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Advocacy is essential for black-owned businesses | Opinion

Often during conversations with black-owned or black-led businesses, I see often that businesses lack a consistent strategy to engage with elected or appointed officials to advocate on their behalf.

Pride Enterprises, Inc. is a black-owned building, construction management, and consulting firm. Craig Williams, center, is the CEO.
Pride Enterprises, Inc. is a black-owned building, construction management, and consulting firm. Craig Williams, center, is the CEO.Read moreHandout
    by Mustafa Rashed, For the Inquirer
    Published 

  1. The African American Chamber of Commerce is a leading advocate throughout the Delaware Valley for minority-owned businesses.  They work to enhance the footprint of African American businesses throughout the region, which in turn helps lift the economic fortunes of the black community.  They are a strong advocate for job and economic opportunities for African Americans.

  2. City of Philadelphia Office of Economic Opportunity works with the business community in Philadelphia to seek out and build alliances with minority-, women-, and disabled-owned businesses, the city, and private industry. Iola Harper is the lead of this organization. If Iola doesn't know who you are and what you do, you're missing out on growth opportunities. 

  3. Pa.'s Department of General Services' Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion & Small Business Opportunities works with diverse small businesses, including minority-, women-, veteran-, and LGBT-owned enterprises, to help them compete for contracts throughout the Commonwealth.

  4. The Office of Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke's legislative and policy agendas include focuses on mandating inclusion of opportunities for minority-owned businesses. Former City Councilman Wilson Goode Jr. serves as a senior adviser and has been a long-time champion for economic development for women- and minority-owned businesses.