After Emerging From Disruption
The pandemic made 2020 a difficult year for many small businesses, as many closed permanently. But other small companies had success despite the surge in outbreaks and are hoping to build on those achievements in 2021. How can they keep their momentum going, and what can other companies learn from their struggles to navigate the challenges of the new year? “To stay afloat, owners adjusted on the fly and creatively found ways to change their operations,” says Chris Buitron, CEO and president of Mosquito Authority® (www.mosquito-authority.com). “Those that survived can use innovations
Money: Top Tips for Organized Tax Filing
(StatePoint) 2020 was a particularly stressful year — but filing its taxes doesn’t need to be. With the following tips, you can stay organized and cool-headed throughout the process. File Early File early so you check this major to-do off your list and relax. The good news is that the sooner you file, the better. This is true no matter what your circumstances are. If you owe money, you’ll have that much more time to plan your payment. If you’re due for a refund, filing sooner means you’ll have
African Americans making power moves in corporate world
by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer Andrea Stanford was already going places, even before The Advanced Leadership Initiative’s “Executive Leadership Academy” came to fruition in 2018. The Westchester County, N.Y., native, who came to Pittsburgh and graduated from the university that bears the city’s name, has been lauded for her professional and community service efforts in the 13 years she’s been in the Steel City. In recent years, she progressed from a Digital Experience Product Manager at PNC to Assistant County Manager for Allegheny County. Then came word of a new
American Express Commits $2.5 M to 100 Black Female Owned Businesses
Did you know that woman-founded businesses received a mere 2.8 percent of venture capital dollars in 2019, with female founders of color receiving just 0.32 percent? A couple big organizations are working to change that for the long-term. Co-Founder of Kazmaleje (pronounced Cosmology), LaToya Stirrup is one of 100 women selected by American Express and IFundWomen of Color for its 100 for 100 campaign that supports black female entrepreneurs. All recipients of the grant program will be awarded $25,000 plus 100 days of business mentorship. Kazmaleje, founded in Miami,
Atlanta Hawks strike historic agreement with Black-owned banks
The Hawks become the first professional sports team to secure financing with Black-owned banks for $35 million refinancing of Emory Sports Medicine Complex Transaction facilitated with the support of the National Black Bank Foundation and Black Bank Fund to help bolster Black banks and the communities they serve Earlier today, the Atlanta Hawks announced that it has agreed to refinance the construction loan for the Emory Sports Medicine Complex with a syndicate of Black-owned banks. The $35 million loan marks the first time a professional sports franchise has had
Despite apology from Wells Fargo CEO, African Americans still face ‘uphill battle’ for respect
by Kaylan Ware On September 23, Wells Fargo CEO Charles Scharf apologized in a letter to his employees for comments made in a June 16 memo titled “Our commitment to change.” “While it might sound like an excuse, the unfortunate reality is that there is a very limited pool of Black talent to recruit from with this specific experience,” Scharf said in the June 16 memo. He also repeated this sentiment during a company Zoom meeting. In the same memo, Scharf proposed to double the number of Black senior leaders
Want a better ROI? Get your Diversity, Inclusion team certified
Diversity and Inclusion work is also becoming more complex for employers who operate in multiple states or abroad. For example, New York recently passed a law requiring annual, interactive sexual harassment training; California is on the verge of mandating at least one woman to serve on company boards, and more than 11 states currently ban applicant salary history questions. Beyond legislation, companies that operate overseas must navigate through cultural nuances that can make or break partnerships or other business opportunities. As a “newbie” navigator, Nicole L. Johnson is
New Voices Foundation and JPMorgan Chase launches Banking Bootcamp for Black women entrepreneurs
by Sherri Kolade Are you a Black female entrepreneur who needs some assistance upping your coin? Then the New Voices Foundation and JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways might be a great tool for you and your entrepreneurial dreams, according to an article from Essence. The two entities partnered on a new business banking educational program for Black women entrepreneurs that will assist them in creating strong business banking relationships and grow their access to critical capital, a needed element to business development and achievements, the magazine article added. The Banking Bootcamp, which
Nielsen’s 10th-Year African American Consumer Report Explores The Power Of The Black Community From Moment To Movement
For 10 years, Nielsen has been dedicated to telling the story of the power of Black consumers and their diversity, long before the call for social justice sounded. According to "The Power of the Black Community – From Moment to Movement," the 10th annual report in Nielsen's Diverse Intelligence Series on African American consumers, Black influence on the economy and pop culture continues to drive not only significant moments in history, but drive change across industries and digital platforms. From video streaming, radio listenership and podcasting to buying Black and
Property is Power: Should You Refinance or Sell?
By Anthony O. Kellum The ongoing question…Should I refinance or sell? Everywhere you look you see, advertisements suggesting: “Lock in the rate!” “Refinance now and save!” Before you know it, you are asking yourself “Should I refinance?” That is a great question and we will explore what the hype is all about as it relates to refinancing. The answer usually comes down to two basic facts. Budget: Avoid accumulating debt as a result of a loan Lifestyle: Downsize living space or access your home equity Whether you ought to refinance