Meet Me on the Block: Celebrating Black Business in Buffalo

August is Black Business Month, and Buffalo, we're closing it out the way we should outside, together and celebrating the people who had the courage to bet on themselves.

On Wednesday, August 26, I'll be hosting the 5th Annual Black Business Block Party at The Exchange at Beverly Gray, and I'm excited about this one! From 2 PM to 7 PM, we're taking over The Exchange at 334 E. Utica Street for an afternoon centered around Black business, community, and connection. Best part? It's FREE.

But this isn't just another summer event for me.

I really respect the work happening at The Exchange at Beverly Gray because they're doing something entrepreneurs actually need: connecting people to resources.

The Exchange was created in honor of the late Beverly A. Gray, a Buffalo Common Council member, entrepreneur and community advocate who believed Buffalo's East Side could be a hub for economic growth. Today, that legacy continues through an organization focused on helping BIPOC and underrepresented entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses.

And when I say resources, I mean REAL resources.

The Exchange offers mentoring and coaching, business development assistance, MWBE certification support, workshops and help navigating funding. Entrepreneurs can also access specialized support covering legal needs, taxes, accounting, QuickBooks, websites, trademarks, marketing and more.

As an entrepreneur myself, I know how important that is.

People love to tell you, "Start the business!" Okay...then what?

Who's teaching you about the numbers? Where do you find capital? How do you become certified? What happens when you need an attorney but don't have attorney money yet? Who helps you understand the parts of business nobody puts on Instagram?

That's where organizations like The Exchange become important.

I saw another example of that work during the Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration with Pull Up & Pitch. Businesses literally pulled up, pitched their ideas and walked away with checks ranging from $500 to $2,000.

That's what I want to see more of. Don't just invite entrepreneurs into the room. Give them access while they're in the room.

The Exchange has also partnered on programs like the Reach East Marketing Accelerator, which combines workshops, mentorship and marketing education for qualifying East Side businesses, with participants eligible for up to $5,000 to help execute their marketing strategies.

That's impact. So Wednesday, we're celebrating all of it.

I want you to come discover a business you haven't heard of. Buy something. Exchange information. Tell somebody about your own business. Make a connection that might turn into something six months from now.

And yes, come find me because your girl will be on the mic hosting the party!

Black Business Month may end when August ends, but our support shouldn't.

Buy Black. Refer Black businesses. Hire Black businesses. Share their posts. Connect them to opportunities. And when you find resources, hold the door open and tell somebody else.

That's how we build.

I'll see you at The Exchange at Beverly Gray, Wednesday, August 26 from 2 PM to 7 PM. We're celebrating Black business on the block!