Honoring Black Achievements Across Key Sectors
Black entrepreneurs, community leaders, and innovators have been at the forefront of economic and social transformation in the United States. Their impact spans global business expansion, diversity advocacy, small business innovation, and community-based initiatives—each contributing to a more equitable and prosperous society.
Yet, amid shifting political landscapes and executive actions, the Black business community faces renewed challenges, particularly regarding Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), small business funding, and nonprofit sustainability. This Black History Month, we celebrate the resilience of Black leaders while addressing the urgent need for strategic action to safeguard progress.
Expanding Global Influence: Black Entrepreneurs in Foreign Direct Investment
The global reach of Black entrepreneurs has expanded in recent years, with a 13.64% growth in Black-owned employer businesses between 2017 and 2020—outpacing the national average. However, limited access to international investment networks and declining government-backed DEI initiatives threaten this momentum.
With executive orders now discouraging race-conscious programs, Black entrepreneurs face fewer opportunities for international trade support, federal funding, and global business development resources. Organizations that remain committed to minority business success, such as the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and private-sector partnerships, will be essential in counteracting these barriers.
Call to Action:
For Black entrepreneurs & business owners: Build international networks through trade organizations, private partnerships, and alternative funding sources like venture capital.
For investors & venture capital firms: Increase funding opportunities for Black-led businesses seeking global expansion.
For policymakers & trade organizations: Advocate for federal and state incentives supporting minority-owned businesses in global markets.
Defending Diversity: Black Leadership in DEI & Civic Engagement
Black leaders have been instrumental in shaping corporate DEI initiatives, voting rights, and economic justice policies. However, recent executive orders have begun dismantling federal DEI offices, discouraging DEI training, and limiting race-based programs in hiring and education.
These changes not only reduce opportunities for Black professionals in leadership but also risk decreasing corporate DEI commitments in response to political pressure. Black-led civic organizations continue to push back against these rollbacks, advocating for equitable policies and accountability measures.
Call to Action:
For corporations & business leaders: Maintain and publicly commit to DEI initiatives despite political pressure.
For civic organizations & activists: Mobilize efforts to protect equity-based policies through advocacy, petitions, and grassroots campaigns.
For employees & the general public: Support companies that uphold diversity commitments and engage in civic action promoting equity.
Driving Economic Growth: Black Entrepreneurs & Small Business Success
Black entrepreneurs are driving innovation, job creation, and wealth generation across industries. Minority-owned businesses contribute $192.8 billion annually to California’s economy alone, proving their vital role in national prosperity.
Yet, access to capital remains a major challenge, with Black business owners facing higher loan rejection rates and receiving fewer venture capital investments. With recent DEI-related cutbacks, federally backed funding sources that once prioritized Black entrepreneurs are shrinking, making private investment, alternative lending, and business networking even more critical.
Call to Action:
For entrepreneurs & small business owners: Explore community banks, venture capital, crowdfunding, and supplier diversity programs to secure funding.
For consumers & corporate procurement officers: Prioritize Black-owned businesses in purchasing decisions and corporate contracts.
For lawmakers & economic policy advocates: Push for fair lending policies and minority business funding protections.
Empowering Communities: Black-Led CBOs & Education Initiatives
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have long been pillars of Black advancement, providing educational access, workforce development, and social support.
However, recent political shifts threaten funding for minority-serving institutions and racial equity initiatives. Black-led nonprofits already receive 76% less unrestricted funding than white-led organizations, a gap that may widen as federal agencies scale back DEI-focused grant programs.
Call to Action:
For donors & philanthropists: Provide direct funding to Black-led nonprofits to sustain critical programs.
For educators & community leaders: Advocate for equitable funding for minority-serving institutions and develop workforce training initiatives.
For local & state government officials: Protect funding streams for Black-led education and community programs through policy advocacy.
Moving Forward: Strength in Strategy & Collaboration
The contributions of Black entrepreneurs, activists, educators, and community leaders have shaped the American economy and society in immeasurable ways. But with ongoing political challenges, now is the time for collective action to ensure these gains are not undone.
By investing in Black-owned businesses, advocating for equity, and supporting community-based initiatives, we can reinforce the foundation of economic and social progress.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s move beyond recognition to tangible actions that uplift Black excellence across business, civic engagement, and education—ensuring that progress continues for generations to come.
Brand LA: Driving Equity, Opportunity, and Economic Growth
At Brand LA, we are committed to fostering inclusive economic growth by supporting Black entrepreneurs, community leaders, and change-makers through our four core programs: Foreign Direct Investment, DEI & Civic Engagement, Small Business & Startups, and CBO & Education. We provide mission-driven marketing, strategic support, and advocacy to help Black-owned businesses expand globally, protect DEI initiatives, fuel small business innovation, and strengthen community-based organizations.
We reaffirm our dedication to creating lasting opportunities for Black excellence in business, civic engagement, and community development.