NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Today is Nashville Black Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day.
As Metro celebrates, we have new numbers showing Black business ownership is increasing at the fastest rate in 30 years. According to the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency.
I looked into government data.
According to this report, the SBA loaned nearly $1.5 billion to Black-owned businesses in fiscal year 2023. This is more than double the number from the previous year.
And in 2022, $9.5 billion in federal contracts will go to Black-owned businesses, an increase of $490 million from 2021.
“That’s not enough. You know, we celebrate that monument, but we need to do a lot more, and that’s our hope and my goal here. This is our mission.”
Black entrepreneurs are incredibly important to the social fabric of this country, not just socially but economically,” said Mark Madrid of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
In addition to funding programs to help entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses, the agency also offers counseling, training, and business development programs.
On Thursday, the Nashville Entrepreneurship Center will host a Fireside Conversation with Dr. Lakisha Simmons and Shani Dowell.
Held from 4pm to 6pm, it’s free, but you must reserve a spot.
Carey recommends:
Arizona journalist explains voucher results before Tennessee considers similar
I have two boys in elementary school, so I wanted to really understand the issue as the school aid debate gains traction again. Arizona started its school voucher program 13 years ago and is the first state in the nation to offer universal school vouchers. That is what Governor Lee is proposing in two years. I relied on the expertise of an investigative reporter in Arizona. And she provided facts, figures, and a wealth of insight. This report gave me a lot to think about, both as a mother and as a taxpayer. I think it will be the same for you.
-Carrie Sharp
