Black business leaders and entrepreneurs gather for AFRO News’ fourth Black business Matters Expo

By Alexis Taylor
AFRO Managing Editor

The AFRO American Newspapers proudly hosted the fourth Black Business Matters Expo (BBM Expo) on May 30 at the Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture.

The event, which included both in person and virtual offerings, was sponsored by major local and national institutions including Chase; United Bank; TEDCO; United Way of Central Maryland; Giant; Security Plus Federal Credit Union; PNC Bank and Live Casino and Hotel.

“We started the critical planning in January,” said Lenora Howze, executive director of the AFRO American Newspapers. “Our goal for every Black Business Matters Expo is to be a forum for Black businesses to gather, to network and to get information that they may not be able to get elsewhere.”

Howze planned the event with Nicole Kirby, of CarVer Communications, who served as project manager. 

“We had quite a variety of master classes,” Howze continued. “One was presented by Tari Cash, of City Swing. She  really spoke about how important it is for Black people to learn how to golf so we can do business on the golf course like most Fortune 500 companies do. We are so underrepresented on the golf course and that’s where a lot of business deals happen.” 

In person activities at the AFRO’s BBM Expo included a “Sip and Say,” which took place on the terrace level of the museum, located on the fourth level of the museum.  

“We had six Black owned wines and spirits retailers present,” said Howze. “What I really like about this event is the energy, the connection and the long lasting opportunities that the Black Business Matter Expo presents.”

In a greeting delivered via video, Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman spoke on the state’s economy and the crucial role played by small businesses. For years Maryland leaders have touted a minority business enterprise (MBE) goal of 29 percent regarding the percentage of Black businesses used in state contracts. That goal, however, has not been met since 2013. 

“Small businesses are critical to building an inclusive economy and to sparking that private sector growth Maryland needs right now. I’m proud to report that over the past year, business enterprise prime and subprime contractors have increased by over $102 million,” said Lierman. “Even with these improvements, the implications of falling 10 percent short or more below our MBE participation goals means MBEs are missing out on billions of dollars in business opportunities and contracts.”

Lierman explained why state contracts are so important and how Black small businesses can access them.

“The federal government alone spends around $45 billion on contracts in Maryland every year. Procurement is such an important part of our state’s economy,” said Lierman. “I want to strongly encourage all of the business owners, entrepreneurs and those who have been thinking about starting a business to register with the state. There are many opportunities available through the Small Business Reserve Program, which designates 15 percent of all agency procurements to qualified small businesses every year.”

Aside from elected officials, attendees also heard from business leaders like Ed Evans, director of DEI and government affairs for Maryland LIVE! Casino Hotel. 

“Diversity in the MBE space has been a core tenant as we do business as a gaming group,” said Evans. “I am proud to say that last year we exceeded that at 27 percent.” 

Evans said that when the casino and hotel were built in 2012, 100 percent of the construction businesses used were owned by minority contractors. 

“Since our twelve years of development in Maryland we have spent over 200 million with minority, small and Black owned businesses,” said Evans. 

He added that increasing minority participation in the casino industry is “about access to the opportunity” — not the availability of the opportunity. He stressed that Black businesses are often qualified for the plethora of opportunities available in the state of Maryland, but that they often don’t have access to the information about how to secure contracts. 

“What I’ve found is that one, a lot of our small, Black businesses don’t have access to all of the support vehicles within the state to help them become certified as an MBE. Two, they are often afraid of the process- feeling as if it is too intrusive and cumbersome– but it’s the total opposite,” Evans said. “It’s a very easy process and there’s tons of information and access to get you certified through Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). Third, they lack the patience to go through the licensing process. It’s not overnight, but it’s well worth the wait.” 

“I think people need to understand that building Black businesses helps build Black communities, which helps build a stronger Black future, Evans continued. 

When it comes to becoming a business owner, Evans had important following advice for Black entrepreneurs. 

“Do you research,” she said. “Find out where your synergies are within the casino industry- not just in Maryland. There are six casinos within maryland. Look to tap into all of the opportunities.” 

Evans said that he encourages small business owners to remember that there is space for them. 

“You can be as small as the florist that is doing all of our floral arrangements, or you can be a major distributor of products and services,” he said. “If you can find a partner who is really intentional about MBE membership, they will find a way to get you an opportunity and we’re proof of that.”

Attendees of the 2024 Black Business Matters Expo were able to glean information throughout the night on all things related to Black business. 

Leaders shared their wisdom in sessions that ranged from “Building and Scaling a Family- Run Business,” “The Art of Creating a Luxury Brand” and “Trimming the Fat to Maximize Growth.” 

A panel discussion held at the end of the night included Dr. Nia Banks, Nicholas Fletcher; Dr. Lance London and Drew Hawkins. AFRO Publisher and CEO Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper led the panel. 

Topics addressed in the final panel discussion included how to deal with challenges in the human resources department, how to grow a business and even how to change from one sector to another. 

Dr. Nia Banks, a surgeon who was trained at Hopkins, spoke on transitioning from a business owner that dealt with nurses in the medical field to a massage therapy business, which generally attracts a different type of employee. 

She told those in attendance that she enjoys operating a business that creates space where “men and women from all backgrounds and colors can feel like they can fully contribute.” 

Banks said that as a Black employer, it’s important that she provide opportunities for other people to be themselves and avoid dealing with typical microaggressions seen in the workplace.

Dr. Lance London spoke to BBM Expo attendees about the importance of scaling a business with caution, but with the understanding that all entrepreneurs need help as they grow.

“To scale in any business you’ve first got to build a culture of belief- surround yourself with a team and get a system, so that whether you’re there or not the business can still function.

Throughout the evening, attendees were encouraged to learn all they can about the industry they choose as business owners. In the end, London reminded business owners and BBM Expo attendees of one thing:

“The only way you can fail is to stop doing what you believe in.” 

AFRO Political Reporter Tashi McQueen contributed to this article. 

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