Black History Month magazine edition (2022) by Writing by Design Media, Inc.

EMERGING AND ENTERPRISING

ENTREPRENEURS

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EDITION DANIELLE MCGEE, FOUNDER OF BLACK BUSINESS BOOM

INSIDE THIS EDITION

Emerging Entrepreneur Danielle McGee, Black Business Boom

Nonprofit Feature Shana Berkeley, Corner to Corner Academy

Multimedia Intern: Alexandria Berry

Small Business Resources •

Tennessee Small Business Development Center - Murfreesboro

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African American Clergy Collective of Tennessee

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Jackson Madison County African American

Copyeditor: Lois Charm

Chamber of Commerce •

Black Business Association of Memphis

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Launch Tennessee - Khrys Hatch

2022 Board of Directors Paula Anderson, president

Magazine Layout: Joshua Yarbrough

Eric Ryan Brinson, vice-president Lauren Brown, executive secretary Justin Key, board member Brian Marshall, treasurer

Legal Counsel - Bruce|Turner Law, PLLC

Creative Mass Media AD Designer: Jonathan Ennis

Courtesy photos from Moments by Momma Bear & ANC Photography

A Message from the President & Board Chair

Black History Month is a celebration of the excellence and contributions made by African Americans in society. Black entrepreneurs past and present are examples of what it means to exemplify #blackmagic and #blackexcellence. This edition focuses on entrepreneurs and small business resources designed to elevate and uplift Black business leaders, teachers, and community organizations. Although Black History Month is celebrated for 28 days, Writing by Design Media, Inc. celebrates black history and black excellence 365 days. Our digital platform has over 200+ articles on entrepreneur stories and small business resources. Special thanks to the features for sharing their stories, the small business resources, the board of directors and the multimedia interns for the Spring semester. Visit wbdmedia.com to become an online subscriber. Sincerely,

Paula Anderson

Board of Directors

Paula Anderson

Eric Ryan Brinson

Brian K. Marshall

Justin Key

Lauren Brown 3

Emerging Entrepreneur Danielle McGee By Paula Anderson

Planting roots in a new city has been challenging, but also rewarding for Danielle McGee, founder of Black Business Boom located in Nashville, Tenn. Most businesses have transitioned their business models to adjust to the ‘new normal’ and McGee is no exception. McGee wanted to use the Groupon business model to attract and help Black businesses to grow, but she realized that some businesses were missing various components. “Many Black businesses did not have an online presence, so I had to change my business concept,” said McGee. This business idea was birthed at Corner to Corner Academy, a nonprofit organization focused on preparing African Americans for entrepreneurship. “The Digital Divide uncovered a lot of opportunities for Black Business Boom, “ said McGee. Businesses who had an e-commerce business model were successful, but some industries such as the food service industry had to shift to an online process.

Danielle McGee, founder of Black Business Boom

“You have to be easy to do business for customers to want to transact businesses,” said McGee. A pest control company had to shift from in-person marketing to preparing for an online concept due to the demands of the pandemic. Challenges are a part of the entrepreneurial journey and McGee wants to see Black businesses succeed in this new environment. McGee has been working with corporations to sponsor businesses who need digital marketing. A cohort model was created to help business owners. According to McGee, 50 business owners in three states have gone through the training curriculum. The program focuses on weekly sessions to help businesses learn the practical aspects of digital marketing. The next cohort model will be in Nashville, but she plans to expand to other states in Alabama and Georgia to offer the training. According to McGee, she plans to connect with chambers of commerce to help Black business owners in other states. She spends her time listening to apps that share information about entrepreneurship. Currently, she is reading the history of Black banks. McGee states that it is not happenstance that Black-owned businesses are not prospering at the capacity according to the book. To learn more about Black Business Boom, visit blackbusinessboom.com.

Nonprofit Feature Shana Berkeley, Executive Director Corner to Corner Academy By Paula Anderson

As a former healthcare attorney, Shana Berkeley decided to transition to community leadership after volunteering for Corner to Corner Academy. She decided to use her love for fashion to become an entrepreneur in a creative space and Corner to Corner Academy became that vehicle. “I wanted to focus on corporate, creative women who needed to express their colorful personalities. Wearing clothes that bring out your natural personality helps to increase your self-esteem,” said Berkeley, executive director for Corner to Corner Academy. She first started as a volunteer for the organization, but then her outgoing personality allowed her to be a spokesperson for the organization and this further led to her recruiting prospective students. “In finding success, it can be defined on your own terms. If you are sacrificing everything to build a business, then that may not be a healthy path for success,” said Berkeley. “We focus on authority and empathy and people.” There are two aspects of building a business.

Courtesy photo of Shana Berkeley

“You only see the front face for businesses,” stated Berkeley. “The benefits and features show the front face, but you often don’t see the backface which includes contracts, legal, accounting, marketing and failed Facebook ads.” Berkeley shared an analogy about the concept of basketball. “You don’t see LeBron James practicing and spending the time and effort to be great, you only see the game.” “Entrepreneurship is not easy and it requires support,” Berkeley said. “We build confidence and support the work that entrepreneurs do. We talk about them in rooms that they are not in and build that community.” “Corner to Corner Academy helps them to balance the ‘sexy’ and ‘challenging’ aspects of running a business,” she said. Berkeley said, “Business is a balance - it is not all fun and numbers.” “Aside from the initial phases of a business, we look for individuals who have a business dream and have been working on a business model for about two years,” said Berkeley. An ideal candidate for the program has a business idea and is willing to do the field work and talk to customers, “Berkeley said. “They have to be thirsty, hungry, and uncomfortable.” With her new role as executive director, Berkeley has a vision for her new team members. She spent 18 months in a training program to be prepared for the assignment.

Her team consists of 13 individuals, and she wants them to be equipped, challenged and celebrated and to do what “makes their heart sing.” The overall goal for her is to make Corner to Corner Academy the number one place to start a Blackowned business in Nashville. Some of the alumni from the program have turned their ideas into revenue generating business models. According to Berkeley, Adrienne Bowling went through the program and tripled her business income. Her business model is a mobile notary service - A-1 Mobile Notary, LLC. Marcus Buggs had a catering service, but, did not have the resources to open a brick-n-mortar location at the beginning of his business journey. Now, he has two businesses. To learn more about Corner to Corner Academy and their virtual classes, visit https://cornertocorner.org/.

Small Business Resources Tennessee Small Business Development Center - Murfreesboro

According to research, Small Business Development Centers are a resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners to learn about starting, managing and scaling a business. The Murfreesboro SBDC is located on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and Stacey Madlock shared these comments about services and resources available. Q: “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, what has been the most challenging aspect for entrepreneurs and business owners?” A: In working with our small business community through 2020 and through 2021, the impact of the pandemic varies from industry to industry. The pandemic has impacted sales, pushed business to pivot their delivery models which brought upon challenges, and has impacted their staffing levels. Throughout March and April of this year, the TSBDC funded an eight-week series of Human Resource courses for small businesses in four of our rural counties, the number one issue we heard from businesses-across the board-was finding and retaining staff during this time. 6

Small Business Resources We heard this issue from businesses in the construction industry, restaurants, service based businesses, as well as libraries, and even art centers. Across the broad board of business, staffing was the number one issue discussed. I believe the issue with our small business community maintaining staff levels is much larger than the extended unemployment benefits, it goes deeper into the issues of school and child care closures among other life balance issues that have forced many suitable and eager employees to remain home longer than anticipated. Q: What are the workshops and webinars that are being offered at your SBDC?” The state network of centers offers an incredible line-up of low or no cost courses. ● Business Plan Writing ● Buying and Selling Abroad ● Customer Service ● E-Commerce ● Hiring and Managing ● Marketing ● Office Applications ● Preparing Financial Statement ● Project Management ● Pursuing Government Contracts ● Social Media Marketing ● Starting and Managing a Business ● Website Development “These training seminars are offered in a variety of formats including: lecture, hands-on, and even online! These seminars are open to the public allowing you to attend even if you aren’t yet a client.” Q: Does the Murfreesboro SBDC provide opportunities for students enrolled at MTSU to learn about entrepreneurship? A: “Yes! Each semester our center hosts three interns from the Jones College of Business at MTSU. Our interns are funded through our grant; so it is a paid position! The internship also counts as an entrepreneurship course credit under Dr. Shanine’s internship class. Our interns play an integral role in our office, they conduct research for our clients, we walk them through the pieces and parts of an excellent business plan, they assist in (the) design and creation of our social media marketing campaigns, and our interns sit in on client consultations. If an intern has a business idea of their own our consultants assist them throughout the semester in creating their own business plan for their idea. I have attached out annual summary which covers in depth our internship program.”

African American Clergy Collective of Tennessee (ACCT)

A coalition of clergy and pastors have joined forces to address some of the issues impacting the Black community. Shirley Bondon, executive director for the Black Clergy Collective of Tennessee said, “One hundred and nineteen individuals, mostly clergy, registered for the African American Clergy Collective of Tennessee’s first call of the new year on January 18. Sixty people called in and remained on the call for two hours.” New legislative policies and rules are impacting the lives of African Americans. “Black faith leaders across the state of Tennessee are anxious about the direction the legislature and governor are taking the state. They are prayerful and ready to act. The time is right for the African American Clergy Collective to organize, rise up and create conditions for once silenced voices to be heard, to defend the defenseless, and to assess policies and social institutions in terms of their impact on Black communities.” Daryll Coleman, professor and pastor of Lane Chapel C.M.E Church in Humboldt, Tenn. and a thirdgeneration preacher, was one of the meeting participants.

Small Business Resources “I believe it was an awesome meeting that represents a “Kairos moment” for the move of God in our times. We represent the spiritual and religious expression that emerge out of the cultural traditions of the African American experience, alive and at work today building the beloved Kingdom community of God. The work of ACCT is vital at this crucial juncture in history to provide and reclaim the lofty role of leadership for the African American religious witness in the communities it serves,” said Coleman. On Feb. 1, ACCT hosted the Black Church Day on Prayer, which included an evening virtual prayer service. Black clergy from Chattanooga, Jackson, Knoxville, Nashville, and Memphis led Tennesseans in prayer for justice and equity for the state. Within 24 hours, the service had been viewed over 2000 times To view the service click here. Follow ACCT on Twitter and Facebook @blackclergytn.

Jackson Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce (JMCACC) By Alexandria Berry For 21 years, the Jackson Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce (JMCACC) has highlighted the success and importance of Black-owned businesses in their community. The continuous cycle society has volunteered minority-owned businesses to create a culture that does not always acknowledge small businesses and their contributions. Since this cycle is ongoing with no end in sight, it creates a call for an organization that speaks and emphasizes the efforts of the Black-owned business community. JMCACC, was established in 1999, which marks 23 years of their service to Black-owned and small businesses in the community. Don McCorry, finance director and interim executive director of the Jackson Madison chamber, said the first mission is to gain awareness, “Most people don’t even know we exist.” “We want to make a change for people of color who do not have access to resources and information, to be on par with everyone else,” said McCorry “It’s my job to go out and seek that information and get it in front of you to allow you to act.” JMCACC services extend beyond the assistance for Black-owned businesses in their communities. During the summer, they offer a youth entrepreneurial program called Follow Me into Business for kids ages 12 – 18 years old. It is designed to help students form the confidence and passion for aspiring entrepreneurs who one day could be recognized for their hard work and contribution to bettering their communities. As a visionary, McCorry discerns the importance of access to proper tools and funds for business owners. The lack of exposure and access to resources are important to recognize, but the recognition for these businesses that serve in the community are just as important. “The founders (of JMCACC) wanted to highlight and focus on minority businesses,” said McCorry. “The chamber wants to applaud and recognize them in a public setting to make them aware that they are valued and that they make a significant contribution to the community.”

Courtesy photo of Don McCorry

Small Business Resources The Joining Entrepreneurs with Enterprising Leadership (JEWEL) Awards is a ceremony that honors small Black-owned businesses and their hard work in the community. The honorees are categorized by four stones: Ruby, Diamond, Emerald, and Jewel. Each of the categories carries a minimum and maximum requirement of years. To be chosen as an honoree in the Ruby category there’s a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years, Diamond is a minimum of six years and maximum of 10 years, Emerald is a minimum of 11 years and maximum of 20 and lastly, the Jewel is 20+ years. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the JEWEL Awards was held every year at a venue that served as a reunion and congratulations as the main platter, live music as a side dish, fellowship as dessert, and recognition of very influential Black-owned organizations as food for the soul. Unfortunately for the past two years, an in-person banquet has not been possible due to the safety precautions of COVID-19, but McCorry emphasizes the return of the monumental night that celebrates Black excellence. When asked the last question, “Are there any words of wisdom to leave with those stepping into the role of entrepreneurs?” His response was, “Do your homework because anybody can say I want to start a business,” said McCorry. “But you have to ask yourself ‘why,’ ‘how will you sell,’ ‘how will you support yourself,’ and ‘how will you support your family and your community?’” JMAAC’s 21st annual JEWEL Awards will premiere on their website February 25th, 2022, at 6:30pm. For more information about the JEWEL Awards and how to donate to support this organization visit http://www.jmcaacc.org/

Black Business Association of Memphis (BBA) Ernest Strickland serves as the president and CEO of the Black Business Association of Memphis. The BBA was founded in 1974 with the mission of improving the economic well-being of the Memphis region by developing successful entrepreneurs and MWBEs. According to the website, Strickland has a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) and holds a bachelor’s degree in professional studies. Prior to the BBA, Strickland held an SVP position at the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, where he worked for 15 years. In his last role, he was instrumental in helping to develop Memphis’ community-wide workforce development initiative, Upskill 901. To learn more about the BBA, visit https://bbamemphis.

Courtesy photo of Ernest Strickland

LaunchTN Spotlight: Khrys Hatch Khrys Hatch, manager of capital formation at LaunchTN, started his own entrepreneurial journey in the music and entertainment industry. Hatch is a graduate of Fisk University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), where he studied music business through a partnership with Belmont University. As with most entrepreneurs, the initial stages of starting a business enterprise are not known or taught and this was the case for Hatch.

Small Business Resources “During my early career, I became acquainted with Troy Carter, who was an early investor in big tech companies such as Spotify, Uber and Lyft before they went public,’’ said Hatch. Learning about venture capital (VC) began when he was accepted into HBCUvc and placed as a fellow at the VC firm founded by Carter and managing partner Marlon Nichols. HBCUvc founder, Hadiyah Mujhid, wanted to support more Black founders through venture capital, stated Hatch. “This was a full circle moment for me,” said Hatch. His experience at HBCUvc led him to finding out about the 36|86 Entrepreneurship Festival and Launch Tennessee. As a capital formation manager, he manages and recruits companies for venture capital funding opportunities. According to Hatch, “$209 billion of the $320 billion of venture capital funds invested went to the Bay Area, Boston and New York City.” This poses a challenge for other states who need investments. Tennessee falls in this category and Hatch works daily to increase awareness and exposure for startups in the state.

Courtesy photo of Khrys Hatch

“With so many successful startups coming from Silicon Valley, it becomes difficult for people to see Tennessee as fertile soil,” said Hatch. “Other states like Georgia and North Carolina are all vying for those resources.” The pandemic has brought some challenges and opportunities for start-ups. According to Hatch, companies have been able to pitch ideas through digital technology, such as Zoom, and this is helping to increase awareness for entrepreneurs seeking capital. For companies who want to learn more about venture capital, he advises them to reach out to LaunchTN‘s network partners of entrepreneur centers across the state. Epicenter (Memphis); theCo. (Jackson); Nashville Entrepreneur Center (Nashville); Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (Knoxville); Biz Foundry (Cookeville) and CoLab (Chattanooga). Venture capitalists tend to look at the market size to be interested in making a deal - “high revenue and an increase in valuation” – Hatch said; it is best to understand the motivation of the VC. According to Hatch, less than 2 percent of capital has gone to Black founders and this was the reason the HBCUvc was started. The goal was to create funders of color to make sure founders of color receive funding. The fellowship program consisted of a year-long one-to-one experience with a VC manager or principal to gain experience. It gave students the opportunity to learn about the process and experience. Hatch has had the opportunity to learn from or work with a few founders in the Nashville area such as Joshua Mundy, founder of Pivot School Technology and Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria. To learn more about Launch TN, visit launchtn.org.