Hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, Black-owned small businesses have suffered a decline more than three times that of other businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Because there are more than 2 million Black-owned small businesses in the United States – generating more than $15 billion in economic activity, according to recent census data – investing in these businesses is important for overall economic health.
Case Western Reserve University Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Engagement hopes to play a role in the growth of these businesses with its first Black Business Expo.
Taking place on Tuesday, June 20 and open to the public from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Tinkham Veale University Center Ballroom, the Black Business Expo will showcase Greater Cleveland’s Black businesses, while giving sellers the resources to grow their businesses. .
The event takes place in conjunction with the university’s seventeenth anniversary celebration.
“By attending the Expo, Black business owners will have an exclusive opportunity, prior to the public event, to network and learn from financial literacy experts from around the world. TIAA Financial Servicesthat of Cleveland The real black Friday Black-Owned Business Initiative The President’s Council” said Tiara Sargeant, diversity program manager, one of the main organizers of the event.
Members of Case Western Reserve and surrounding communities are encouraged to attend to learn more about these vendors’ offerings and perhaps even purchase products and services. Community engagement and support for Black-owned small businesses not only facilitates economic growth, but also promotes generational wealth creation among Cleveland’s Black entrepreneurs.
“We hope this expo will provide valuable information and product exposure to Black businesses,” said Heather Burton, associate vice president and senior director of academic and institutional diversity. “We are committed to implementing projects and programs that provide not only services, but also information and education. The business show is an opportunity to both learn about a business and gain customer support.
Individuals or organizations interested in becoming vendors at the June 20 event – for free – should fill out the form supplier participation registration form.
Those interested in recommending a Black-owned business to participate in the expo should contact G. Tiara Sargeant.
