Emphasizing continuous support for Black-run enterprises throughout the year

In a bid to level the playing field for Black entrepreneurs, Fund Black Founders has emerged as a platform that allows Black business owners to run campaigns and raise capital for their ventures. However, the struggle to secure funding for Black entrepreneurs is not a new issue, with centuries of systemic racism contributing to the wealth gap.

Kathi Williams, co-owner of Onyx Sweet Shoppe in Downtown Phoenix, is one such entrepreneur who has faced these challenges. She emphasises the importance of media discussing the community impact and innovation of a business, rather than just its surface-level aspects. Williams' purpose for Onyx Sweet Shoppe is to provide a healthy, welcoming atmosphere for the community.

Media coverage has been instrumental in driving footfall to Onyx Sweet Shoppe. Williams has seen an increase in customers after media coverage and one interview with a local community organisation still brings in customers to this day. This underscores the power of consistent coverage in supporting Black businesses and entrepreneurs.

Renee King, the owner of Fund Black Founders, encourages journalists to follow up on corporations that made commitments to the Black community after the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. Several major companies pledged support to the Black economy in 2020, but detailed evaluations of whether these commitments were fulfilled vary widely.

Providing coverage that highlights the successes of Black businesses, as well as addressing the issues they face, can help fill the funding gaps and contribute to their growth. King also encourages journalists to put data about the racial wealth gap into context and help find solutions to the underlying issues.

Black Business Owners deserve attention beyond Black History Month. National Black Business Month, celebrated in August, was created to celebrate Black businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the year. Journalists are encouraged to reach out to their networks to help Black entrepreneurs who may be struggling, particularly with funding or business operations.

Small Business Saturday, the Saturday following Black Friday in November, is another time to provide additional coverage for Black-owned small businesses and encourage the public to shop local. Highlighting businesses whose founders are looking to get funded on crowdfunding websites like Fund Black Founders or iFundWomen can also help in this regard.

In conclusion, supporting Black entrepreneurs is a collective responsibility. By providing consistent coverage, holding corporations accountable, and actively seeking out opportunities to help, we can contribute to a more equitable business landscape.