August is a special month as we celebrate National Black Business Month, recognizing the exceptional contributions of Black-owned businesses nationwide. These enterprises constitute around 10 percent of all U.S. businesses and roughly 30 percent of minority-owned establishments. Established in 2004, this annual observance originated from the collaboration between historian John William Templeton and engineer Fredrick E. Jordan. Their goal was to bolster policies impacting 2.6 million African American businesses and foster increased economic empowerment within Black communities.
In alignment with this spirit, GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center proudly commemorates National Black Business Month by sharing the compelling stories of former Snap & Boost Business Plan participants including the Top 5 finalists from the Midland African Chamber’s Pitch Black Competition. This year, GNWBC and MAC have partnered up providing participants of the Pitch Black Accelerator 2023 with the avenue to formulate effective business plans.
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Xavier Jackson explains, “The genesis of Local Art Plug began as a magazine aimed at offering high school students greater exposure and opportunities to enhance their resumes. – “Over seven years, we’ve evolved from that idea, constantly refining our strategies to benefit the community. From a local artist support platform to a physical venue, our trajectory now encompasses the metaverse and virtual reality.” Says Xavier Similarly, Artez Young’s entrepreneurial mindset took root early, inspired by his father’s serial entrepreneurship. As Artez looks back on his journey he says “I started my business because I would see so many businesses who had a great idea and just did not have the resources to keep up… I knew there was a solution, and we became that solution, GREEN Lexi helps educate business owners.”
We also had the chance to interview Tierra Nesbit the owner of I AM Curvy Red. When asked about her entrepreneurial story Tierra told us “Coming out of high school I was accepted into the art institution for fashion design of Dallas, Texas. Unfortunately, I didn’t end up going – my career started going in a different direction…But my passion was fashion, so I started modeling and was eventually able to work with Torrid; I still wanted more, so in March of 2019, I was able to create I AM Curvy Red. People always ask me who is Curvy Red, and the answer is I am Curvy Red; I have always been a plush woman and the color red is BOLD – it’s straightforward. My mission was to make sure everyone felt beautiful “Be Bold, Beauty, and Confident” no matter your gender, size, or color… August celebrates IAM Curvy Red’s third year! And it has been an exciting journey.”
When asked, would you recommend Business Plan & Boost to entrepreneurs Tierra’s responded with Absolutely Yes! Yes! Yes! Business Plan: Snap & Boost helped me streamline my business and my business plan.
Artez also added I would absolutely recommend this program; hands-on learning is the only way to get through. it is so vital to not only our community but to business owners. The carrot of the stipend was not the best part, the actual Hands-on learning was – I would recommend it for any business.
Aside from Snap & Boost, GNWBC has partnered with several organizations to offer several training series on a variety of topics, such as: Government Contracting, Marketing, Finance, and Legal. We encourage you to keep an eye on our calendar and social media for dates and times to register for these upcoming events. You will also be sent these dates in our upcoming Monthly Newsletters.
The GNWBC asks our community to honor and celebrate National Black Business Month by sharing your own entrepreneurial story and taking the time to acknowledge and appreciate black-owned businesses across the nation and all that they represent in the country’s continual striving for diversity and equality.
About the GROW Nebraska® Women’s Business Center
The Grow Nebraska® Women’s Business Center’s mission since 2021 is to serve all Women, Cultures and Communities in achieving their Educational, Professional and Entrepreneurial goals. We believe in the potential of Women, Minorities, Immigrants and Families and choose to Educate, Train and help them obtain successful business ownership and employment.
