Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity

Last week in LA, we hosted an engaging roundtable with Congresswomen Kamlager-Dove and Chu, Mayor Karen Bass, and local entrepreneurs. Business owners shared their experiences of both challenges and successes. The discussion provided insights into entrepreneurs' unique needs and highlighted actionable ways to support their growth and success. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to this impactful conversation!

We're thrilled about U.S. Small Business Administration's new site simplifying certifications for underserved entrepreneurs! It closely aligns with our recommendation from earlier this year to establish a centralized platform, especially for women-owned businesses seeking federal contracts. 🔗 Read our press release to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eewZvdKq 📄 Explore our full report with recommendations to help small businesses win federal contracts: https://lnkd.in/eg2iRy54

Our latest report focuses on empowering military spouses, reintegrating justice-involved individuals, supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities, assisting immigrants, and helping working mothers navigate the challenges of starting and growing their businesses. We identify specific barriers and review how they limit opportunities for untapped entrepreneurs who are often underestimated or overlooked. There are 🔟 policy solutions that are guided by the specific needs of each community. See our recommendations: https://lnkd.in/ew7n2GQj

Many Americans have the potential to be business owners, yet barriers hinder their paths. Our new report examines the unique challenges faced by 5️⃣ communities: disabled individuals, justice-involved individuals, working mothers, military spouses, and immigrants. We propose 🔟 targeted policy recommendations aimed at addressing these challenges and fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. Explore our insights:

As we celebrate #HispanicHeritageMonth, we want to recognize the incredible strides made by Hispanic entrepreneurs nationwide. Hispanic-owned businesses are vital to our economy, generating billions annually, fostering job creation, and strengthening communities. Their success fuels economic growth and drives innovation. Discover more about the key data and trends shaping the future of Hispanic entrepreneurship in our latest infographic 👇 https://lnkd.in/esACuvw6

Why do entrepreneurs have limited access to capital?   -Poor or no credit history -Insufficient collateral -Stricter underwriting rules for younger businesses -Expensive interest rates -Branch closures in certain neighborhoods   Here are some solutions: https://lnkd.in/eyAtNZJ3

🎉 Happy #HispanicHeritageMonth! Millions of Latino-owned businesses across America create jobs and make communities vibrant. Learn about resources to help you start and grow your business! 💠 In English: https://www.sba.gov 💠 En Español: https://www.sba.gov/es

Unaffordable and inaccessible capital is a barrier that keeps too many businesses—especially those owned by people of color—small and starved for opportunity. Our latest report proposes three key reforms: 1️⃣ Expand microlending programs to support the smallest businesses. 2️⃣ Ensure fair appraisal of wealth assets and incentivize financial institutions to serve unmet community needs. 3️⃣ Modernize the tax code to help businesses retain more of their earnings. Policymakers should work together to ensure every entrepreneur can access capital and have the chance to succeed. Check out the full piece here: https://lnkd.in/eyAtNZJ3

Our last feature for #BlackBusinssMonth is Ivy Scott, owner of IVLeague Marketing, who we met at our roundtable in Atlanta. During her first year as an entrepreneur, she faced early challenges, including a costly partnership mistake, that almost resulted in her shutting down. While it was a difficult experience for Ivy, she gained valuable knowledge that enabled her to succeed in the future. She also began to embrace her value, invest in herself, and raise her prices. The bold moves paid off when her business revenue doubled within a year. To help her business thrive today, Ivy has received critical local support from organizations like the Urban League of Greater Atl, Our Village United, Inc., UGA Small Business Development Center at Kennesaw State University, and Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs. See more of Ivy’s story in The State of Black Business here: https://lnkd.in/dr-xUG4c

This #BlackBusinessMonth, we are highlighting a few entrepreneurs we met earlier this year at our roundtables. Kelli Bain is an entrepreneur in Atlanta who owns N7 Kream Lab Nitrogen. She blends science and culinary art to create a unique and enjoyable ice cream experience. One of her favorite moments was opening a brick-and-mortar in her longtime neighborhood, Ellenwood, which transformed her business from a concept to a tangible presence in the community. Despite rising costs and changing market conditions, Kelli has made strategic decisions to grow her business. By relocating to a shared kitchen and embracing digital ordering, she reduced overhead by 30% and expanded her offerings, including catering and a nonprofit initiative, “The Khem Lab,” that benefits local schools. A key boost came from a $10,000 grant from PepsiCo through the Urban League of Greater Atl that helped to increase productivity and secure a new lease agreement. The support has been significant for her business growth and success. Our report, The State of Black Business, shows persistent challenges and opportunities for progress in Black entrepreneurship. Read for more details here: https://lnkd.in/dr-xUG4c