National Black Business Trade Association
"... Established in 1993. We are a Self-Help Membership Association and Black Business Advocate for Small Office and Home-Based Business Professionals. Join us Today!"
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"Uplifting, Empowering and Inspiring the Entrepreneurial Spirit Worldwide"
According to the National Black Business Trade Association (NBBTA) There are millions of dollars available to Black Businesses.
NBBTA is heading a campaign to help make the world more aware of the significance of Black business ownership. According to the association, more attention needs to be paid to the impact Black entrepreneurship has on every aspect of mainstream society.
Black America is only 12-13% of the population yet it influences 90% - 100% of mainstream American culture. From music to movies, literature to language; fashion to finance, Black America has a predominant influence. No other "minority group" in this country has a more influential position, yet Black's are enjoying a less than equitable portion of the benefits derived from this "cultural exchange".
NBBTA believes entrepreneurship and equity participation are the keys to economic empowerment for Black America.
Look at the trend. Hip-Hop stars have moved up into fashion, restaurants, nightclubs, beverages and other enterprises. Former sports players are leaders in the steel industry and athletic sportswear. They own coffee shops, movie theaters, eateries and auto part plants. They used what they had to leverage themselves to other ventures. They are going from the streets to the suites.
In our opinion, media focuses too much attention on just the musical or sport talent aspect of Black people. The real talent is that some of these "playas" are entrepreneurs. NBBTA believes that we need to study and emulate that positive behavior pattern. Entrepreneurs are our "real heroes" and more of us can become one, than be seen on BET, ESPN or play for the NBA or NFL. Visit our "Black Entrepreneur's Hall of Fame" for even more examples.
Keep in mind too, that these "stars" success is due in part to the initial support they received from the Black community. By leveraging their popularity in music and sports for example, many were able to open new doors of opportunity and increase their wealth. Some have shared it, many have not. But that's another story and issue that will be dealt with in the future.
Today, Black entrepreneurs everywhere are now recognizing what so many others have recognized for years ... that there's lot's of money available to support any entrepreneurial ideas.
Where is it?... You ask?
The money is within the Black community. African Americans have over 700 billion dollars available to spend as they please. The most they spend with Black business is only 6-7%. That's a major problem. That means 93%-94% of the money that Black people earn (income) is being spent with someone else (outgo). Some else is getting the "lion's share" of our money. Other ethnic (special-interest) groups, that don't necessarily look like us, care about us or will do anything to improve our lifestyles, are getting the funds. And will use those funds to advance their own family and communities needs. And that's the way it is. We can't blame them. We just have to do better for ourselves.Money is to your survivability, as blood is to your body. If you have a leaking of blood in your body, you can't expect to live too long. If you have a leak in your finances, you won't make it in this country for too long.
There is a "leak" in our money supply. And that's a problem. No wonder we have so much negative stuff going on around us. How can anyone make it off of 6 cents on the dollar. Every time a dollar is made in the Black community only 6 -7 cents stays...... They give you One Dollar ... you give them BACK 94 cents, then try to live on remaining six pennies ... duh!
All NBBTA is saying is, let's create workable solutions to resolve that problem... NOW!
We are seeking to recycle some of those "Black" dollars. The benefit will be better schools, better homes, higher paying jobs for those seeking employment, smarter children, better vacations, nicer cars, larger savings accounts, substantial investments, greater retirement options, better health, longer life, more political clout, greater worldwide respect, meaningful relationships, etc.
This is not a new concept. It is one that has been in existence for many years starting with Marcus Garvey in the 1920's and which continued into the 1960's with Elijah Muhammad. Over the last 40 years, however, we have been in the desert. Fending for ourselves, believing "pie-in-the-sky" promises from the government. Looking to corporate America as our "savior" . We took the jobs and contracts given and were lulled into a false sense of "security". Well, guess what, those things haven't worked.
Yes, our children are more "educated", but where are they getting this education ... in the mall, video games or from their peers? What are we as a community doing to teach our children? Is the way we handle our money now the legacy we want them to embrace for their future? ... T.G.I.F?
In reality, we live in what is called a "Free Enterprise" system and unless and until we adopt the principles of this system and start, owning and maintaining our own enterprises, we won't really be free.
Our idea is to help get more of those dollars spent with Black businesses and entrepreneurs within our communities BEFORE any of that money has to leave.
For example, other ethnic groups spend money with THEMSELVES 3-6 times before their dollars leave their communities. Black people only 1/2 a time. There's something wrong with that picture. Let's do something simple about it and build up from there. It doesn't have to be complicated to get started. We just have to do it. So just do it!
