ThinkLA’s Post

The state of black businesses in Indiana 📢 Hey there, Secure the Bag community! 🎉 We've got some exciting news to share with you today! Secure the Bag is pumped up and ready to announce our unwavering commitment to empowering and uplifting Black-owned businesses in the great state of Indiana. We see the incredible potential and talent within the Black community, and we're all about supporting their growth and ultimate success. Let's make it happen! Now, hold on to your hats because we stumbled upon an eye-opening article from the Indianapolis Recorder that shines a bright light on the state of Black business in Indiana. Brace yourselves for this shocker: despite Black Americans making up around 10% of the state's population, only a measly 3% of businesses are Black-owned. Can you believe it? This jaw-dropping disparity serves as a wake-up call, reminding us of the challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs and the urgent need for change. But fear not, dear friends! The article takes us on a journey through history, revealing the devastating impact of events like the Tulsa Race Massacre and the decline of the once-thriving Black business district on Indiana Avenue. It's a tale of resilience and determination. But here's the good news: there are positive developments and initiatives on the horizon! These game-changers are providing crucial resources, education, and much-needed visibility for Black entrepreneurs in the Hoosier state. At Secure the Bag, we firmly believe that supporting Black-owned businesses is more than just an act of charity. It's a matter of economic justice, my friends! By empowering Black entrepreneurs, we can create a vibrant and inclusive economy that benefits each and every member of our community. It's a win-win situation, folks! So, here's the deal: we want you to join us in celebrating the sheer resilience and mind-blowing innovation of Black-owned businesses in Indiana. Together, let's level that playing field and create a society that's fair and equitable for all. Your support, my friends, can make a world of difference! Get ready to rock those hashtags and spread the word: #SecureTheBag #BlackOwnedBusinesses #EconomicJustice #Empowerment #Inclusion #Indiana #Community #SupportLocalBusinesses. Let's make some noise and show our love for Black-owned businesses in the Hoosier state! Remember, folks, it's not just about securing the bag—it's about securing a brighter future for all. Let's do this! Ps: if you want to read more about the article, here is the link: https://lnkd.in/eUy_usPA

How Black Girls RUN Transformed Lives and Built a Movement. In 2007, Toni Carey, Founder of Black Girls RUN! faced a problem: the alarming statistic that over 80% of black women in America were considered overweight or obese. Motivated by this, she started running, breaking stereotypes and challenging societal norms. Little did she know, this personal challenge would lead to a powerful movement. Toni and her friend Ashley faced a unique struggle when they realized they were not only the only black women in local running groups but often the only people of color. The isolation they felt in a sport they loved prompted them to share their story, giving birth to Black Girls RUN. However, their rapid growth brought challenges of scalability, making them reflect on the importance of building a solid foundation. Using their background in communications and PR, Toni and Ashley started Black Girls RUN! as a blog in 2009, inviting women nationwide to run with them. The power of community and word of mouth turned their movement into a thriving business. Much like a successful sales strategy, they employed regional ambassadors and volunteers, spreading the joy of running. The transition to Shopify streamlined their operations, showcasing the importance of an efficient sales system. My Big Takeaway: The story of Black Girls RUN! highlights the importance of having a solid foundation for your business – whether it's a sales system, sales strategy, or sales leadership. Scaling too fast without a clear plan can lead to challenges. Toni's pursuit of multiple revenue streams exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit – the drive to explore new opportunities while ensuring sustainability. Join the www.CEOSalesHuddle(com) for sales growth and business strategies. Stay Hungry. Stay Humble. Che Brown www.CEOSalesHuddle.com Connect with me: @IamCheBrown #CEOSalesHuddle #CEOSalesDashboard #CEOMasteryNetwork

In my role as an professional in the ecommerce payments space, I have been able to work with some truly great companies and particularly those that monetize through subscriptions. I also come across fantastic subscription/membership based companies, clients or otherwise, that are still gathering their footing in the marketplace. They are newer to this journey but have established a wonderful foundation for growth and long term success. Today I would like to highlight one such company and invite you to visit their website and/or Linkedin page. Company: The Great Exhale https://lnkd.in/eNrEtW7V What they do: The Great Exhale is an award-winning private membership community where Black women can relax, lay their burdens down…and exhale. It is a virtual space that prioritizes mental wellness, soft living, and psychological safety. Owner/Founder: Lisa Hurley Lisa Hurley is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker, and award-winning activist. Monetization Model: The great exhale monetizes through a monthly, semi-annual, or annual membership. Each membership comes with a number of benefits/access. Summary: The great exhale, while not a client, caught my eye because it is a passion project turned into a very viable business. It's ICP is clearly defined, and the founder (Lisa) has built an amazing brand prior to launch to be able to serve her target audience in an amazing way. Call to Action: Take a look. #subscriptions #memberships #founders #ecommerce

Happy #friday community and colleagues!! It’s the first Friday of the month of August, like many of you, I will be out enjoying why my city is known as #summertimeChi. One of the ways I plan to celebrate this season is by supporting #blackowned businesses in honor of #nationalblackbusinessmonth Here’s some facts you should know👇🏾 #August is National Black Business Month, an opportunity to support and celebrate Black-owned businesses. According to data, there are approximately 3.12 million Black-owned businesses in the United States. These businesses employ 1.18 million people and generate $133.7 billion in total sales, highlighting their significant contribution to the economy. Fastest Growing Demographic #Blackwomen (like #me!✨) are driving entrepreneurial growth. In 2020, the number of Black women-owned businesses grew by 20.2%, outpacing the overall growth of Black-owned businesses at 14.3% and women-owned businesses at 3.1%. This trend highlights the crucial role that #Blackwomen play in the entrepreneurial landscape. How to Support Black-Owned Businesses Supporting #Blackownedbusinesses can significantly boost revenue and employment opportunities within the community. Here’s how you can get involved: #Buy from Black-owned businesses: Your purchase helps strengthen the economic foundation of the local business community, fostering growth and sustainability. #Engage in community events: Attend and support local events and markets that feature Black-owned businesses to show your solidarity and help build a stronger community. #Share on social media: Give a shoutout to your favorite Black-owned businesses (like #me!) using the hashtag #BuyBlack to increase visibility and of course tag @radicallyblended !! My business is all about #empowering people to strengthen their #mentalhealth and for those that call themselves #allies to the black community to use their voice and privilege for the safety and continual advancement of #blackpeople in shared communities. So, don’t just speak about your support, put it into action! *data sourced from https://lnkd.in/gKgynd8C Happy weekend!! Keisha Mathew

It's National Black Business Month! Let's celebrate!✨️ "August is National Black Business Month, an opportunity to support and celebrate Black-owned businesses. According to recent data, there are approximately 3.12 million Black-owned businesses in the United States. These businesses employ 1.18 million people and generate $133.7 billion in total sales, highlighting their significant contribution to the economy. 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐯𝐬. 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐃.𝐂. 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 Nationally, Black-owned businesses represent about 3% of all classifiable firms, despite the Black population making up 14% of the U.S. population. This disparity underscores the need for more support and opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. Washington, DC, however, stands out as a beacon of progress. In the nation’s capital, 15% of classifiable firms are Black-owned, which is one of the highest percentages in the country. Additionally, the city boasts one of the highest concentrations of Black-owned businesses, with 35% of businesses being Black-owned. This demonstrates a more supportive environment for Black entrepreneurs compared to the national average. 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜 Black women are driving entrepreneurial growth. In 2020, the number of Black women-owned businesses grew by 20.2%, outpacing the overall growth of Black-owned businesses at 14.3% and women-owned businesses at 3.1%. This trend highlights the crucial role that Black women play in the entrepreneurial landscape. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤-𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 Supporting Black-owned businesses can significantly boost revenue and employment opportunities within the community. Here’s how you can get involved: ✨️ Buy from Black-owned businesses: Your purchase helps strengthen the economic foundation of the local business community, fostering growth and sustainability. ✨️ Engage in community events: Attend and support local events and markets that feature Black-owned businesses to show your solidarity and help build a stronger community. ✨️ Share on social media: Give a shoutout to your favorite Black-owned businesses using the hashtag #BuyBlack." This excerpt is shared from the District of Columbia government site. DC.gov #buyblack #nationalblackbusinessmonth #blackbusinessmonth #moneywhereyourmouthis #smallbusiness

Celebrating Black Business Month: Supporting Black-Owned Businesses and Building a Stronger Community August is quickly coming to a close, and I want to take a moment to highlight Black Business Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of Black entrepreneurs to our economy and communities. Black-owned businesses are more than just sources of goods and services; they represent resilience, creativity, and the spirit of entrepreneurship, often overcoming systemic barriers to thrive in competitive markets. Whether you are a frequent customer or looking for new ways to support, there are many opportunities to uplift Black-owned businesses—not just during August, but year-round. Investing in Black-owned businesses strengthens communities by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and closing the racial wealth gap. These businesses are often community hubs, supporting local causes and serving as role models for future generations of entrepreneurs. Your support doesn’t just contribute to individual success; it drives economic empowerment across the entire community. You might be wondering. “How Can I Support Black-Owned Businesses?” I’m glad you asked! There are many ways to champion Black-owned businesses, even beyond your dollars: * Buy Black: Whenever possible, specifically in the month of August, choose to shop at Black-owned businesses. Whether it’s online or in-person, your purchasing power can have a significant impact. * Spread the Word: Word-of-mouth is powerful. Recommend your favorite Black-owned businesses to friends, family, and colleagues. Share their work on social media, leave positive reviews, and engage with their content. * Support with Your Network: If you have professional connections or resources, consider mentoring or collaborating with Black entrepreneurs. Offering advice, making introductions, or partnering on projects can open doors for long-term growth. * Advocate for Policy Change: Push for policies that support equitable access to funding, resources, and opportunities for Black-owned businesses. Whether through voting or community involvement, your voice matters in shaping a fairer system. * Attend Black Business Events: Participate in local markets, expos, and networking events featuring Black entrepreneurs. Your attendance alone helps boost visibility and supports their business endeavors. This Black Business Month, let’s not just celebrate; let’s take actionable steps to ensure that Black-owned businesses continue to thrive. From buying their products to amplifying their presence, each of us has the power to make a difference and create an environment of economic empowerment. Together, we can build stronger communities and pave the way for a future of inclusivity and prosperity. #BlackBusinessMonth #SupportBlackOwnedBusinesses #BuyBlack #EconomicEmpowerment #LeressaM.Coaching&Consulting

🌟 Celebrate Juneteenth with Black Makers Market at the African American Cultural & Heritage Facility in Austin, TX! 🌟 We are excited to invite you to join us for an inspiring Juneteenth Celebration, taking place at the African American Cultural & Heritage Facility in Austin, TX. This is a day to honor freedom, resilience, and the rich cultural heritage of the Black community. 📅 Date: June 15, 2024 from 12 pm - 6 pm 📍 Location: African American Cultural & Heritage Facility, Austin, TX Why Juneteenth? Juneteenth is a significant celebration of liberation and the enduring spirit of the Black community. This year, we’re bringing together talented Black makers, vibrant performances, and engaging activities for a celebration that unites and uplifts. What to Expect: Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances from local artists. 🎤 Unique Vendors: Discover handcrafted products from talented Black artisans. 🛍️ Delicious Food: Savor flavors from local culinary vendors. 🍴 Family-Friendly Activities: Participate in fun and educational sessions for all ages. 📚 Community Connections: Network with community leaders and influencers. 🤝 Partner with Us: We’re looking for forward-thinking companies and community organizations to join us as partners for this landmark event. Here’s how you can get involved: 🤝 Partnership Opportunities: Event Sponsorship: Enhance your brand’s visibility and show your commitment to diversity and inclusion. Booth Exhibits: Engage directly with attendees and showcase your offerings. In-Kind Donations: Contribute products or services that add value to the event experience. Volunteer Support: Encourage your team to participate and support our efforts. Why Partner with Black Makers Market? Visibility: Gain exposure to a diverse and engaged audience. Community Impact: Support economic empowerment and cultural celebration. Brand Alignment: Associate your brand with a cause that champions equity and excellence. Join us in making this Juneteenth Celebration a remarkable event. Your partnership will help create a lasting impact in our community. Interested in partnering with us? Reach out today to explore how we can collaborate. 📧 info@blackmakersmarket.org 📞 (512) 222-3278 🌐 https://lnkd.in/djquCAaY Let’s come together to celebrate freedom, culture, and community—united in purpose and joy. #Juneteenth #BlackMakersMarket #AustinEvents #CommunityEngagement #DiversityAndInclusion #SupportBlackBusinesses

Did you know businesses owned by Black women grew by 50% from 2014 to 2019? According to a 2021 study by J.P. Morgan, Black women have been the fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs in the U.S. They account for 42% of all women who opened a new business from 2014-2019. Black women-owned businesses significantly contribute to the economic development of the Black community and Black women are blazing the trail in business and entrepreneurship. Yet, the journey does come with significant challenges in accessing capital and resources. We are passionate and committed to empowering Black-Owned Businesses through our various programs: 🔹 Make Every Day Black Friday: Our economic empowerment movement and multi-platform awareness initiative, which encourages all Americans interested in racial equity and economic justice to take action to close the wealth gap between Black Americans and other Americans. 🔹 Village Black Pages: The critical resource Americans can rely on to locate Black-owned businesses to support when responding to our charge to Make Every Friday, Black Friday! All Black-owned businesses are listed for FREE in the Village Black Pages! 🔹 Village Empowerment Network: Access to online, on-demand and in-person trainings and workshops designed to ensure that entrepreneurs and individuals can learn and access the information they need at their own pace to build generational wealth. .......and many more. Join us as we support Black women entrepreneurs. Tag the Black Woman-Owned Businesses you know in the comments. Learn more about how we empower the Black community on our website: https://lnkd.in/eE4tSSeN Julia Savage Jonathan Pueschel #CommunityEmpowerment #BlackEmpowerment #BuildingGenerationalWealth #SupportBlackBusinesses #CommunityConnections #ProfessionalDevelopment #BuyBlack #ShopBlack #Entrepreneurship #EmpowertheVillage #VillageBlackPages #MakeEveryFridayBlackFriday #ItTakesAVillage #BuildGenerationalWealth #AdvancingBlackPathways

August marks National Black Business Month! Over the years, Black Business Month has evolved to encompass celebration, advocacy, and action. It encourages consumers to support Black-owned businesses, promotes investment in Black entrepreneurship, and calls for policy changes that promote equity and inclusivity in the business world. At Mpact PR, we acknowledge and celebrate Black-owned businesses today and everyday. And we’ll be highlighting different Black business owners, stopping by brick-and-mortar storefronts, sharing resources, and ways you can truly support Black businesses. Below, are four concrete ways to get started:  1) Shop at Black-owned businesses: Patronize Black-owned stores, restaurants, and service providers. 2)  Invest in Black entrepreneurs: Support through investment, crowdfunding, or purchasing shares. 3) Advocate for policy changes: Support policies that address systemic barriers, such as improved access to capital. 4)  Raise awareness: Use your platform to highlight Black-owned businesses and their contributions. How do you support Black-owned businesses? #nationalBlackBusinessMonth #equity #support #entrepreneurship #realinvestment #blackbusinessmonth #accesstocapital #wealthgap

🔥 Join the Movement: Leave a Legacy for Your Beautiful Black Children 🔥 In the wake of George Floyd's murder in 2020, our founder, James Oliver, Jr., ignited a flame of empowerment by establishing the ParentPreneur Foundation. Our mission? To empower Black ParentPreneurs like you to shape a legacy for your children, a legacy of resilience, purpose, and prosperity. At the ParentPreneur Foundation, we're not just a community; we're a catalyst for transformation. We envision Black ParentPreneurs not just as entrepreneurs, but as pillars of strength, as mentors, and as the architects of a brighter future for their families. 🌟 Our Impact Speaks Volumes 🌟 Since our inception, we've injected over $200,000 in grants and provided invaluable free mental health therapy for our community. But our impact goes beyond dollars and cents. We leveraged our network to propel our members forward, helping them secure funding and amplify their voices. 🎥 Meet Ruby "SunShine" Taylor, MSW: Our Inspiring Hero 🎥 In the video below, you'll meet Ruby Taylor, a beacon of resilience in our community. Despite facing a traumatic brain injury, Ruby refused to be defined by her circumstances. Instead, she channeled her passion into closing the racial wealth gap through innovative financial education products. We proudly supported Ruby's endeavors, from being early customers of her Financial Joy School's Legacy card game, to facilitating connections that helped her secure $250,000 in funding through the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center. 🌟 Ready to Make a Difference? 🌟 If you're driven by the desire to leave a lasting legacy for your beautiful Black children, the ParentPreneur Foundation is where you belong. Join forces with the world's most dynamic and impactful community of Black ParentPreneurs, where we don't just dream of change – we make it happen. Let's grow together and shape a future of boundless opportunity for generations to come. 🌱 Join us 👇🏾 https://lnkd.in/di36bzhT #ParentPreneurFoundation #BlackExcellence #LegacyBuilders #CommunityImpact #Empowerment #JoinTheMovement 🚀