Black Owned Business News

PHOENIX, Ariz., Nov. 19, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Bank of America has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering economic growth in Arizona’s small business community by renewing its IMPACT AZ 2025 partnership with a $40,000 grant, bolstering the impact of the state’s largest supplier diversity program. This significant investment has empowered participating businesses to secure $4.1 million in SBA funding, helping to build generational wealth and drive job creation across the state, stated Millionaire Mastermind Academy Inc.

PHOENIX, Ariz., Oct. 15, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Black Chamber of Arizona (BCAZ) proudly announces Ron Busby, President & CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., as the keynote speaker for its 26th Annual Pinnacle Awards Gala, to be held on December 13, 2024, at the SRP PERA Pavilion in Tempe, AZ. Presented by SRP and JP Morgan Chase, the gala will be a night of celebration, networking, and recognition of influential partners whose contributions have played a pivotal role in advancing BCAZ’s mission to support Black-owned businesses and underserved entrepreneurs across Arizona.

PHOENIX, Ariz., Oct. 4, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Black Chamber of Arizona (BCAZ) is excited to announce that it has received a $25,000 seed funding grant from JPMorganChase. This generous contribution will fuel the Chamber’s mission to strengthen Black businesses and produce new economic buying power throughout Arizona. The funds will support key programs aimed at empowering Black entrepreneurs, providing pathways to financial growth, and fostering greater economic inclusion.

PHOENIX, Ariz., Aug. 9, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Black Chamber of Arizona (BCAZ) Celebrates National Black Business Month with a Certification Day and Business Summit presented by Amazon and ASU, Aug. 21 and 28, 2024, at Memorial Union, ASU (Aug. 21) & Lush Café, Tempe (Aug. 28).

PHOENIX, Ariz., July 30, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Black Chamber of Arizona proudly announces the success of our recent New Member Orientation & Karaoke Night, held on July 26, 2024. The event, designed to welcome new members and foster a sense of community, was a remarkable evening of networking, fun, and camaraderie.

PHOENIX, Ariz., June 17, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Black Chamber of Arizona is proud to host its 2024 Juneteenth Vision Forward Celebration, a commemorative event presented by Cox Communications, that honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States and celebrates the successes of the Black business community throughout Arizona. The event will take place on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the University of Phoenix.

CHICAGO, Ill. and ATLANTA, Ga., June 3, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Financial mogul-turned-producer, Michelle Renee, is making waves in the entertainment industry with the recent launch of the innovative reality show, “First Ladies of The Crypto Cartel,” a groundbreaking series spotlighting five stylish, tech-savvy women based in Chicago and Atlanta as they build digital dynasties. Produced by Money Gossip Productions.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., May 14, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In an inspiring celebration of creativity and dedication, author Gwendolyn Mukes and illustrator Alex Wallace, a dynamic mother-daughter duo, have been honored with the Lynn McIntosh Award for Excellence at the 35th Annual Oklahoma Book Awards, WF Publications announced today. This significant achievement highlights their exceptional contribution to children’s literature and the impact of their recent work on the book “Gwen Didn’t Care” (ISBN: 979-8985784428).

PHOENIX, Ariz., April 26, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Black Chamber of Arizona is proud to announce the induction of 30 diverse small business owners into ImpactAZ 2025, a multi-Year program focused on contracting readiness. The program works directly with corporations to create more access and equity in purchasing and procurement. The 2nd cohort kicked off on April 24th awarding a total of $75,000 in scholarships, underscoring the commitment to fostering economic growth across the state of Arizona. [UPDATED]

PHOENIX, Ariz., April 10, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Building on its commitment to supporting small business owners, the Black Chamber of Arizona, in partnership with the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, is proud to announce the induction of 30 entrepreneurs into the 2024 class of its ImpactAZ Supplier Diversity Readiness Business Accelerator Program. This multi-year initiative, a cornerstone of Arizona’s efforts to enhance supplier diversity, continues to offer critical resources to justice-impacted entrepreneurs, veterans, and women-owned businesses aiming for economic success and growth.

PHOENIX, Ariz., Jan. 30, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Millionaire Mastermind Academy today announced that In a commendable acknowledgment of the remarkable efforts and commitment to fostering economic development and opportunities for underserved business populations, Arizona State Governor Katie Hobbs has officially declared January 16, 2024, as “ImpactAZ Day.”

PHOENIX, Ariz., Jan. 9, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Thinkzilla Consulting Group today announced that ImpactAZ 2025, a statewide supplier-diversity accelerator serving black and other minority business owners, has announced the results from its inaugural cohort. Thirty-five participants selected for the accelerator completed the program, with 75% attending all technical assistance programming.

PHOENIX, Ariz., Dec. 6, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — For the past 11 years, CEO Dr. Velma Trayham and her team at Thinkzilla Consulting have been addressing inequality by building and managing programs with the support of public and private partnerships, advancing economic opportunities across diverse and underserved U.S. communities. In addition to the many holidays this month, Dr. Trayham and Thinkzilla, one of the fastest-growing consulting firms in the country, have a lot to celebrate.

ATHENS, Ga., Dec. 6, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FormFree® today announced the appointment of former hip-hop/rap recording artist-turned-techpreneur Victor D. Lombard, professionally known as DIVINE, as head of culture. DIVINE is the CEO and founder of Solvent, a fintech focused on financial empowerment for marginalized groups.

PHOENIX, Ariz., Nov. 1, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Expanding its advisory board and impact statewide, IMPACT AZ 2025, a three-year supplier diversity readiness program designed to close the racial wealth gap for diverse business owners, is maximizing its growth strategy under the leadership of the Black Chamber of Arizona, Millionaire Mastermind Academy announced today.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 6, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Millionaire Mastermind Academy, a national nonprofit organization addressing the barriers to economic mobility for systemically underserved minority entrepreneurs, proudly announced that it will award $30,000 in grants to local Black-owned small businesses through Elevate Together® powered by Round It Up America® to accelerate their growth and prosperity.

PHOENIX, Ariz., Aug. 15, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Fostering new connections and diverse business growth, the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, a leading nonprofit organization that has helped more than 8,000 diverse entrepreneurs across the country, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. hosted a Supplier Diversity Matchmaking event on Aug. 7 in support of IMPACT AZ 2025.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 27, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — On July 17, 2023, the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, a leading nonprofit organization addressing the barriers to opportunity for underrepresented businesses, will host an economic empowerment “Diversity in Finance” Fireside Chat. The virtual event is part of an ongoing program and is sponsored by Blaylock Van, LLC, the nation’s longest-continuously operating Black-owned investment firm.

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., June 26, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Award-winning hair salon, Hi Texture Salon, is gearing up to host the third Annual Teen Texture Camp. This year’s event is scheduled for July 17, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Participants will learn basic hair regimens and go-to hairstyles to take them through the school year.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 23, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Thinkzilla Consulting has joined the growing coalition pledging to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. One of more than 2,400 CEOs that have come together for CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™, Dr. Velma Trayham is committing herself and Thinkzilla to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., April 13, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industry veteran Leonard Jones has been named Executive Director of Municipal Banking and Head of Public Finance for Blaylock Van, LLC, the nation’s longest-continuously operating Black-owned investment firm. In this role, he will lead the firm’s banking team and solutions for local and municipal government organizations with a focus on financial and risk management.

PHOENIX, Ariz., April 11, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Setting the stage for dramatic change among Black-owned Arizona businesses, IMPACT AZ 2025 is kicking off its supplier diversity readiness program to close the racial wealth gap for business owners through a three-year supplier diversity readiness program, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

PHOENIX, Ariz., Jan. 31, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Millionaire Mastermind Academy announced today that IMPACT AZ 2025, a nine-month supplier diversity readiness program designed to close the racial wealth gap for black and minority business owners, is proud to announce JPMorgan Chase as its title sponsor. Since 2015, JPMorgan Chase has spent $11 billion with diverse suppliers. In 2020 alone, the diverse supplier spend was over $2 billion.

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., Jan. 17, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In its year-end report spanning financials, deals, and community investment, Blaylock Van, LLC, the nation’s longest continuously operating Black-owned investment banking firm, reported 23 percent growth in notional deal volume year-over-year, with 67 debt capital markets new issues representing nearly $186 billion notional. From 2018 to 2022, Blaylock Van’s closed transactions increased by a CAGR of 23 percent and dealt notional value by 50%.

PHOENIX, Ariz., Jan. 13, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Designed to make an impact for Black-owned businesses in the new year and beyond, IMPACT AZ 2025 focuses on supplier diversity readiness to close the racial wealth gap for diverse business owners. The Millionaire Mastermind Academy program is accepting applications from serious entrepreneurs interested in a solutions-driven accelerator program, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Jan. 12, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Sage Investment Club, an investment firm managed by an all-female, African American leadership team, today celebrates 25 years since the launch of its investment platform. Founded by Sonya Weaver-Johnson, the group offers investment education and co-investment opportunities.

TEMPE, Ariz., Nov. 1, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — With a focus on building generational wealth, award-winning B2B/diversity consultant and leader Dr. Velma Trayham will serve as keynote speaker for the Black Changemaker Series on Nov. 9, 2022. The Black Changemaker Series: Building Generational Wealth, Empowering the Black Entrepreneur will share conversations and tools around growing wealth and using education as a springboard, connecting the local community to higher education leaders and entrepreneurs.

PHOENIX, Ariz., Aug. 22, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Blaylock Van, LLC, the nation’s longest continuously operating Black-owned investment bank, will serve as a sponsorship partner for the 2nd annual United Diversity Business Summit, Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group & The City of Scottsdale. The Sept. 14 summit will convene diverse business leaders and entrepreneurs across Arizona.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 12, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Response from the business community has been strong as the 2nd Annual installment of Arizona’s top conference on diversity and inclusion grows closer, with several major sponsors on board and a list of expert speakers committing to the event, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 2, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Building on the impact and success of 2021 “United Diversity Business Summit, bringing together a trifecta of leadership and insight, the 2nd annual Summit has announced its distinguished co-chairs: Cameron Robb, Senior Development Consultant at APS; Jackie Johnson, City of Scottsdale Diversity Director; and former Arizona State Representative Art Hamilton. Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group and the City of Scottsdale.

PHOENIX, Ariz., July 22, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Building on the success of 2021 “United Diversity Business Summit Day,” which included a special proclamation from Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega, the second annual United Diversity Business Summit will be held on Sept. 14, 2022. Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group and the City of Scottsdale, the summit will engage business and community leaders in efforts to create more diverse and inclusive outcomes.

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., June 23, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Blaylock Van, LLC, the nation’s longest continuously operating Black-owned investment firm, recently entered into a strategic partnership with Seaport Global, an independent institutional sales and trading powerhouse known for its broad global reach to institutional investors. As part of the agreement, Seaport Global recently purchased a minority stake in Blaylock Van.

MIAMI, Fla., May 12, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Bringing programming and education on the importance of diverse representation in commercial real estate and other industries to Florida, “The Gathering of Queens” will commence in Miami on June 11, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today. Following on the heels of successful events in Atlanta, Phoenix, and Houston, the women’s economic empowerment event is sponsored by M&T Bank.

LAS VEGAS, Nev., May 10, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Sharing their competitive fire and strategies for success, professional athletes Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Mike Tyson were just announced as keynote speakers for the upcoming 4th annual Recession Proof Convention, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today. Slated for May 27-28 at The Mirage in Las Vegas, this wealth strategy celebration from “Recession Proof” founder Marcus Barney will welcome an all-star line-up of attendees and speakers.

HOUSTON, Texas, April 28, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Honoring her remarkable leadership and service, Dr. Velma Trayham was recently awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden. The annual awards honor a select few who “exhibit outstanding character, work ethic and dedication to their communities.” Dr. Trayham is the CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting.

LAS VEGAS, Nev., March 25, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — While inflation and financial struggles are challenging many across the United States, wealth strategist and “Recession Proof” founder Marcus Barney and his members have a lot to celebrate this year, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today. With a theme of “Elevation,” the 4th annual Recession Proof Convention will convene members for an exclusive entrepreneurship event on May 27-28, 2022 at The Mirage in Las Vegas.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 18, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Supporting greater diversity in real estate and entrepreneurship for minority women across the country, the Millionaire Mastermind Real Estate Accelerator Program has successfully concluded its fall 2021 program in partnership with American Landmark, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 16, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — With a welcome from Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega and President of the Black Chamber of Commerce Arizona Robin Reed, the Minority Business Accelerator Program, in collaboration with the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, kicked off on March 8, welcoming more than 40 women-owned small businesses, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

FLINT, Mich., March 2, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Jonathan McKay better known by his social audience as RoarJMcKay, founder of Keeping Tabs Media, dedicates this winter’s accomplishments to his grandmother through COVID-19 recovery and daughter Kali McKay as she celebrates her first birthday. Being a strong influence throughout childhood his grandmother instilled strong beliefs in literacy, mathematics, and fashion.

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., Feb. 15, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Blaylock Van, LLC, the nation’s longest continuously operating Black-owned investment firm, recently announced as co-manager for State Street Corp.’s $1.5 debt issuance.