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Resources for Black Business Professionals, Entrepreneurs, and Supporters
August is Black Business Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of black entrepreneurs and business professionals. Established by John William Templeton in 2004, this month-long observance not only highlights the success of black-owned businesses, but also addresses the unique challenges and barriers these businesses face. Philadelphia and its suburbs offer black business professionals and entrepreneurs a wealth of resources designed to support your career and grow your businesses. In this blog, we’ll explore some of those resources as well as black-owned businesses in the region to consider supporting.
*This list is for informational purposes only and offered without opinion on the services provided by the organization. This is not a sponsored post and Citadel is not associated with the organizations below.
Local Business Associations
The African American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware (AACCPNJDE)
The AACCPNJDE is a cornerstone for black business owners in the region. This organization provides a wide range of services including business development, networking opportunities, and advocacy. They offer various programs tailored to different stages of business growth, including workshops, seminars, and one-on-one coaching. Membership also opens doors to a broad network of fellow entrepreneurs and potential clients.
Philadelphia Chapter of National Black MBA Association
The Philadelphia Chapter of the Black MBA Association offers unique networking opportunities for students, entrepreneurs, and business professionals seeking empowerment to advance their career, knowledge and wealth potential.
Philadelphia's Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO)
The Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) ensures that the City of Philadelphia is working with diverse businesses to fulfill its needs for goods and services. Each year, the City aims to reach 35 percent participation from minority, women, and disabled-owned enterprises. Registering with the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) will list your business in a directory that could result in landing valuable contracts.
The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers network provides services to all small business populations and makes special efforts to reach diverse business owners. You can meet with their experienced business consultants at no-cost for access to helpful business tools and resources. The Pennsylvania SBDC has a statewide network of 15 centers and 49 outreach locations to serve small businesses including:
The University of Pennsylvania's African American Resource Center
This center offers educational programs and resources aimed at supporting black entrepreneurs. Their workshops and seminars can provide practical knowledge to help navigate the financial aspects of running a business.
Black Professionals Network
Membership to the Black Professionals Network provides access to member-only mobile app features, webinars, national membership meetings, and member rates for the Black Professionals Summit.
Black and Brown Founders
Black and Brown Founders is dedicated to supporting businesses founded by people of color. They offer mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities tailored to the unique challenges faced by black and brown entrepreneurs. Their programs include pitch events, a virtual training program, and access to a supportive community of fellow founders.
The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC)
The NBCC is a prominent organization that advocates for black businesses and provides a range of services, including networking opportunities, business development resources, and advocacy. Joining the NBCC can connect you with a vast network of fellow entrepreneurs and potential business partners.
Looking to support black-owned businesses? Check out these guides:
- 300 Philadelphia Black-Owned Businesses to Support | phillymag.com
- 60+ Black-Owned Boutiques & Shops in Philadelphia | Visit Philadelphia
- A Guide to Black-Owned Restaurants in Philly | Visit Philadelphia
- Shop, dine and more at these 26 Black-owned businesses in Bucks County | PhillyBurbs.com
- Shop Local and Support These Black-Owned Businesses in Montgomery County | Montco.Today
- Black-Owned Businesses in Lancaster, PA | Discover Lancaster
- Support Your Community by Shopping at These 6 Black-Owned Businesses in Chester County | Vista.Today
- Black-Owned Businesses Around the Main Line | MainLineToday.com
- Beyond Restaurants, Here Are Other Local Black-Owned Businesses You Might Want to Check Out | Delco.Today
Citadel Resources for Black Business Owners & Entrepreneurs
Our financial experts here at Citadel can also provide the guidance and tools to help you build financial strength along the way. Our investment team can create a custom strategy that helps protect your personal finances as well as your business, and our Business Banking team will partner with you to determine the right mix of accounts, loans, and services that's tailored to your business’ current needs and scalable for future growth. Since Citadel is a not-for-profit credit union, we can offer a unique level of service and commitment to help build financially strong businesses that directly influence and care for our communities, families, and overall local economic health. Learn more about Business Banking products and services from Citadel here.
