Posted Thursday, February 22, 2024 - 11:20pm by keckler@wbcsou…

This month, we are celebrating Black History Month! A time known for celebrating the legacy of black americans, and highlighting the impact they have made in our community. As our region continues to rise in the list of top places for women-owned businesses to thrive and scale, we want to recognize the pivotal role black women-owned businesses continue to have throughout our nation.

According to the 2023 Annual Report presented by the National Women's Business Council, black women-owned business are a leading factor for the record growth of small businesses throughout our country. From 2019-2023, reported revenue for black women-owned businesses increased nearly 33%. By the end of 2023, they also represented nearly 2.7 million businesses nationwide. These numbers show a significant increase despite facing unique barriers throughout their journey. It is important that while we celebrate the success of black women-owned business, we are also continuing to learn where the barriers remain, so that we are working together as a network to remove them. 

At the Women's Business Council - Southwest, we have been committed to developing new ways to support these historical increases. As a network that flourishes because of the diverse voices and experiences throughout our membership, providing a foundation for all women of color to thrive is imperative. In 2012, our council brought the Women of Color Committee and Program to our region. This initiative was established in response to the growing number of women-owned businesses being launched by women of color. As a council, we want to ensure we’re being inclusive of women of color and to spotlight that everyone is provided a place and opportunities in our council. By working collectively with the WBEs from our region to ensure intentional strategy and implementation was provided, the WBCS Women of Color Committee was created. In 2020, one of the programs introduced by this committee, helped women business owners throughout the certification process. This included a three-month Women of Color Mentor Program, that matched potential WBCS members with current members who can help them through the certification process and ensure they were plugged into the network afterward. To continue building on these efforts in 2024, our council is launching our Inclusion Business Mixers. Co-hosted by WBCS and the community partner organizations supporting diverse women-owned businesses during each of their national celebration months. To learn more about these efforts and any upcoming opportunities provided by the WBCS and the committee, we invite you to sign up for our news or keep an eye out for our upcoming programs and events.

This month we are dedicated to learning more about Black History through the lives of the black women business owners who have and will continue shaping a future where black women in business have access to opportunities for success. As a part of these conversations, we had the chance to sit down and hear from a few of our black women-owned businesses leading the way in our region! Here is what they had to say:

Chanel Christoff Davis | Davis Davis & Harmon | WBCS Board Member | WBCS Forum Ambassador

What advice do you have for black women business owners trying to scale or grow their business? 

The best advice that I can give is to step boldly into the spotlight and amplify your personal brands. Gone are the days of hiding behind our businesses. Today's business landscape demands authenticity, connection, and trust. Remember, your personal brand is your greatest asset. It's what sets you apart in a crowded marketplace and builds meaningful connections with your audience. Don't shy away from sharing your journey, triumphs, and challenges. People want to do business with those they know, like, and trust. By stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight, you cultivate trust, foster loyalty, and attract new business opportunities.

Follow my CEO journey on social media and my podcast show where I amplify the voices of dynamic women business leaders: https://followtheleaderpod.carrd.co

Who is a black woman in business that is making history?

I admire Mellody Hobson, president and co-CEO of Ariel Investments  and a chairwoman of Starbucks Corporation. I strongly identify with her background and career trajectory. Like my life story, she has unapologetically changed her life path through education and changed history by leading the largest minority-owned investment firm in the world.

Jenica Oliver | blueprint marketing group | WBCS Board Member

What advice do you have for black women business owners trying to scale or grow their business? 

As black women, we have a tendency to want to make everyone feel comfortable around us – to rewrite the narrative and disprove the stereotypes. It's a lot of pressure.  We end up dimming our light so others can shine or at least not feel intimidated by our glow. We need to stop. For the black girl or woman struggling to fit in, I'm giving you permission to STOP.  It's o.k. to not be for everyone, it's o.k. to find your niche. It's o.k. to bring your entire self to work and do what you've been destined to do unapologetically. It's o.k. to not discount your products or services because you understand what it's worth – in order to grow and sustain your business, it's going to take all that you have inside and support from the outside. Find YOUR people, charge what you're WORTH, then add tax and gratuity on top! This is your #disruptionera!

Who is a black woman in business that is making history?

From ladies I interact with daily through WBC-Southwest and DFW MSDC, my friends and family members who prop me up and keep me going on my toughest days, to the women who keep it altogether and give selflessly to others at the same time, we are a force to be reckoned with, I can't pick just one!

Saria Hawkins-Banda | Manifest Your Purpose

What advice do you have for black women business owners trying to scale or grow their business? 

Apply for as many grants as you can and learn to pitch your business as this can become a very substantial source of funding!

Who is a black woman in business that is making history?

Pinky Cole of Slutty Vegan. The way she is scaling her restaurant empire so rapidly and efficiently will definitely be a case study one day!

Daris Frencha | The Benefit Boutique

What advice do you have for black women business owners trying to scale or grow their business? 

Build a Strong Network: Connect with other entrepreneurs, business owners, mentors, and industry leaders. Networking can provide valuable insights, support, and opportunities for collaboration and growth. Focus on Customer Experience: Prioritize delivering exceptional value and service to your customers. Listen to their feedback, address their needs, and strive to exceed their expectations. A satisfied customer is more likely to become a repeat customer and refer others to your business. Delegate and Outsource Where Necessary: Recognize that you can't do everything on your own. Delegate tasks that can be handled by others, and consider outsourcing certain functions such as accounting, marketing, or IT to experts who can help you streamline operations and focus on core business activities. Definitely Get Certified As a WBE!