New black-owned businesses were up 45 percent between 1997-2002. The 1.2 million black-owned businesses generated $88.8 billion in 2002. (U.S. Census Bureau)
Since 2002, black women continue to start and maintain successful businesses contributing significantly to the global economy - even though they often face tremendous challenges in doing so.
The following is a list of great resources and networks for women of color who are interested in business. Whether you are just starting out or already have a thriving business, networking and meeting other women is always a smart business decision.
1. 8(a) Business Development Program
8(a) Business Development Program is a program created to help small minority businesses compete in the market place and assist such companies in gaining access to federal and private procurement markets. The Mission: "To be responsive to the needs of small businesses seeking business development assistance."2. Black Business Women Online
Black Business Women Online is well-done, and a great networking and information resource for women. One of the free features I really love about this site is the ability to upload videos.
Videos are great for promoting your business, but also a phenomenal way to network with other business women in the community because it personalizes who you are. Henry also runs the website, BlackWomeNetwork.
3. Black Career Women
Black Career Women was founded by Linda Bates Parker, entrepreneur, author, trailblazer, and humanitarian died on December 10, 2009 after an 8 month battle with cancer. She was 66. For nearly 45 years, Linda Bates Parker devoted her life to leadership and empowering others.Black Career Women (BCW) is a national organization headquartered in Cincinnati, OH. Although the organizations does not have chapters, its membership is national. The organization, founded in 1977 serves as a nucleus of support to identify and address the critical needs of black women in the workforce as it relates to their career mobility and achievement. BCW's members are diverse representing aspiring and achieving women workers from entry level to executive level.
4. Black Enterprise
Black Enterprise provides a wealth of information related to business, specifically consumer markets, and also maintains an online Franchise Center and other resources for African American entrepreneurs.In addition to business information, Black Enterprise offers lifestyle, career information. They publish a magazine and have TV shows that address the needs and concerns of black. Black Enterprise even has apps for black entrepreneurs using the iPad.
5. Black Women Connect
Purpose: "Black Women Connect is an online community and social network for African American women who are career-driven and business savvy. Users connect for jobs, business building, professional networking, and girl talk."The website is highly active and well-done. A must visit for black women interested in starting or growing a business.
6. Black Women Enterprises
Mission Statement: "The mission of BWE is to identify and remove the barriers that impede the success of black women business owners from participating in government and private sector procurement, promote equal access to capital, educate, advocate, reverse industry trends that foster business failure among black women business owners, serve as a referral resource, and serve as a clearing house for all information related to businesses owned by black women. Although BWE's core mission is to serve Black Women Business Owners, we do not discriminate. All are welcome to join."7. MBE Connect
Website excerpt, "MBEConnect is a free business social network designed to network certified and non-certified minority and women owned businesses with other business professionals. MBEConnect allows you to profile your business online, build your own personal business social networking groups, connect with corporate partners and minority organizations, and much more."
