The week-long celebration highlights ongoing efforts to support, highlight, educate and empower local Black entrepreneurs and businesses.
MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis kicked off its fourth annual Black Business Week on Monday, getting a head start on National Black Business Month in August.
City leaders said the week-long commemoration highlights ongoing efforts to support, highlight, educate and empower local Black entrepreneurs and business owners.
“That’s what Black Business Week is about — encouraging and connecting Black business owners and entrepreneurs with programs, funding, resources and technical support within the city and beyond,” Minneapolis City Council Member Andrea Jenkins said in a video message.
Appearing alongside Jenkins in the city’s video were Mayor Jacob Frey and City Council Speaker Elliot Payne, both of whom echoed Jenkins’ sentiments.
“As a business owner myself, I’ve seen the barriers that Black entrepreneurs face,” Payne said. “…It’s not enough for the city to say, ‘We support Black businesses,’ without providing real support and resources.”
The initiative will hold its first rally Monday night at the Minneapolis Events Center, which will feature a panel discussion on access to capital and an opportunity to shop and connect with local Black merchants, according to the city.
“Minneapolis’ Black-owned businesses are cornerstones of our community – creating jobs, driving innovation and fostering a vibrant culture,” Frey said, adding, “Supporting these businesses helps advance economic independence not only in our local Black community, but across our city.”
Plans for the week also include career and networking events, further panel discussions and a resource fair.
For more information about Black Business Week events and how to register and participate, visit the city’s website
