Business
Trailblazing Entrepreneur Lorri Dotson Invests in Dream Exchange, the First Minority-Owned and Governed Stock Exchange
Dream Exchange is pleased to announce Lorri S. Dotson, a visionary leader and trailblazing entrepreneur who has decided to join a growing group of esteemed investors in the first minority-owned and governed stock exchange. Dotson's journey began in Chicago, Illinois, where she grew up witnessing her parents' entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. Her parents' entrepreneurial legacy greatly influenced her path, as they owned multiple businesses, including one of the first black-owned oil and gas service stations in the 1970s.
Toyota Returns with Follow-up to its ‘Need a Nudge’ Program
After honoring an inspiring group of deserving, noteworthy local grassroots organizations from across the U.S. last year with $10,000 grants in the first-ever Toyota “Need a Nudge” program, the carmaker returns for 2023 with an enticing follow-up campaign conceived to benefit America’s 106 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, intent upon complementing the total $300,000 in micro-grants recipients were awarded in 2022.
KEITH WEAVER MOVES ON FROM SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT TO FOCUS ON REAL ESTATE AND HOSPITALITY EMPIRES
Keith Weaver, Executive Vice President of Global Public Policy and External Affairs at Sony Entertainment Pictures, announces his departure from the entertainment group after more than 20 years. Weaver's exit marks an exciting new chapter in his entrepreneurial journey. As the Co-Founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey alongside his wife Fawn Weaver, and the inspiration behind Humble Baron, the longest bar in the world that is located at Nearest Green Distillery, Weaver will now launch a new hospitality company, Nashwood, Inc. where he will act as Founder and Chief Executive Officer.
Ida Byrd-Hill, CEO Automation Workz, Selected as Finalist for National Black Chamber of Commerce Famous Amos Pitch Competition
Automation Workz has spent the past 3 years leapfrogging Black residents into middle-skilled tech jobs as these careers pay a median annual salary of $70,000 - $110,000, enough to move a Black family out of poverty. While the US Census Bureau shows the US poverty rate is 11.6%, the poverty rate is 37.4% for single Black woman with children.
Diverse suppliers are good for business and the community
Diverse businesses are the backbone of many of communities. That’s why JPMorgan Chase is committed to helping these businesses develop and thrive. Ted Archer, Global Head of Business Partner Diversity for JPMorgan Chase, recently spoke about why diverse suppliers are good for business and the community.
Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils Partners with BIPOC Designers for First NYFW Debut
Leading textured haircare brand Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils is set to make its monumental debut at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) through exciting partnerships with designers Bach Mai and Sami Miró. This unprecedented collaboration not only marks the brand's first-ever appearance at NYFW but also celebrates the power of inclusivity, diversity, and supporting Black-owned & AAPI businesses, models, hairstylists, and more.
Antonice Strickland Named Vice President of Public Relations & Business Development for 98Forward
98Forward, Michigan’s largest Black-owned public relations firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of Antonice Strickland to vice president of public relations and business development. In this position she will play a key leadership role within the agency, driving team and business growth, client experience and company culture. Strickland joined the agency in April 2022.
Progressive Insurance® Awards $250,000 to Black Entrepreneurs Through Driving Small Business Forward Grant Program
Progressive Insurance®, the leading commercial auto insurer in the United States, has announced the 10 recipients of its 2023 Driving Small Business Forward grant with Hello Alice in support of Black entrepreneurs. Each small business owner has been awarded a $25,000 grant for use toward the purchase of a commercial vehicle for their business.
Stackwell and Fintech in Action Announce Financial Wellness Pilot Program with Spelman College Students
Stackwell, the digital investment platform designed to eliminate the racial wealth gap, and Fintech in Action, a social impact initiative that accelerates progress, innovation, and opportunity for Black talent in finance and fintech, announced the launch of a new financial wellness program supporting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) students. The pilot program will provide a cohort of Spelman College students with a finance and investing course plus a seeded Stackwell account to begin building wealth during their college careers.
Black Executives Support Small Businesses Through SCORE
Black business owners are more likely to seek – but less likely to receive – outside funding than white business owners, according to a survey by SCORE, mentors to America's small businesses. To help improve this disparity in resources, Black executives can bring their valuable insights and perspectives to the table as business mentors. This National Black Business Month, SCORE encourages Black executives to consider volunteering their time and expertise to support entrepreneurs and build a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
ThriveDX Partners with BlackGirlsHack to Launch BlackGirlsHack Scholars Program
ThriveDX, the global leader in cybersecurity skills training, is excited to announce the launch of The ThriveDX BlackGirlsHack Scholars Program, which will provide 25 learners from BlackGirlsHack with full tuition and fees for the ThriveDX Cybersecurity Professional Program. This Scholars Program will enable a cohort of 25 individuals, who are associated with BlackGirlsHack, to receive support and benefits needed to successfully complete the program and secure new employment in the growing field of cybersecurity.
Taking Your Small Business to the Next Level
After a long period of planning and hard work, you’ve finally turned your dream of starting a small business into reality
Blue Fox Impact Launches Social Justice Racial Equity Venture Across Multiple Entertainment Sectors
Blue Fox Impact announced its launch as a new venture to support and provide funding into various entertainment industry businesses. Blue Fox Impact is co-founded by Ralph G. Mendy Henderson, Jr., who will serve as Chief Executive Officer and the majority shareholder. Co-founder James Huntsman will serve as Chief Financial Officer. Lisa Gutberlet will join the leadership team as Chief Operating Officer. Blue Fox Entertainment will hold a minority stake in the company
Black Tech Week Announces New Media Division Including Partnerships With NBCUniversal, Inc. Magazine and Others
Black Tech Week (BTW) is thrilled to announce the creation of its new media division, Black Tech Weekly. This expansion aims to amplify the remarkable work of Black founders, partners, and ecosystems across the world.
