Black History Month: Leaders in Business and Entrepreneurship

Black History Month: Leaders in Business and Entrepreneurship

A Message from ASPIRE Board Member Chiquitha Lloyd

Chiquitha Lloyd
Board Member, ASPIRE Community Capital
Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools

As we celebrate Black History Month, we are reminded of some of history’s most influential African-American leaders in business and entrepreneurship, such as Madam C.J. Walker’s hair-care line, Lucille B. Smith all-purpose hot roll mix, Garett Morgan’s invention of the three-signal traffic light, Alexander Miles invention of automatic elevator doors and Shirley Jackson who invented caller ID and call waiting. These black luminaries have helped shape the U.S. business landscape over the centuries.

The rate of black business creation is marked by ups and downs either due to discrimination, segregation, the Great Depression and recessions.  In spite of these challenges, black entrepreneurs have remained ever vigilant and in pursuit of the dream of business ownership and wealth creation.  Building a business is hard given that 50% of businesses fail in the first five years.  ASPIRE Community Capital serves a vital role by providing business owners with resources needed to start a business by providing business development, coaching and access to financial resources.  ASPIRE Community Capital’s commitment to meeting entrepreneurs where they are within their own neighborhoods provides the right foundation to help create and sustain a business and provide opportunities for the community through job creation.  If you are looking for a partner to help turn ideas into sound businesses, ASPIRE Community Capital is here to help.

ABOUT ASPIRE:

ASPIRE Community Capital specializes in creating opportunities for self-sufficiency through financial independence, business development, and entrepreneurship training through our strategic wrap around business programs such as: Business Readiness, Community Business Academy, Business Accelerator Services and Access to Capital. Join us today as we CHANGE THE WORLD one business at a time.

www.aspirecommunitycapital.org