Black Entrepreneurs in Minnesota: A Story of Resilience, Challenges, and Hope

Four years after the tragic murder of George Floyd ignited a global conversation about racial justice, the entrepreneurial spirit of Black Minnesotans burns bright. Yet, the path to success remains fraught with systemic barriers and deeply rooted disparities. On March , the iconic Capri Theater hosted the “Meet the boss: Me. Black, African entrepreneurs talk about making it in Minnesota” forum, a poignant reminder that the fight for economic equity is far from over. This ain’t just about money, though; it’s about dreams deferred, hustle amplified, and a community determined to rise.

Organized by Sahan Journal, a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to covering Minnesota’s immigrant and communities of color, the forum provided a platform for Black entrepreneurs to share their truths, raw and unfiltered. This article dives deep into their experiences, amplifying their voices, and extracting wisdom for aspiring business owners. Get ready for some serious inspo, because these folks are the definition of resilient.

Challenges and Disparities: Navigating a System Built on Inequality

Let’s be real, the struggle is REAL for Black entrepreneurs. While promises of support and funding initiatives have emerged since , systemic barriers continue to stand as formidable obstacles. The panelists didn’t hold back, shining a light on the stark realities they face daily.

Access to Funding: The Ever-Elusive Key to Growth

Securing capital is crucial for any business, but for Black entrepreneurs, it can feel like navigating a maze designed to trip you up at every turn. Beatrice Adenodi, founder of ACER, a dynamic platform connecting Black and minority-owned businesses with opportunities, stressed the lack of awareness regarding available funding options. It’s like trying to win a game without knowing the rules, fam.

Dr. Stephen Menya, owner of Lions Gym and Wellness Center, shared his personal battle with securing loans. As an immigrant, he encountered roadblocks rooted in discriminatory lending practices. Tomme Beevas, the mastermind behind the tantalizing flavors of Pimento Jamaican Kitchen, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the over-reliance on non-traditional lenders and the frustrating disparities in credit access compared to non-BIPOC counterparts.

Systemic Barriers: When Prejudice Becomes a Business Expense

Imagine this: you’re killing it with your business plan, your product is fire, but you’re getting passed over for opportunities because of your accent. Sadly, this is the reality for many Black entrepreneurs. Dr. Menya bravely shared his experience with racism and prejudice, emphasizing how even something as simple as an accent can become a barrier to success. It’s , and we’re still dealing with this nonsense.

Unique Challenges for Black Entrepreneurs: The Need for Cultural Understanding

The panelists were crystal clear: traditional mentorship programs often fall short in addressing the unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs. There’s a dire need for culturally specific support networks and mentors who not only understand the business landscape but also the cultural nuances and systemic hurdles they face.

Stories of Resilience and Success: Turning Dreams into Reality

Despite the uphill battle, the forum was bursting with stories of resilience, grit, and undeniable success. These entrepreneurs are living proof that talent, determination, and a sprinkle of Black girl magic (and Black boy magic, too!) can move mountains. Let’s meet some of the rockstars who graced the stage:

• David Manly, Founder of Judah and Visionary Extraordinaire: This tech whiz made the bold leap from corporate America to launch Judah, a game-changing startup connecting African engineers with Minnesota companies. But wait, there’s more! David also founded a cassava farm in Liberia, providing vital resources and education to schoolchildren. Talk about impact!



• Modoh Wanda, the Queen of African Fashion Week Minnesota: Fueled by her passion for her heritage and a desire to showcase the beauty and diversity of African cultures, Modoh created a platform that celebrates fashion, art, and empowerment. African Fashion Week Minnesota is more than just a runway show; it’s a movement, honey!



• Tomme Beevas, the Culinary Genius Behind Pimento Jamaican Kitchen: When traditional funding sources turned a blind eye, Tomme took matters into his own hands. He launched a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign, proving that with a delicious product and unwavering community support, anything is possible. Who needs a bank loan when you’ve got the people on your side?

Practical Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Gems from the Trenches

The panelists didn’t just share their stories; they dropped some serious knowledge bombs for all the aspiring entrepreneurs in the house. So grab your notebooks and get ready to soak up some wisdom from the pros:

Beatrice Adenodi: Know Your Worth, Queen (or King!)

• Value Your Time and Expertise: Don’t undercut yourself! Charge what you’re worth and don’t be afraid to negotiate. Remember, your skills are valuable, boo!
• Prioritize Self-Care: Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. Take breaks, recharge, and don’t let burnout steal your joy.
• Embrace the Challenges: The journey won’t be easy, but that’s where the growth happens. Embrace the obstacles, learn from your mistakes, and keep pushing forward.

Dr. Stephen Menya: Rise Above the Noise

• Persevere Despite Prejudice: Don’t let discrimination dim your shine. Use it as fuel to prove the haters wrong and achieve even greater heights.
• Seek Out Mentors and Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision and can provide guidance and encouragement along the way. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone!

Tomme Beevas: Keep it Real, Keep it Moving

• Focus on Your Core Product or Service: Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Identify your niche, perfect your craft, and deliver exceptional value to your customers.
• Learn from Mistakes and Adapt: The entrepreneurial journey is all about trial and error. Don’t be afraid to experiment, learn from your setbacks, and adjust your approach as needed.

David Manly: Be a Problem-Solving Boss

• Identify Problems and Create Solutions: What problems keep you up at night? What challenges do you see in your community? Use your entrepreneurial spirit to develop innovative solutions that make a real difference.
• Be Driven by Purpose and Impact: Money is important, but it shouldn’t be your only motivator. Let purpose fuel your passion and strive to create a business that leaves a positive impact on the world.

Modoh Wanda: Chase Those Dreams, Sis!

• Follow Your Passion: Life is too short to settle for a job you hate. Pursue your dreams, no matter how big or small, and let your passion guide your path.
• Never Give Up: The road to success is paved with obstacles, but it’s the ones who keep going, even when it gets tough, who ultimately reach their destination. So dust yourself off, keep your head held high, and keep chasing those dreams!

A Call to Action: Building a More Equitable Future

The “Meet the boss: Me” forum was more than just an inspiring event; it was a powerful call to action. It’s time to dismantle the systemic barriers that have held back Black entrepreneurs for far too long. It’s time to invest in their dreams, support their businesses, and create a more equitable playing field where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

To the Black entrepreneurs out there grinding every day: your resilience is inspiring, your stories matter, and your dreams are valid. Keep pushing, keep innovating, and keep building the future you deserve. And to those who want to be allies in this fight for economic justice: support Black-owned businesses, amplify their voices, and advocate for policies that promote equity and opportunity for all. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for Minnesota.