Despite an overwhelming response to the third annual Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol on Feb. 3, the day’s founder wanted to create yet another way for Minnesota’s Black small business owners to connect with state lawmakers.
Sheletta Brundidge created a sort of Black Entrepreneurs Day 2.0 with a lunch at Erta Ale Ethiopian Restaurant & Bar in St. Paul.
The gathering, held three days after the full event at the Capitol, brought together Black business owners and DFL House members who had been absent from the event because of their three-week DFL boycott of the legislative session.
“Between the shutdown, the snow on that day and all this sickness that’s going around, I knew that some Black business owners who really wanted to meet their legislators just didn’t get that opportunity,” said Brundidge, whose business ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com presents the event.
“This lunch was the perfect way to make those important connections.”
“We all appreciated a make-up session,” said House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park). “I met some wonderful folks who cater and support small businesses with financial services.”
Hortman and other legislators were seated next to Black business owners like Collins Oppong. He owns Beyond Media Solutions, which provides marketing, media, and business consultancy services and Africa, Let’s Talk, a platform dedicated to informing and empowering African and minority communities.
“Black businesses continue to thrive and serve as beacons of hope,” Oppong said. “Now more than ever, legislators must be intentional about creating meaningful opportunities that strengthen businesses and help them navigate difficult times.”
Many of the Black business owners expressed concern about the dismantling of DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) policies in both the public and private sectors.
“It feels like it’s coming from a place of shutting doors,” said Rep. Julie Greene (DFL-Edina). “I’m a white woman who lives in a suburb of Minneapolis. I’m not impacted in the same way, but I feel a strong response to make sure all voices are at the table. I’m going to continue working to make that happen.”
Rep. Greene spoke with a business owner in St. Paul who runs a candle company and takes on all roles from production and e-commerce to marketing and distribution.
“For a small business owner who has to find their own health care, it is expensive,” said Greene. “You’re one serious illness away from your business being wiped out.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Larry Kraft (DFL-St. Louis Park) spoke with a cosmetologist who wants the state to take steps to make child care more affordable for working families.
“The market has failed childcare because people can’t afford it and people working in it aren’t paid enough,” said Rep. Kraft. “With the racial wealth gap in our state, I’m excited to spend time highlighting the great work of Black entrepreneurs, but also to learn about their challenges.”
As the lunch wrapped up, the group prepared to return to their respective businesses and DFLers headed back to the Capitol. The discussion armed both groups with issues to consider, solutions to pursue and a collaborative effort, inspiring them to keep up the hard work.
“Equip yourselves with the right information to fully understand your businesses inside and out,” Oppong added. “Be innovative, diversify when necessary, and seek guidance from mentors who can help you grow.”