Groundswell’s Post

Black Business Ball - May 19, 2024 - Kansas City Convention Center, Grand Ballroom The grand finale of this week-long jubilation culminates in The Black Business Ball & Awards, an exquisite and noteworthy fundraising event meticulously organized by The Black Owned Business Kansas City Foundation. This distinguished affair, known as the Ultra Black Affair, serves as a powerful platform to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of minority business leaders who have played a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of Kansas City. The Black Business Ball & Awards is not merely an event; it is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and unwavering spirit of Black entrepreneurs who have defied odds and demonstrated excellence in their respective fields. The formal gala is a spectacle, immersing attendees in the rich tapestry of Black Kansas City culture, woven through the vibrant threads of music, delectable cuisine, and rhythmic dance. At the heart of the event is a gathering of like-minded individuals, including business owners, community leaders, supportive family members, friends, and the wider community. This collective convergence creates an atmosphere charged with positivity, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to recognizing and uplifting the vital impact of small businesses. A highlight of the evening is the presentation of awards, a moment that transcends mere recognition to become a profound celebration of achievement. The awards serve as a symbol of honor bestowed upon outstanding members of the community, reflecting not only their professional prowess but also their dedication to community development and empowerment. It is a time to reflect on the legacy of these individuals and, in doing so, pave the way for a future marked by continued prosperity. The Black Business Ball & Awards goes beyond the glitz and glamour; it is a strategic initiative to foster networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas among business leaders. Through this, the event becomes a catalyst for the sustained growth of the Black business community in Kansas City, creating a legacy that extends far beyond a single night of celebration. In essence, The Black Business Ball & Awards is a resounding affirmation of the power of unity, entrepreneurship, and the indomitable spirit that defines the Black business community in Kansas City. As the curtains draw on this Ultra Black Affair, it leaves in its wake a renewed sense of pride, inspiration, and a shared commitment to building a future where minority businesses thrive and continue to contribute significantly to the vibrancy of Kansas City's economic landscape. https://lnkd.in/gUzBHCsF

Did you know that there are over 2.5 million Black-owned businesses driving innovation and growth in the United States? These dynamic enterprises inject approximately $150 billion into the economy each year. Over the past decade, Black-owned businesses have surged by 34%, showcasing resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Despite their success, many Black-owned businesses face significant challenges in securing funding and resources. Supporting these businesses is crucial not only for economic growth but also for community well-being. Black-owned businesses often serve as community pillars, fostering local development and creating jobs. By championing Black-owned businesses, we contribute to breaking down financial barriers and fostering equitable opportunities. This support is vital for strengthening community health and resilience, ensuring that everyone has the chance to thrive. This National Black Business Month, let's recognize and support the invaluable contributions of Black-owned businesses to both our economy and our communities.

Starting the conversation to education and growth.

Community! The last session of our 2023-2024 VISION | POWER | SOLUTIONS (VPS) series is happening Thursday, August 22, and is open for registration! VPS is designed to build capacity for community-driven planning among facilitators, organizers, leaders, and educators who are accountable to Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Asian/Pacific Islander (API) communities. The fourth and final session, Cultivating Community Governance: The Power of Planning for the Collective Good, will explore the vision behind community-driven planning to re-member and re-activate our capacity as communities to build the world and to collectively govern what we need to live and thrive. The practices of community-driven planning are the building blocks to community governance: Shared vision, consensus-building, priority-setting, deep participation, and making decisions for the common good. This session will explore questions about what we can learn from communities that have been able to do this and what some of the different models of community governance in practice are within our network. We encourage you to register for this final installment and join us and Facilitating Power for what is sure to be a great event! You will not want to miss it! https://ow.ly/wq5o50SKueP

August is Black Business Month. Let’s celebrate diverse businesses within our community. As a business owner, here are a few ways to celebrate: 1. Promote a Black-owned business on your social media. 2. Showcase Black-owned products at your business. 3. Celebrate diversity within your business. Take this month to foster a culture of celebration and support for diverse businesses. 💙

It's encouraging to see that post-pandemic, the number of new Black business owners has risen 38%, an important step to uplifting communities of color. Tied to this trend, Black business owners are experiencing higher rates of annual revenue growth compared to U.S. businesses overall. This in turn, is helping to uplift communities of color across America.

Happy Black Business Month! 💚 According to Black Enterprise, the U.S. has experienced a 14% increase in Black-owned businesses since 2020, growing fastest in 30 years. For Black Business Month, the OKC Black Chamber will highlight standout businesses in our community, provide information on how to patronize them and offer tips on navigating a successful business. Comment and tag your favorite Black-owned businesses!

After a quick Google search, I found that while there are at least two other Black Business Weeks (in Minneapolis and San Antonio), neither has been around longer than 502 Black Business Week®️. This makes our initiative even more unique. Unlike others, which focus on conference-style events, 502 Black Business Week®️ centers on Economic Empowerment while celebrating Juneteenth and recycling the Black dollar. Supporting this movement can put Louisville at the forefront as trendsetters with a concept that can and should be duplicated in other cities. I knew this week was important, which is why it's a registered brand. Louisville, now is the time to get behind what I've created because this initiative is about you and your business. *Minneapolis has the support of their city and mayor, which is a step ahead of Louisville. I'm serious about expanding this to other cities. Since 2018, that was always the goal, and I believe in divine timing. I need your help. I need connectors in at least four other cities—people I know or that you know personally and that I can trust. The goal for 2025 is to have 5 Black Business Weeks happening simultaneously during the week of Juneteenth: one 8th Annual and four inaugural ones. Let's make it happen! #supportblackbusinesses #economicempowerment

August is National Black Business Month, a time to spotlight the incredible impact of Black-owned businesses in our communities. By supporting these enterprises, we contribute to a more equitable and vibrant marketplace. If you're a veteran business owner, share a picture or link of your business below. Let’s celebrate and support each other’s success! #BlackBusinessMonth #EmpowerBlackBusinesses

August is National Black Business Month, a time to promote diversity and equity, and to highlight the contributions of Black-owned businesses to the U.S. economy. Click here to learn ways you can help promote black-owned businesses: https://ow.ly/O2Lh50SIy7s