October is National Women’s Small Business Month #NWSBM.
There are at least 10 million women-owned businesses in the United States. Women-owned firms employ 8.9 million people, and generate receipts of $1.4 trillion according to the Survey of Business Owners (SBO).
Black women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in America. An American Express Open report found that the number of businesses owned by African American women has grown 322% since 1997.
The rate of entrepreneurship in America has been down since the late 70s. As the U.S. economy continues to recover from the “Great Recession” black women are leading the way in ensuring our economy has the economic dynamism that entrepreneurship brings.
Earlier this month, the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC)unveiled a new report prepared by Walker’s Legacy: Black Women Entrepreneurs: Past and Present Conditions of Black Women’s Business Ownership. The report gives a snapshot of details the findings of black women business owners who participated in three research events earlier this year.
Black women have always been the center of their communities. Increasingly, they are at the center of the U.S. economy. There are 1.5 million black women business owners; in every state and every sector the economy.
Starting businesses is important, ensuring they have the capital, guidance, and training to scale an hire is next step.
Here are 31 brilliant black businesswomen you can support during National Women’s Small Business Month.
Nichole Porcher — Buy From a Black Woman: Brings awareness to Black Women business owners and the people who support them.
Bianca Lambert — MaeB: Mae B is a lifestyle brand dedicated to creating positive imagery and well made products for women of color. Mae B was founded in 2013 by Bianca Lambert after growing tired of not finding stationery that represented her as a woman of color and devoted fashionista. The brand has since expanded into travel accessories, home goods, and much more.
Maci Peterson — OnSecondThought: OnSecondThought is a mobile app that lets you take back text messages BEFORE they get to the other person’s phone.