November 21, 2024
New business leaders emerge from United Way’s Thriving African-American Small Business Initiative
10 Black-owned businesses take the stage after participating in United Way’s transformative program
NEW ORLEANS – United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) hosted its “Pitch It 2024” graduation event on Nov. 20 at its Prosperity Center – New Orleans East Campus, where 10 participants from the Thriving African American Small Business (TAASB) Initiative presented their business plans to judges, industry leaders and potential investors. The event celebrated their achievements following seven months of intensive training and mentorship designed to elevate Black-owned businesses and contribute to closing the racial wealth gap.
“The TAASB Initiative is more than just a program; it’s a strategic response to the economic disparities that continue to affect Black business owners,” said Michael Williamson, UWSELA president and CEO. “By providing hands-on training, mentorship and substantial capital investment, we’re creating a pipeline of empowered entrepreneurs equipped to drive economic change in their communities.”
Launched in 2023, the TAASB initiative serves as a business accelerator, offering critical financial education, mentorship and capital investment to help budding Black-owned businesses thrive in Southeast Louisiana. The initiative pairs a 5:1 matched savings account for participants with comprehensive business development training to help entrepreneurs strengthen their financial management skills, grow their businesses and foster economic equity.
“Investing in Black-owned businesses is an investment in the entire economic fabric of Southeast Louisiana,” said Ron McClain, UWSELA Board of Trustees chair and Pitch It judge. “By empowering these entrepreneurs, we contribute to a more inclusive economy and ensure that opportunities are shared more equitably.”
Fellow judge and CEO of St. Tammany Corporation Chris Masingill underscored the program’s transformative impact. “Programs like this are vital incubators for sustainable business growth,” Masingill said. “This initiative uplifts individual entrepreneurs and fuels broader economic development, helping business owners build generational wealth.”
The initiative’s second cohort generated $120,000 in immediate business capital through its unique matched savings accounts, proving the model’s effectiveness in rapidly boosting participants’ financial standing and business capabilities. To date, the initiative is responsible for nearly $300,000 in local investments in Black-owned businesses across UWSELA’s seven-parish service area.
The 2024 TAASB initiative cohort includes:
- Miller Group Consulting (Mr. B’s Chop Shop and Event Space) – Owner: Shantell Miller
- Gravel Roads Builders – Owner: Travis Banks
- Howard Lee Consulting (Baronness on Baronne) – Owner: Camille Whitworth
- Peace of Serenity Day Spa – Owner: Frances Harris
- So Craftee LLC – Owner: Tanyaka Cline
- Revive Nutrition and Recovery Center (Thrive NOLA Spa) – Owner: Ronald Davis
- Blossoming Mind Health – Owner: Ebony Evans
- Next-Gen – Owner: Rashaun Harris
- Savvy Tax Solutions – Owner: Taryn Spikes-Webb
To complete the program, the business owners made regular savings deposits, attended financial education and small business training, developed formal business plans, participated in monthly small business savings club meetings, and attended regular sessions with UWSELA’s financial capability experts.
“Participating in United Way’s Thriving African-American Small Business Initiative was an incredible experience that helped me reconnect with the foundational aspects of running a business,” said participant Camille Whitworth, co-owner of Baroness on Baronne. “I appreciated the chance to learn from experienced professionals who generously shared their insights, making each session feel like a unique opportunity for growth. The resources provided were invaluable, giving me actionable tools to implement in my business immediately. The program reminded me of the essentials and equipped me with the knowledge to innovate and push my business forward with confidence.”
The TAASB initiative is part of UWSELA’s broader mission to address systemic inequities and foster community resilience. Through the support of mentors, local financial institutions and partners like the Urban League of Louisiana and St. Tammany Corporation, the program equips Black-owned businesses with a foundation for sustainable success.
“Building a healthy business community requires intentional, inclusive programming,” Williamson added. “The TAASB Initiative exemplifies how partnerships and targeted support can help bridge the racial wealth gap, create more opportunity and build a stronger economy for all.”
To learn more about the Thriving African American Small Business Initiative, visit UnitedWaySELA.org/TAASB or contact TAASB@UnitedWaySELA.org.
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About United Way of Southeast Louisiana
For 100 years, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives and making a lasting difference. We fight to eradicate poverty by preparing people for quality jobs, growing incomes, and affording better health and education opportunities throughout Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. We have a bold vision of equitable communities where all individuals are healthy, educated, and financially stable – and we have a plan. United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Blueprint for Prosperity guides all strategic investments in programs, initiatives, collaborations, volunteerism, and advocacy aimed at tackling poverty. For more information, please visit UnitedWaySELA.org. Find us on social: @UnitedWaySELA.
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