Ngozi Ahanotu’s Post

August is National Black Business Month and I am sharing my "10 Ways to Celebrate National Black Business Month" tip sheet. Download for free. #nationalblackbusinessmonth #blackownedbusiness #blackownedbusinesses #shoplocal

Here's what's crazy..... UK brands have surged remarkably, particularly black-owned brands. The onset of COVID-19 saw an explosion of creativity and daring beliefs as people pursued their dreams. Today, we witness a plethora of successful black entrepreneurs, something unprecedented in the history of the UK or even Europe. Brands like Ava Estell, PLANTMADE, Ruka, TreasureTress, and many more have emerged as strong pillars within the business community, reaching black communities globally. Black brands are weathering storms, rethinking how to attract new business, and creating more meaningful, lasting products and services. I believe the brands that keep the community at the forefront will become the powerhouses of commerce. They need to evolve beyond products and services and integrate into the very lives of the people they serve. Investors and industries are sleeping on the potential of black brands and the power of black communities. What's going to break the mould? These brands and people with a "crazy" mindsets like Masibu Manima and Elfried Samba who are constantly pushing the status quo. The next five years are going to be insane. THE REVOLUTION WILL BE LIVE ❗ ❗ ❗ ❗ ❗

At the Black Culture Market we support emerging entrepreneurs and new black owned businesses showcase and sell their products, in order to inspire more ownership within the black community and tackle issues such as helping to close the wealth gap.⁠ ⁠ By supporting black businesses you can help work towards change in so many ways. Buying black contributes to economical empowerment within the community, creates opportunities and strengthens local economies. Overall it allows us to address the systemic inequalities, creating inclusivity in the business world. ⁠ ⁠ These are the steps we have to take to inspire others within the community, encouraging more individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams 💪🏿⁠ ⁠ 📸: @asoglobal

🖤 The Vital Need for Safe Spaces for Black Professionals 🖤 With the turmoil that is sure to shake this country over the next four years following the Presidential election, it is more important than ever for Black professionals to have private, safe places to gather, speak, and support one another. We already navigate challenges daily—being “the only” in the room, having our voices silenced, and shouldering the burden of representation. But in times like these, those challenges intensify, and the weight becomes heavier. ✨ Why Safe Spaces Matter: ✅ Healing and Support: We need spaces where we can process our frustrations, share our fears, and find strength among those who understand our journey. ✅ Collaboration and Growth: These spaces allow us to exchange ideas, resources, and strategies that build us up individually and collectively. ✅ Reinforcement of Identity: Being in community reminds us of our brilliance and resilience—especially when the world feels uncertain. ✨ Why Now? The next four years will bring both challenges and opportunities. It is vital that we, as Black professionals, prepare, organize, and thrive together. When we stand united, our voices are louder, our impact is greater, and our future is brighter. 💡 I’m creating that space—a private, exclusive community where Black professionals can connect, share, and grow in an environment built on trust and mutual support. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and in our community, let’s do this together. Comment “I want in” 👇🏽 or DM me for an application to become a founding member.

🌟 August is National Black Business Month! Let’s celebrate and support the incredible black-owned businesses that enrich our communities. Tag a black business owner you admire below and share their story with us! Let’s spread the word and make a difference together. 🙌🏿🖤 We’ll start with ours 🤎@strategictrainingandconsulting! #NationalBlackBusinessMonth #SupportBlackBusinesses #BlackOwnedBusiness #BlackBusinessOwners #ShopBlack #BlackEnterprise #SupportBlackEntrepreneurs #BlackBusinessSupport

Happy World Creativity and Innovation Day! Shoutout to the Black founders writers ✍🏾 artists 🎨 musicians 🎷 engineers 💻 teachers 👩🏾🏫 nonprofit leaders 👩🏾💼 community elders... Today, we celebrate Black joy and creativity. We honor the voices and visions that continue to inspire and transform our world, building economic security and preserving our cultures. Who are some Black innovators and creatives you admire? Tag them below to show some love! #WorldCreativityAndInnovationDay #BlackCreativity #Liberation #BlackOwned #StrategicDisruption

Black History Month seems to have slipped into the abyss for some companies. 🟢 A few have kept up their efforts to show up and show out for Black History Month. This could be because the ethnic minorities internally won’t let them forget (good job you guys!), or they do genuinely care about the community and our contributions to British culture. 🔴 Others seem to have completely forgotten. I’m curious whether it’s because they were never too fussed in the first place or because of yearly budget constraints it was the easiest thing to deprioritise and cut altogether. Did these companies do something ‘big’ last year so felt that this was enough for the time being and they could just reflect on the efforts of their past? Did it get to October and creators checked in to see if they had any plans and now these companies feel pressure to execute something last minute? ⚫️ To me, it seems likely many simply didn’t care in the first place and after posting black squares one year, and some pressure in the following years, companies all went back to regular programming. 🟡 Regardless of which of these areas a company falls into, it’s not enough to just show up sporadically when they feel pressure or when there’s ’extra’ budget. The black community exist all year round, however we have one dedicated month where we can share the history and importance of our contributions to this country. I implore companies to remember us all year round but to truly celebrate us each October, when it’s our time to shine. ✨

August is National Black Business Month: Taking the First Step Celebrate National Black Business Month by taking action. Financial success begins with a single step forward. #TakeAction #BlackEntrepreneurs #FinancialSuccess

I’m not an expert on black history, but I do know a little bit about Madam C.J. Walker, the first female self-made millionaire in America, "Black Wall Street”, and other creatives, culinary experts, sports trailblazers 🏅, and movers and shakers who defied the odds. Every entrepreneur needs resilience 💪, creativity, and determination in the face of adversity ➡️ but there’s no doubt, black business owners may have experienced more hardship and discrimination than some of us can’t even imagine. If you’re a black women-owned business, here’s a list of 10 small business grants for minorities and women of color. Download the copy and I’ll add more grants in future posts (in my upcoming book 📚). Join me in building a brighter future together. Because black history is everyone’s history. And it’s more than just in February.

🌟 Celebrating Black Excellence, Juneteenth, and Milestones 🌟 Hi Awesome Ones, As a proud Black business owner, today holds special significance. Juneteenth marks a historic moment of liberation and resilience for the Black community. It's a day to honor our ancestors' struggle for freedom and justice, and to celebrate our achievements as entrepreneurs and leaders. Being a Black business owner isn't just about the bottom line—it's about embodying resilience, creativity, and determination. It's about breaking barriers and creating opportunities for ourselves and future generations. In just 10 days, we'll also celebrate our company's 3rd birthday—a milestone that symbolizes growth, perseverance, and the support of our incredible community. This journey wouldn't be possible without your support and belief in our vision. Today, I reflect on the journey of Black entrepreneurship and the contributions we make to our communities and the economy. Let's continue to uplift and support Black-owned businesses, not just today, but every day. Here's to celebrating our heritage, our success, and the promise of a brighter future. Happy Juneteenth and cheers to our upcoming 3rd birthday! 🎉✊🏾 #BlackExcellence #Juneteenth #BlackBusinessOwner #Milestone #CommunitySupport