Black to Business

Networking is hands down one of the most powerful tools in your entrepreneurial toolkit, but for many entrepreneurs, it can feel daunting or even disingenuous. We've all heard the saying "it's not what you know, but who you know" - and when it comes to business, those words couldn't ring truer. Building a strong network of genuine connections can open doors to game-changing opportunities, from fin...

In today's fast-paced and unpredictable business world, crises can strike at any moment, leaving even the most successful entrepreneurs scrambling to keep their companies afloat. From social media scandals and product recalls to global pandemics and economic downturns, the challenges facing businesses are more complex and varied than ever before.  That's why having a solid crisis management plan i...

Ever felt the weight of trying to fit into a mold that doesn't feel quite right, just to make it in business? Well, let's talk about flipping that script. In this solo episode of the Black to Business Podcast, our founder and host, Monique T. Marshall, dives deep into "The Power of Authenticity in Business." Monique offers a dive into why being genuine can be a game-changer for your business and y...

Imagine you've just recruited a top-notch talent who's eager to join your team and contribute to the growth of your business. Everything seems to be falling into place—until you realize their previous non-compete agreement can undermine this opportunity. This is the kind of scenario many business owners face, and it's about to become even more relevant with the upcoming regulatory changes.   In th...

Tired of feeling lost when it comes to taxes? We get it! Navigating the intricacies of tax laws can be a daunting task for any entrepreneur, but understanding and properly managing your taxes is essential for the financial health of your business. In this episode, we offer a comprehensive guide to simplified tax-saving strategies that can make a significant difference in your bottom line. Our gues...

Ready to master the art of bootstrapping and effectively self-funding your business? In this episode of Black to Business, we're diving deep into the practical strategies and mindset shifts necessary for success. We know that starting and sustaining a business with limited resources can be a daunting task, especially as Black entrepreneurs, we often face additional challenges such as restricted ac...

Wrapping up our annual Black Men Who Lead series, this podcast episode celebrates Black men making strides in both business and community leadership throughout the month of June. As a listener focused on entrepreneurship, you know the journey of starting and growing your own business often includes searching for wisdom, motivation, and actionable strategies. In this special remix, we've curated se...

In today's world, access to high-speed internet is not just a luxury; it's a necessity. But what happens when entire communities are left behind in the digital age? This episode of the Black to Business Podcast tackles the critical issue of the digital divide that plagues many Black communities and stunts entrepreneurial growth. Our guest, Antwon Alsobrook, is leading the charge to change that and...

When you think about funding your business, venture capital might be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, for Black entrepreneurs, accessing traditional VC funding can be an uphill battle, with less than 1% of VC capital going to Black-owned businesses. This episode of the Black to Business podcast dives deep into alternative funding paths that you can take to build and grow your business with...

Financial literacy isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and building a rock-solid foundation for success and economic empowerment, particularly within the Black entrepreneurial community. This episode is all about unlocking the potential of Black entrepreneurship through the amazing power of financial literacy. We've got the one and only Joh...

Isolation is a common struggle for entrepreneurs, especially for Black business owners who face additional barriers and fewer resources. Finding a supportive community is crucial for mental health, staying informed, and fostering innovation. This episode dives into the importance of overcoming isolation and building your network to thrive both personally and professionally.   Joining us to discuss...

Navigating the alcohol and spirits industry can be complex, especially for Black entrepreneurs. Monique sits down with industry leaders Dia Simms and Erin J. Hall to discuss how you can break into this lucrative field. Despite making up 15% of the U.S. population and being long-time consumers, Black individuals remain significantly underrepresented in the spirits industry, occupying only about 7%...

Cue the celebration! We're thrilled to mark our 200th episode milestone, and it's all thanks to incredible listeners like you. Your support and engagement have fueled our journey, and we couldn't have done it without you.   To celebrate this special occasion, we've curated a selection of the most impactful moments from some of our top episodes spanning 2023-2024. These snippets are packed with act...

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, where every connection counts and every relationship could mean the difference between success and stagnation, understanding the power of social capital is not just advantageous—it's a game-changer. As a Black entrepreneur, you're keenly aware of the importance of forging genuine connections in an environment where opportunities can sometimes feel scarc...

Ever felt like you're stuck in a never-ending cycle of pitching your business to potential clients, only to hear crickets in response? Or maybe you've poured your heart and soul into crafting the perfect marketing campaign, only to see it fall flat? As entrepreneurs, we've all been there. The struggle to connect with our audience, convert leads into customers, and ultimately boost sales can someti...

It's time to reclaim your time by streamlining and automating your business. We understand the entrepreneurial feeling that you have to do it all; juggling multiple responsibilities, managing limited resources, and striving for success in a competitive marketplace. That's why in this episode we delve into the world of streamlining and operations, aiming to simplify your business processes and supe...

Do you know your ABC's? Well you're about to learn the A to Z's of e-commerce. According to Forbes, small and medium-sized businesses account for approximately 42% of total e-commerce sales in the United States. It's time your business gets a piece of the pie, and we have the perfect person to give it to you! Jance Chartae is a retail strategist and e-commerce coach with a unique blend of expertis...

Are you missing a few tools from your toolkit? Well, we're here to fill it up with all the business tools. As entrepreneurs, we understand the importance of optimizing efficiency and making the most out of the limited resources we have. In this episode we are talking about all things business tools with guru LaShonda Brown. She has mastered the art of working smarter not harder to get the most out...

As people spend more of their time online, business competition has become fierce. Every business needs a strong digital presence in order to stand out from the crowd.  That's why you can't miss this encyclopedia of knowledge on online presence Adam Nwaozo and Tony Thompson reveal throughout the episode, as they share secrets on crafting a powerful online presence for your business. Whether you're...

Do you want to reach higher heights? Well keep it locked as we discuss something critical to every Black entrepreneur, finding your community. This is especially important when building your business around a niche or stigmatized business. As entrepreneurs, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with carving out our space in industries that aren't always welcoming. Becomin...

Entrepreneurship is like a rollercoaster ride with moments of triumph and moments that test our resilience. But what happens when you find yourself at a crossroads where shutting down your business becomes a reality? In this episode we dive  into the often unspoken journey of closing a business with our guest, Netta Dobbins. She recently made the difficult decision to close her business Mimconnect...

Today's consumers aren't just looking for products or services—they're looking for meaning. They want to support businesses that stand for something beyond just making money. When you align your business with a clear purpose, you create a powerful connection with your audience. You're not just selling a product or service; you're selling a vision, a mission, a cause that people can get behind. In...

In the realm of entrepreneurship, especially for Black business owners, the journey often entails overcoming significant hurdles – systemic barriers, biases, and a lack of representation. In this episode, we're delving into the realm of game-changing strategies – those innovative approaches that not only level the playing field but tilt it in your favor.   For entrepreneurs facing these challenges...

In this episode, we're delving into a topic that's not just about industry specifics—it's about creating meaningful change in our communities. We understand that as a Black entrepreneur, you're not just building a business; you're sowing seeds of transformation and empowerment. That's why we're thrilled to bring you this conversation with Quilen Blackwell, president and co-founder of Chicago Eco H...

Are you tired of hearing the narrative that real estate investment is reserved for those with deep pockets? Perhaps you've even bought into the myth that as a member of the Black community, the odds are stacked against you when it comes to building wealth through property ownership. It's a common objection, and it's one that Haltere Group's Dennis Earls and Mikael Pyles are determined to shatter....