Piggybacking off the news from my other thread....
http://www.thecoli.com/threads/black-unemployment-rate-remains-more-than-double-whites-while-national-number-drops.344910/
brehs in there stated the obvious....we don't support enough Black businesses and products as a whole, therefore, our people looking to a devil for life support, who doesn't want you and I, other than to imprison and murder us, don't care about our power,our health,our lives or our well being, that's up to you and I.........
Lets start this here of all places, to get a Black Business directory up and going, on a daily basis, so that those who are serious and want to network or coordinate with other black businesses and/or products, do so here, rather its online and offline, its high time,
Black Business Directory, Network and Online Guide
Welcome to the Black Business Directory and Online Resource!
Our web site is an online directory, network and guide for Black-owned businesses in the United States. The goal is to help such businesses multiply and become more successful. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are about 2 million Black-owned business in the United States, compared to 22.6 million white-owned businesses. This means that African Americans, who make up more than 13% of the U.S. population, only own about 7% of all the businesses in the country, and generate only about 0.5% of total receipts.
Here you will learn everything you need to know about Black businesses:
Where are most Black businesses located?
Black-owned businesses accounted for about 28% percent of all businesses in Washington, DC, the highest ratio in the nation. Second, was the state of Georgia, where 20% of businesses were Black-owned, and the state of Maryland, with about 19%.
The state of New York, however, has the most Black-owned firms at 204,093 but this only accounts for 10.6% of the businesses in the state. Second is the state of Georgia, third is the state of Florida, and fourth is the state of Texas with the most Black-owned businesses but not necessarily the highest ratios.
What types of businesses do African Americans own?
Well, it varies, but most offer some type of service, opposed to selling products. For instance, nearly 38% of Black businesses are in health care and social assistance, repair and maintenance, and personal and laundry services. Other categories include advertising firms, auto dealerships, consulting services, restaurants, beautycare (barbershops/beauty salons), and more.
How many people are employed by Black businesses?
Not very many. Of the 2 million Black businesses, only about 107,000 of them have actual employees. Such firms employ more than 920,000 people with a total annual payroll of $23.9 billion. The other 1.9 million businesses do not have paid employees.
Who are some of the top Black-owned businesses?
There are few Black-owned firm that generate billions of dollars in annual revenue, but many that generate millions. For instance, GlobalHue, an advertising agency in Detroit, Michigan, generated more than $480 million in revenue in 2007. RLJ McLarty Landers Automotive Group, a chain of car dealerships throughout the country, generated more than $540 million in 2007. And, World Wide Technology, a global technology consulting firm and the largest Black-owned business in the country, posted revenues of more than $2 billion.
Why are there so few Black businesses?
It's true that the numbers should be higher. African Americans make up more than 13% of the U.S. population, but only own 7% of the businesses there. The answer to this question will vary depending on whom you ask, but most agree that racism, discrimination and predatory lending are all factors because many aspiring Black business owners have been unfairly turned down by bankswhen applying for small business loans.
Another factor is that there is a lack of economic and business resources in African American communities. This leads to a lack of education on how to properly start and manage a successful business.
Are there resources available to help?
Yes, there are many programs available to assist African Americans and other minorities.
Many non-profit organizations give grants and free training via workshops to minorities. In addition, many Black business events(conferences, workshops, etc) offer unique opportunities for African American professionals to network with key decision makers and others who can be of assistance. Finally, there are many magazines that offer weekly or monthly news and advice for Black and minority business owners.
"How I Built a $3.5 Million Company at the Age of 15"
How many kids do you know who start their own company at the age of just 12? Not many. That makes Jaylen Bledsoe of Hazelwood, Missouri, not only unique but also one of the youngest entrepreneurs.
How he got started
Bledsoe began his company, Bledsoe Technologies, when he was 12 years old. With a dream and $100, he began marketing his technology services, and within two years he had 150 contractors working for him. Within three years, he had already generated $3.5 million in revenue.
His expertise and success is multi-faceted and includes start-up businesses, brand & business development, venture capital funding, direct marketing platform development and implementation, entrepreneurship, and increasing revenue streams. The clients he works with include Jordin Sparks and Steve Harvey.
And more...
Outside of his daily business practices, Jaylen is also a motivational speaker for various groups around the globe. He brings enlightenment, wit, comedic humor, and moving stories to his audiences young and old. He has been a featured keynote speaker for Disney Dreamers Academy, NSBE, Junior Achievement, Steve Harvey Mentoring Program, Stanford, Google, and Facebook just to name a few. Jaylen has spoken to over 25,000 people around the world from youth to senior citizens – sharing his inspiration, award winning attitude, and down to earth stories about how to be successful in this journey of navigating life.
So what's next?
Next, Jaylen is working on a new mobile app project for hotels that will allow customers to check in online and use their phones to unlock their rooms. Bledsoe attributes his strong interest in technology to a video editing course he took in third grade which really stirred his interest.
Learn more about this amazing young man at www.jaylenbledsoe.com
Top 6 Black Owned Wineries
Top 6 Black-Owned Wine Companies (and Wineries)
#1 - Esterlina Vineyards | Home - this California winery is owned by the Sterling family who have been making wine for generations. For thirty years they have been growing grapes, making wine and bottling it by hand.
#2 - Bee d’Vine – Discover Premium Honey Wine (aka Mead or Tej) - Bee d’Vine is a product made by The Honey Wine Company, based in San Francisco, California. Founder Ayele Solomon, an environmentalist, got the inspiration for his honey wine as a way to make trees more valuable. Flowering trees provide nectar and pollen for bees. His honey wine supports bee farming in California and in Ethiopia's Kafa rainforest.
#3 - Home - this Oregon-based wine company is owned by André Hueston Mack who left his job at Citicorp Investment Services to pursue his dream of becoming a winemaker. He works with world-renowned restaurants to create his wines and has been featured in major publications, such as Food and Wine, Wine & Spirits Magazine, and The New York Times.
#4 - Heritage Link Brands - An Invitation to Taste the Best of Africa - based in Los Angeles, California, this company has its roots in South Africa and is now the largest marketer of black-produced wine from Africa in the U.S. Their award‐winning wines are available online, and in stores and restaurants across the nation.
#5 - Running Tigers Wine- based in Sacramento, California, the company was named after the owner's favorite wild animal. The company was started by Daniel Bryant in 2004. What began as a hobby has turned into a successful business. Bryant's wines appear on menus of restaurants across Northern California.
#6 - Rival Wine | Facebook- this Napa Valley winery was started by entrepreneur Daniel Darden and his brother James in Napa, California. They introduced their first vintage in 2007.
5 Black-Owned Food Brands To Look For in Your Local Grocery Store
5 Black-Owned Food Brands To Look For in Your Local Grocery Store:
Two of the best ways to support black-owned businesses is to shop in their stores and recommend their products to others. It's not always easy though because sometimes its hard to know if a company is black-owned.
So here are 5 food brands owned by African Americans that you can look for and purchase at your local grocery store:
#1 - Glory Foods: Founded in 1989 in Columbus, Ohio, this company offers 85 products, including seasoned canned greens, bagged fresh greens and other vegetables and seasoned cooking bases. Glory Foods, founded by William F. “Bill” Williams and three partners, sells their products at retailers nationwide.
#2 - Michele's Syrup: Located in South Holland, Illinois, makes maple syrup in three flavors -- Maple Crème, Honey Crème and Butter Pecan that you can even eat on ice cream. The company was founded by Michele Hoskins who started by cooking up batches of her syrup in her mother's basement. She launched her company in 1984 and has been a supplier to Denny's, Walmart, General Mills and Sara Lee.
#3 - Comfort Cake Mix: This company is owned by Amy Hilliard and specializes in premium poundcakes made from scratch. A native of Detroit, Amy launched her company in 2001 and sells her products online and nationally through foodservice and retail channels. Amy's products have been featured on CNN, Fox, The Food Network, AOL, Home Shopping Network, Fortune, Black Enterprise, Essence and other national publications.
#4 - Southern Culture Foods: This Decatur, Georgia-based company makes pancake and waffle mix, bacon rub and syrup. Owner Erica Barrett starting cooking for her family at the age of 9. Her first break came when she took first place in a food contest being held by The Food Network and Lea & Perrins, winning $10,000 and a trip to New York City. The rest she says is history.
#5 - Cookie Kahuna: Wally Amos started his career in 1975, but has called Hawaii his home for 40 years. Using his Auntie’s recipe for chocolate chip cookies, he opened the world’s first gourmet cookie store and now sells his famous cookies over the Internet and in local Hawaii grocery stores. Most people remember him as Famous Amos.
Love Shoes? Here are the Top 5 Black-Owned Shoe Brands
For most women, shoes and handbags are where it's at when it comes to fashion. The fact is, some of the most stylish and well-made shoes on the market today are made by black women and men. Here are the top 5 black-owned shoe designers:
#1 - Artyce Designs: Designer Candra Palmer launched her footwear company in 2004, with locations now in Los Angeles and Houston. The beautiful custom designs are sought after by those wanting a shoe that is both stylish and comfortable, and caters to events such as weddings and special social events. Her shoes have been featured in many publications!
#2 - Samantha Shoes: Owner Samantha Joseph wants every women to have at least one pair of great shoes. Her customers include Tyra Banks, Debra Messing, Sanaa Lathan, Wendy Williams, Geena Davis, Sophia Bush, Queen Latifah, Rachel Bilson, and Rihanna. Her shoes sell in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Russia.
#3 - Amina Abdul Jillil: Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, this former professional dancer turned shoe entrepreneur launched her women's shoe collection in 2012. Her dancing career, performing with top stars like Britney Spears and Janet Jackson, led to another creative field, selling designer shoes in Los Angeles boutiques and also online.
#4 - Jhung Yuro: Owner Kris Wright created his line of luxury men's footwear because he felt there was a lack of quality shoes for men. Kris incorporates styles that reflect global influence and offers a luxurious, exclusive line of footwear for men. His UK-based store launched in 2005.
#5 - Fever Shoes: Owner Natischa Harvey studied political science at Clark Atlanta University, but it was while working at Bakers that she developed her love for shoes. By 2004, she had enough knowledge and experience to open her own shoe stores. Her shoes are sold in stores throughout the U.S., Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic.
Note: If you are wondering why Pastry Shoes by Angela and Vanessa Simmons isn't on the list, it's because they sold the company back in 2011 for a reported profit of $15 million dollars. The company still exists at www.lovepastry.com, but is no longer Black-owned.
Top 5 Black-Owned Handbag Brands
Top 5 Black-Owned Handbag Brands
American women spend as much as $160 on a handbag and own an average of about 11 handbags. Ten percent of women have more than 20 bags in their closet, 20 percent spend over $200 on a handbag, 8 percent spend over $400.
Check out these black-owned hand bag brands by both African and African-American designers:
#1 - Minku: Minku is considered the Hermes of Africa when it comes to handbags. They are all handmade and can take up to 50 hours to complete and are lined with repurposed items of Yoruba ceremonial dress. The Nigerian company was started by founder Kunmi in 2011 and is a family-run business.
#2 - ZAAF: ZAAF offers handcrafted luxury leather handbags made in Ethiopia. They are crafted with the finest materials and produced in a remote Ethiopian village. The company was founded by Abai Schulze, a remarkable CEO who is under the age of 30.
#3 - Gregory Sylvia: This designer handbag company was co-founded by Gregory and Terri “Sylvia” Pope. The husband-wife team started their company in Charlotte, North Carolina and are known for their luxury, elegant handbags crafted from fine leather.
#4 - Adela Dejack: These African-inspired designer handbags are made in Kenya. Their collection of handbags, jewelry and other accessories are inspired by African shapes, textures and techniques. Designer Adèle Dejak had plenty of design experience in England and Italy before moving her company to Nairobi, Kenya in 2005.
#5 - Christopher Augmon: Christopher Augmon high-end luxury designer handbags are made in New York and reflect the richness of various cultures. His distinctive handbags can be found in boutiques around the United States and online.
And here's one more as a bonus:
#6 - Meme Bete: Operates from a small home-based workshop in St. Lucia, where each item is handmade with precision, to offer the best quality and finishing. Designer Taribba do Nascimento uses many different types of traditional cloths such as African wax print and madras, and combines them with the finest of leather.
These designer handbags are made by many of the designers for both women and men.
Continued.....
http://www.thecoli.com/threads/black-unemployment-rate-remains-more-than-double-whites-while-national-number-drops.344910/
brehs in there stated the obvious....we don't support enough Black businesses and products as a whole, therefore, our people looking to a devil for life support, who doesn't want you and I, other than to imprison and murder us, don't care about our power,our health,our lives or our well being, that's up to you and I.........
Lets start this here of all places, to get a Black Business directory up and going, on a daily basis, so that those who are serious and want to network or coordinate with other black businesses and/or products, do so here, rather its online and offline, its high time,
Black Business Directory, Network and Online Guide
Welcome to the Black Business Directory and Online Resource!
Our web site is an online directory, network and guide for Black-owned businesses in the United States. The goal is to help such businesses multiply and become more successful. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are about 2 million Black-owned business in the United States, compared to 22.6 million white-owned businesses. This means that African Americans, who make up more than 13% of the U.S. population, only own about 7% of all the businesses in the country, and generate only about 0.5% of total receipts.
Here you will learn everything you need to know about Black businesses:
Where are most Black businesses located?
Black-owned businesses accounted for about 28% percent of all businesses in Washington, DC, the highest ratio in the nation. Second, was the state of Georgia, where 20% of businesses were Black-owned, and the state of Maryland, with about 19%.
What types of businesses do African Americans own?
Well, it varies, but most offer some type of service, opposed to selling products. For instance, nearly 38% of Black businesses are in health care and social assistance, repair and maintenance, and personal and laundry services. Other categories include advertising firms, auto dealerships, consulting services, restaurants, beautycare (barbershops/beauty salons), and more.
How many people are employed by Black businesses?
Not very many. Of the 2 million Black businesses, only about 107,000 of them have actual employees. Such firms employ more than 920,000 people with a total annual payroll of $23.9 billion. The other 1.9 million businesses do not have paid employees.
Who are some of the top Black-owned businesses?
There are few Black-owned firm that generate billions of dollars in annual revenue, but many that generate millions. For instance, GlobalHue, an advertising agency in Detroit, Michigan, generated more than $480 million in revenue in 2007. RLJ McLarty Landers Automotive Group, a chain of car dealerships throughout the country, generated more than $540 million in 2007. And, World Wide Technology, a global technology consulting firm and the largest Black-owned business in the country, posted revenues of more than $2 billion.
Why are there so few Black businesses?
It's true that the numbers should be higher. African Americans make up more than 13% of the U.S. population, but only own 7% of the businesses there. The answer to this question will vary depending on whom you ask, but most agree that racism, discrimination and predatory lending are all factors because many aspiring Black business owners have been unfairly turned down by bankswhen applying for small business loans.
Another factor is that there is a lack of economic and business resources in African American communities. This leads to a lack of education on how to properly start and manage a successful business.
Are there resources available to help?
Yes, there are many programs available to assist African Americans and other minorities.
Many non-profit organizations give grants and free training via workshops to minorities. In addition, many Black business events(conferences, workshops, etc) offer unique opportunities for African American professionals to network with key decision makers and others who can be of assistance. Finally, there are many magazines that offer weekly or monthly news and advice for Black and minority business owners.
"How I Built a $3.5 Million Company at the Age of 15"
How many kids do you know who start their own company at the age of just 12? Not many. That makes Jaylen Bledsoe of Hazelwood, Missouri, not only unique but also one of the youngest entrepreneurs.
How he got started
Bledsoe began his company, Bledsoe Technologies, when he was 12 years old. With a dream and $100, he began marketing his technology services, and within two years he had 150 contractors working for him. Within three years, he had already generated $3.5 million in revenue.
His expertise and success is multi-faceted and includes start-up businesses, brand & business development, venture capital funding, direct marketing platform development and implementation, entrepreneurship, and increasing revenue streams. The clients he works with include Jordin Sparks and Steve Harvey.
And more...
Outside of his daily business practices, Jaylen is also a motivational speaker for various groups around the globe. He brings enlightenment, wit, comedic humor, and moving stories to his audiences young and old. He has been a featured keynote speaker for Disney Dreamers Academy, NSBE, Junior Achievement, Steve Harvey Mentoring Program, Stanford, Google, and Facebook just to name a few. Jaylen has spoken to over 25,000 people around the world from youth to senior citizens – sharing his inspiration, award winning attitude, and down to earth stories about how to be successful in this journey of navigating life.
So what's next?
Next, Jaylen is working on a new mobile app project for hotels that will allow customers to check in online and use their phones to unlock their rooms. Bledsoe attributes his strong interest in technology to a video editing course he took in third grade which really stirred his interest.
Learn more about this amazing young man at www.jaylenbledsoe.com
Top 6 Black Owned Wineries
Top 6 Black-Owned Wine Companies (and Wineries)
#1 - Esterlina Vineyards | Home - this California winery is owned by the Sterling family who have been making wine for generations. For thirty years they have been growing grapes, making wine and bottling it by hand.
#2 - Bee d’Vine – Discover Premium Honey Wine (aka Mead or Tej) - Bee d’Vine is a product made by The Honey Wine Company, based in San Francisco, California. Founder Ayele Solomon, an environmentalist, got the inspiration for his honey wine as a way to make trees more valuable. Flowering trees provide nectar and pollen for bees. His honey wine supports bee farming in California and in Ethiopia's Kafa rainforest.
#3 - Home - this Oregon-based wine company is owned by André Hueston Mack who left his job at Citicorp Investment Services to pursue his dream of becoming a winemaker. He works with world-renowned restaurants to create his wines and has been featured in major publications, such as Food and Wine, Wine & Spirits Magazine, and The New York Times.
#4 - Heritage Link Brands - An Invitation to Taste the Best of Africa - based in Los Angeles, California, this company has its roots in South Africa and is now the largest marketer of black-produced wine from Africa in the U.S. Their award‐winning wines are available online, and in stores and restaurants across the nation.
#5 - Running Tigers Wine- based in Sacramento, California, the company was named after the owner's favorite wild animal. The company was started by Daniel Bryant in 2004. What began as a hobby has turned into a successful business. Bryant's wines appear on menus of restaurants across Northern California.
#6 - Rival Wine | Facebook- this Napa Valley winery was started by entrepreneur Daniel Darden and his brother James in Napa, California. They introduced their first vintage in 2007.
5 Black-Owned Food Brands To Look For in Your Local Grocery Store
5 Black-Owned Food Brands To Look For in Your Local Grocery Store:
Two of the best ways to support black-owned businesses is to shop in their stores and recommend their products to others. It's not always easy though because sometimes its hard to know if a company is black-owned.
So here are 5 food brands owned by African Americans that you can look for and purchase at your local grocery store:
#1 - Glory Foods: Founded in 1989 in Columbus, Ohio, this company offers 85 products, including seasoned canned greens, bagged fresh greens and other vegetables and seasoned cooking bases. Glory Foods, founded by William F. “Bill” Williams and three partners, sells their products at retailers nationwide.
#2 - Michele's Syrup: Located in South Holland, Illinois, makes maple syrup in three flavors -- Maple Crème, Honey Crème and Butter Pecan that you can even eat on ice cream. The company was founded by Michele Hoskins who started by cooking up batches of her syrup in her mother's basement. She launched her company in 1984 and has been a supplier to Denny's, Walmart, General Mills and Sara Lee.
#3 - Comfort Cake Mix: This company is owned by Amy Hilliard and specializes in premium poundcakes made from scratch. A native of Detroit, Amy launched her company in 2001 and sells her products online and nationally through foodservice and retail channels. Amy's products have been featured on CNN, Fox, The Food Network, AOL, Home Shopping Network, Fortune, Black Enterprise, Essence and other national publications.
#4 - Southern Culture Foods: This Decatur, Georgia-based company makes pancake and waffle mix, bacon rub and syrup. Owner Erica Barrett starting cooking for her family at the age of 9. Her first break came when she took first place in a food contest being held by The Food Network and Lea & Perrins, winning $10,000 and a trip to New York City. The rest she says is history.
#5 - Cookie Kahuna: Wally Amos started his career in 1975, but has called Hawaii his home for 40 years. Using his Auntie’s recipe for chocolate chip cookies, he opened the world’s first gourmet cookie store and now sells his famous cookies over the Internet and in local Hawaii grocery stores. Most people remember him as Famous Amos.
Love Shoes? Here are the Top 5 Black-Owned Shoe Brands
For most women, shoes and handbags are where it's at when it comes to fashion. The fact is, some of the most stylish and well-made shoes on the market today are made by black women and men. Here are the top 5 black-owned shoe designers:
#1 - Artyce Designs: Designer Candra Palmer launched her footwear company in 2004, with locations now in Los Angeles and Houston. The beautiful custom designs are sought after by those wanting a shoe that is both stylish and comfortable, and caters to events such as weddings and special social events. Her shoes have been featured in many publications!
#2 - Samantha Shoes: Owner Samantha Joseph wants every women to have at least one pair of great shoes. Her customers include Tyra Banks, Debra Messing, Sanaa Lathan, Wendy Williams, Geena Davis, Sophia Bush, Queen Latifah, Rachel Bilson, and Rihanna. Her shoes sell in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Russia.
#3 - Amina Abdul Jillil: Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, this former professional dancer turned shoe entrepreneur launched her women's shoe collection in 2012. Her dancing career, performing with top stars like Britney Spears and Janet Jackson, led to another creative field, selling designer shoes in Los Angeles boutiques and also online.
#4 - Jhung Yuro: Owner Kris Wright created his line of luxury men's footwear because he felt there was a lack of quality shoes for men. Kris incorporates styles that reflect global influence and offers a luxurious, exclusive line of footwear for men. His UK-based store launched in 2005.
#5 - Fever Shoes: Owner Natischa Harvey studied political science at Clark Atlanta University, but it was while working at Bakers that she developed her love for shoes. By 2004, she had enough knowledge and experience to open her own shoe stores. Her shoes are sold in stores throughout the U.S., Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic.
Note: If you are wondering why Pastry Shoes by Angela and Vanessa Simmons isn't on the list, it's because they sold the company back in 2011 for a reported profit of $15 million dollars. The company still exists at www.lovepastry.com, but is no longer Black-owned.
Top 5 Black-Owned Handbag Brands
Top 5 Black-Owned Handbag Brands
American women spend as much as $160 on a handbag and own an average of about 11 handbags. Ten percent of women have more than 20 bags in their closet, 20 percent spend over $200 on a handbag, 8 percent spend over $400.
Check out these black-owned hand bag brands by both African and African-American designers:
#1 - Minku: Minku is considered the Hermes of Africa when it comes to handbags. They are all handmade and can take up to 50 hours to complete and are lined with repurposed items of Yoruba ceremonial dress. The Nigerian company was started by founder Kunmi in 2011 and is a family-run business.
#2 - ZAAF: ZAAF offers handcrafted luxury leather handbags made in Ethiopia. They are crafted with the finest materials and produced in a remote Ethiopian village. The company was founded by Abai Schulze, a remarkable CEO who is under the age of 30.
#3 - Gregory Sylvia: This designer handbag company was co-founded by Gregory and Terri “Sylvia” Pope. The husband-wife team started their company in Charlotte, North Carolina and are known for their luxury, elegant handbags crafted from fine leather.
#4 - Adela Dejack: These African-inspired designer handbags are made in Kenya. Their collection of handbags, jewelry and other accessories are inspired by African shapes, textures and techniques. Designer Adèle Dejak had plenty of design experience in England and Italy before moving her company to Nairobi, Kenya in 2005.
#5 - Christopher Augmon: Christopher Augmon high-end luxury designer handbags are made in New York and reflect the richness of various cultures. His distinctive handbags can be found in boutiques around the United States and online.
And here's one more as a bonus:
#6 - Meme Bete: Operates from a small home-based workshop in St. Lucia, where each item is handmade with precision, to offer the best quality and finishing. Designer Taribba do Nascimento uses many different types of traditional cloths such as African wax print and madras, and combines them with the finest of leather.
These designer handbags are made by many of the designers for both women and men.
Continued.....
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