Get The Scoop On How How Systemic Barriers, Not Creativity, Impact Black Business Growth

How Systemic Barriers, Not Creativity, Impact Black Business Growth

(C) Copyright nZinga E. Austin

By Kamau Austin

I sometimes hear people — sometimes even Black people — complain that there is a lack of creativity in Black businesses. This is shocking, given that so many creative cultural achievements in the U.S., like jazz and hip hop, are artistic innovations that sprang from Black communities.

However, some claim that the lack of successful Black businesses is due to a lack of creativity. I’m a contrarian in this regard.

As the owner of a media company that has covered and written about over 5,350 Black businesses, cultural institutions, community organizations, and events in Southeast Queens and globally through my news blogs, I can say without hesitation: there is plenty of creativity, brilliance, and determination among Black businesses.

I’ve seen Black entrepreneurs create more innovative tech platforms than many mainstream legacy sites (for example: Fanbase, B1, and BlaqSBI). I've seen all kinds of Black-owned apps and amazing educational technology developed for our children.

The real problem is that owning businesses, real estate, and making investments are the primary ways to create multigenerational wealth — and unfortunately, Black entrepreneurs are systemically marginalized from accessing capital, securing large contracts with governments or corporations, and, as Dr. Claude Anderson states, are "boycotted by white people and companies" far too often.

Registration is OPEN! FinFe$t 2025 is happening April 26 at NJIT in Newark, NJ!

FinFe$t 2025 is Happening
April 26 at NJIT in Newark, NJ!

Registration is OPEN!  FinFe$t 2025 is happening April 26 at NJIT in Newark, NJ! 

Wealth Protected by Health This FREE, game-changing event is where financial empowerment meets wellness!

Learn from top experts, network with leaders, and take charge of your future.

Where? NJIT – Campus Center, 150 Bleeker St, Newark, NJ 

When? Saturday, April 26, 2025

Why? Because your health and wealth go hand in hand!  

Powered by @prudential @rwjbarnabas @njit and more!

Don’t wait—REGISTER NOW and secure your spot!

Get The Scoop On The BlaQue Community Cares: *Buy *Build *Bond - Black Business & Community Wealth Expo

BlaQue Resource Network Announces
*Buy *Build *Bond
Black Business &
Community Wealth Expo
on June 21, 2025

Queens, NY — The BlaQue Resource Network (BRN), a leading community organization dedicated to empowering Black residents in Queens, is proud to present the "Buy Build Bond: Black Business & Community Wealth Expo." This landmark event is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Resorts World New York City in Queens, NY.​Eventbrite

The "Buy Build Bond" Expo aims to foster economic empowerment by connecting Black-owned businesses with the community, promoting entrepreneurship, and facilitating wealth-building strategies. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with local entrepreneurs, participate in workshops, and access resources designed to support business growth and financial literacy.​

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025​

• Location: Resorts World New York City, Queens, NY ​Eventbrite

• Time: 10am - 5pm

50-Year-Old Black-Owned Construction Firm Choates Family of Companies Makes History in Kenya

50-Year-Old Black-Owned Construction Firm Opens First International Office in Nairobi, Kenya

Choates Family of Companies, a Black-owned international, multi-generational US-based construction firm that spans more than five decades, has opened its first international office in Nairobi, Kenya. The opening of this new office has cemented its position as a global leader in infrastructure, real estate, investments, digital currency and blockchain, energy, commodity trading, and advisory services.

Under the dynamic leadership of its founder and CEO Darrell Choates Sr. and the strategic expertise of Sindani Job Weindava, the company is achieving unparalleled success in reshaping industries, driving sustainability, and fostering economic empowerment across continents.

Black Girls Defense Fund Launches Mini-Grants for $2K

Black Girls Defense Fund Launches Mini-Grants for $2K to Fight Dehumanization and Protect Their Fundamental Rights

The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium (SBGWC) announces the opening of its Black Girls Defense Fund: Resistance and Resilience Grant Application, providing financial support to organizations fighting against dehumanization and protecting the fundamental rights of Black girls and women in the South.

With grants of up to $2,000, this funding opportunity is designed to strengthen community-led efforts addressing the unique challenges Black girls face that include adultification, dehumanization, and violence. Black girls are in need of legal support, protection, and advocacy in a world that robs them of their innocence as children.

Black Entrepreneur Robert Smith Gets Proposed Financing For $100M

Black Entrepreneur Announces Engagement Letter From EF Hutton For Proposed Financing For $100M

Serial entrepreneur Robert Smith who owns Champion Media Worldwide and Robert Smith Communications today announced that it has received an Engagement Letter from EF Hutton, a top investment bank.

Smith will enter into an Engagement Letter in which the bank has agreed to proposed terms to finance up to $100 million for acquiring manufacturing, engineering, e-commerce, and marketing agencies.

Smith bought his first franchise in 1996 at age 22 and grew to become number 1 in his territory. Since then, Smith has acquired nearly a dozen companies and is a 5-time award-winning entrepreneur.

Get The Scoop On Why Now Is The Time To Start A Side Hustle

Why Now Is The Time To Start A Sidehustle

Why Now Is The Time To Start A Sidehustle By Pierre Clark

The election is over. Trump is in office. And the challenges and issues we face in igniting wealth-building and wealth creation in our communities continue. What policies will the new administration contribute and support in terms of solutions to this age-old dilemma? We’ll have to see.

But for as long as we - the disinvested and under-resourced community residents - have been here we know that we have to continue to be the change we seek. And that is why there has been a surge in entrepreneurial development and side-hustle creation in our communities in the last five years.