3300 Black Entrepreneurs came together last night for No More Talk: Our People, Our Businesses, Our Responsibility. The virtual event, a collaboration between We Buy Black and The Gathering Spot, focused solely on “right now” strategies to propel Black entrepreneurs forward, in this post-COVID era. John Hope Bryant, CEO of Operation Hope, James Lindsay, CEO of Rap Snacks, Wise Intelligent and many more were featured. If you didn’t watch live, click here to get caught up because you’re now behind.
Kenneth Asher is CEO of Kasher Capital, a financial firm that provides funding for small and mid-sized businesses. Asher has over 20 years of experience helping Fortune 500 firms capture economic value, including the likes of UPS, Suntrust Robinson Humphrey and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Asher walked through the mechanics of PPP funding for Black entrepreneurs and other ways that they can access capital. Phillip Yates is a corporate attorney and Co-Founder and Managing Director of Diversity Fund Houston, a micro venture fund created to invest in minority tech founders during the “friends and family round. Yates helped Black entrepreneurs understand the importance of taxes and a sound legal framework, along with resources to help get those things in order. Waleed Shamsid-Deen is the owner of Supreme Foods Worldwide and President & CEO of Shamsid-Deen & Associates (SDA), a business management and consulting firm specializing in government, non profit and business management services. His commentary focused on the practical tools entrepreneurs need to endure tough times, like now.
The event also featured a bootcamp on marketing, branding and customer acquisition. Lauren Maillian is the CEO of Digital Undivided, a social startup that leverages data and advocacy to catalyze economic growth and create pathways for Black and Latinx women entrepreneurs. As an expert in branding, she gave Black entrepreneurs invaluable insights. James Lindsay and Wise Intelligent joined the session to give their unique insights on marketing and how Black entrepreneurs can embrace their blackness, in this moment of history. Lindsay gave practical, sound advice on how to build a brand, while monitoring customer feedback and engagement. Dr. Hari Close, President of the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, mesmerized everyone by detailing the history of Black funeral homes and their connection to the community. Close also shared that there are many opportunities in the funeral business. The Trap Music Museum was also represented and announced their virtual Juneteenth celebration, along with a virtual mall for that occasion.
Finally, John Hope Bryant closed the event by sharing with Black entrepreneurs how many opportunities are available today and how they should capitalize on them. Bryant also introduced his “Marshall Plan” to help give structure and guidance to our economic advocacy. Black America needs a true renewal and it must be set in the context of national policy, which the Marshall Plan does. In sum, this event spanned the heights of national economic policy, to trap music. All of it, however, was united in the idea of Black entrepreneurship and ownership. If you missed it, click here to get caught up, ASAP.
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