Our Mission
To help close the racial wealth gap by developing programs and advocating for policies that result in profitable and sustainable Black-owned businesses that are connected to public and private economic opportunities, while building trusted relationships.
Core
Values
Our
Our Vision
CONNECTING & TRANSFORMING THE ECOSYSTEM
Our partners align with our values, have demonstrated outcomes for their work with Black entrepreneurs, commit to reciprocity (e.g. a 2-way) in our relationship, and share our visions for Black entrepreneurial success and thriving.
DISRUPTING THE STATUS QUO
We position ourselves in key locations and events to advance our goals for systems change on behalf of Black entrepreneurs.
BUILDING & GROWING STRONG BLACK BUSINESSES
We meet our members where they are in 1:1, in-person, cohort-based and in networking opps.
EXPANDING OUR IMPACT WITH &
FOR BLACK ENTREPRENEURS
We grow our impact by creating value for our current members, nurturing responsible collaborations in under-resources spaces and communities, listening to and meeting entrepreneurs where they are through direct outreach.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
We practice excellence in our financial and systems to maximize our impact.
Change Starts Here.
KERRY BUFFINGTON, Chair
Partner Owner, Kapstone Employment Services
CHARITY DEAN
President & CEO
KANDISS ECTON
Insurance Agent, Kandiss Ecton Insurance and
Financial Services, Inc.
KAI BOWMAN
COO
JERMAINE RUFFIN
Vice President, Invest Detroit
JAY WILLIAMS, PMP
Manager, DTE Public Affairs
TIA BOWMAN
Chief of Staff
BRANDON REED
Director, External Affairs
DONALD RENCHER, ESQ.
President and CEO, Hudson Webber Foundation
BRE McKAMIE
Manager, Program & Events
JOSEPH BOWMAN
Owner & CEO, Humble Brothers, LLC
TAYLOR SMITH
Program Coordinator
RODERICK HARDAMON
CEO & Chief Strategist, URGE Imprint LLC
MIKE PIKE
Receptionist