PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — August is Black Business Month, an opportunity for communities around the country to recognize and celebrate the Black-owned businesses that help local economies thrive. Black entrepreneurs own more than 3.5 million businesses nationwide, employing over 1.2 million people, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy.
National Black Business Month was founded in 2004 by Frederick E. Jordan Sr. and John William Templeton to recognize the contributions of Black-owned businesses throughout the country and to encourage their continued development. Throughout the month, the Department of Economic Development will be spotlighting Black-owned businesses on its website and social media channels.
Director Julie Oberg invited residents to follow along throughout the month and support business owners in the community. Oberg highlighted how Calvert County’s Black-owned businesses provide family-supporting jobs and careers to residents throughout the county and serve as the driving force for the Calvert County Minority Business Alliance (CCMBA).
This year’s Black Business Month also has the distinction of being the 20th anniversary of CCMBA’s founding. CCMBA focuses on developing the economy through training programs, networking opportunities and advocating for policies that help minority small business owners.
Several business owners attended the Aug. 5 Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting to express their support for the proclamation and showcase their businesses. Businesses ranged from experienced entrepreneurs to those just starting out.
Cynthia Thorne-Carter, owner of Smart Ride, has been in business 29 years this month and is a member of CCMBA. She thanked the community for their support and joked that “they hoped to make it for at least a few more years.”
The range of businesses present demonstrated the skill sets of the business owners and their contributions to the community. Treasure Thomas, owner of My Mustard Seed, talked about her company’s microgreens farm and their work teaching college courses in addition to farming and selling their products at farmers markets.
Commissioner Mike Hart presented the proclamation and expressed his admiration for business owners and their ability to run their businesses well, saying that “you never can predict what will happen. What you do, it’s not easy at all.”
Calvert County also maintains a list of Black-owned businesses on its website. There’s a form to submit your business if it’s not listed.
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