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Kingston’s Black entrepreneurs gathered Saturday to network, sell, discuss and recognize Black Business as well as Black History Month.
Less than a year ago, Martha Williams was planning to start her own business. Now, the doors of Pedal Her Works, Her Cafe and Studio are open, and she is hosting the Black Her Business Fair and Expo, an event aimed at supporting and uniting Black entrepreneurs.
Co-host Tiana Edwards said it was a match made in heaven.
“Martha has created this beautiful space that supports a lot of local black-owned businesses. I reached out to Martha and asked, ‘Would you like to take on this?’ said Edwards.
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Mr. Williams enthusiastically agreed. She said it’s been a long journey to take her own business from her home to a booth and eventually to her brick-and-mortar store, and there are still many challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs.
“Money is a very important thing, marketing is a very important thing, and if we can have those two things, we can create some functional way to support small businesses, especially black businesses. I think it’s important to get it because it’s hard for us to get financing,”’ Williams said.
A similar event was held last year on Emancipation Day, but the same organizers wanted to do something bigger in conjunction with Black History Month.
This was the inspiration for trade fairs and expositions. Black business owners can sell their products and promote their businesses. You’ll find everything from hair and skin care to Nigerian street food and art, and important networks.
Edwards, who tracks licensed local Black-owned businesses, said she’s noticed significant growth in local Black-owned businesses in recent years.
“We’re actually seeing businesses move into buildings and brick-and-mortar stores, and we’re hearing more and more people are looking to move into spaces like Martha’s. We’re seeing that growth. ” she said.
The key for both Williams and Edwards is to not end their support with Black History Month.
“I always say, while we celebrate and honor these businesses during February, we support them all year round.”
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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