In honor of Black History month, Energize Colorado is dedicating this post to Black entrepreneurs and partners working toward economic development within the Black community. Our ecosystem at Energize Colorado provides a credible network of partners, businesses, and volunteers offering business advice, funding, and support.
Check out the businesses and organizations below!
Partners Supporting Black Entrepreneurs
Urban League of Metro Denver
For Black Business Startups
The Urban League of Metropolitan Denver is co-hosting the “Black Love” event with Shop Talk Live. They will highlight community trailblazers at this gala for their commitment and efforts to achieve the league’s mission. The gala’s net proceeds will be used to launch ULMD’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center (EIC.) Programs offered will range from an 8-Week Accelerator Course for Black Business Start-ups to Low-Interest loans opportunities with partnering lenders. Purchase tickets online on Eventbrite at The Black Love Gala by February 28th.
Access Mode
For BIPOC Tech Founders
The founders of Access Mode are entrepreneurs of color who have expertise in both startups and the corporate environment gained through decades of experience in tech, marketing, legal, and finance. Their personal experiences of removing roadblocks in their own careers motivated them to work to open doors of opportunity for Black, Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and Indigenous tech founders in Colorado and beyond.
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR COHORT #2!
- Cohort 2 Applications can be accessed through our website at accessmode.org or via F6s, here.
- Our application period has been extended to Tuesday, March 14th.
- Most important requirement for eligibility – must be able to attend in-person programming in Denver, Colorado for the duration of the program.
African Leadership Group
For African Immigrants
The African Leadership Group serves the entire African immigrant community to help improve their quality of life. They do it through social, education and economic programs such as youth empowerment and public speaking classes reaching thousands of individuals. They host a Black Check out their African Summit that happens every August — it is not to be missed!
ALG is accepting applications for its third Leadership Africa class, which will begin March 17, 2023. Apply: https://lnkd.in/gxS37jBV
African Chamber of Commerce
For African Immigrants
The African Chamber of Commerce connects the greater Colorado region with the African continent for business development. ACC provides support with networking, marketing, fundraising, training, certifications, business development, and community programs.
Black Business Initiative
Economic Equity for the Black Community
The Black Business Initiative (BBI) has evolved from a workshop designed to help novice Black entrepreneurs start businesses to an economic powerhouse advocating on behalf of economic equity for Black communities. Inspired by a docuseries that revealed the economic plight of Black Americans, BBI Founder and Chief Visionary Officer, Jice Johnson, was compelled to take action in order to break the accelerating trajectory of wealth inequality.
SistahBiz
For Black Women Entrepreneurs
SistahBiz is a global network hub that provides training, coaching, virtual co-working and strategic planning resources to Black women entrepreneurs. Members leverage planning tools, training and community to build high performing teams, turnkey processes, access capital and implement growth strategies. Seriously, their resources are vast, including HR tips, funding, and legal advice.
Little Black Book
Denver’s Go-To Directory of Black Owned Businesses
Developed by Carla Ladd, who originally founded Denver Black Pages in 2002, Little Black Book is an annual softcover guide to Black-owned businesses in the Mile High City. Going beyond listing businesses, the guide also profiles entrepreneurs and features cultural events across the city. The 2023 edition of Little Black Book is available this month both online and in-person at DIA and visitor centers around Denver.
Black-Owned Businesses
ShopBIPOC
Supporting Local Black Entrepreneurs
The ShopBIPOC platform is designed to connect consumers who want to purchase from BIPOC-owned businesses with those businesses, and to allow BIPOC-owned businesses to expand their markets. Among other outcomes, this site aims to reduce the racial wealth gap. Buy from Black-Owned Businesses this month and every month!
Bodies By Perseverance
Staying Fit….
Perseverance is a reputable studio known for no frill workouts, daily curated exercises, and in an energetic environment. Perseverance specializes in weight training, HIIT, boxing, functional training, athletic training, and transformations.
Pawsitive Pack Creations
Dog Training
Pawsitive Pack Creations is a business owned by Keith– a Certified Behavior Modification Specialist and Certified Professional Dog Trainer/Behaviorist. He feels that learning never stops and you can always get better at what you do. Keith Specializes in aggressive, timid, shy, unconfident dogs and is able to reach most dogs in a different way. In his spare time he plays semi pro football and is a father of two great kids.
Whittier Cafe
Coffee and Books
Owner Millete Birhanemaskel’s Whittier Café is the community hub for creatives and change agents. At Whittier, the community comes together. Rub elbows with candidates, poets, Black authors, and more. Add the art from local artists and amazing coffee. Take in what the community feels like.