Supporting Entrepreneurs of Color

Supporting entrepreneurs of color, whether through patronizing their businesses, collaborating with them or providing them the tools and education to further their work, can help build a vibrant business community throughout the region.

After a year of protests and discussions around social justice, both Tanisha Wheeler and Ra’Cole Taltoan say the enthusiasm around supporting minority-owned businesses hasn’t waned. But the business community still has an ongoing role to support such companies.

“If the people who hold the power aren’t exchanging that power to smaller businesses – especially minority-owned businesses – then it’s hard to gain traction,” says Tanisha Wheeler, the Youngstown Business Incubator’s director of curriculum development. “Large businesses can hire small businesses for the services they provide. That’s cut and dry, straight to the point. If you have a contract and you need someone to do something, look at that small company and consider someone who’s just coming into the field with that hunger and desire.”

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.