BlackBusinessList.Com founder, Stephen Wicks, is moderating a discussion at this year's retailX Conference in Chicago.  The discussion will explore the idea that major retailers can add to their bottom lines by purposefully assisting minority businesses and communities. 

Are you a black business owner who runs a business in the wholesale and/or retail sales of goods?

We are looking for minority business owners who have products in retail stores to give us their experiences.  We may include your feedback in the discussion in Chicago.

Questions:

1. What products do you produce?
2. How long have you been in business?
3. How are your sales?
4. What stores are you currently in?
5. Was it difficult to get into the stores?
6. Do you feel as though your minority status helped or hurt the process?
7. Did the retail organization have a program dedicated to help minorities?
8. What suggestions do you have for black wholesalers looking to get into major stores?
9. What would you like to see differently from large retailers?

Mr. Wicks will use this data in the discussion with minority business owners and retailers at the retailX Conference.

Please feel free to reach out to him at SWicks@BlackBusinessList.Com

You can learn more about the retailX Conference here.
https://retailx.com/onsite/overview/

(Staff Report)
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​We are very proud to announce that Michelle Perkins will be joining BlackBusinessList.Com in the role of Executive Vice President.  Ms. Perkins will be heading up training and educational events for our over 2,000 Black entrepreneurs who are members of our organization.

​Shelly is a Los Angeles, California native and has worked with underserved and economically disadvantaged youth and families as a special education teacher, district education administrator, young adult counselor-mentor, curriculum developer,  and community outreach organizer for 20 years. She holds a B.S degree in Justice Studies, two Master's degrees in education and community leadership and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Christian Counseling.

We are excited to have her join the team and help take BlackBusinessList.Com to new heights.

This year, Black Friday is on Friday, November, 27, 2020.  Popular online Black business directory, BlackBusinessList.Com, has announced an initiative to support Black business owners during the Black Friday shopping weekend.  The initiative is entitled, BBL Black Friday Deals. 

Stephen Wicks, founder of BlackBusinessList.Com, will broadcast online daily and showcase members of the website who have special deals and offers.  Some of the deals presented, will be exclusive to other BBL members, while others will be for the general public.  The LIVE online shows will be broadcasted on Facebook, YouTube, BlackBusinessList.Com, and BBLTV.net.

According to some reports, over half of Black-owned businesses may not survive the COVID-19 pandemic (National Geographic).  Stephen Wicks said, "We can not stand by and not support those brave individuals who dared to dream and become entrepreneurs.  We will be a part of the solution and we will do all we can to help support them."

BlackBusinessList.Com is asking that all Black Americans commit to buying from at least 1 Black owned business during this year's Black Friday weekend.  Traditionally, Black Friday is the sales period where businesses can make enough profits to be "in the black" for the year.  He says, "We don't want Black businesses to not have the same benefits as other businesses during this important weekend."

BlackBusinessList.Com asks that the public visit their website to find a Black business to do business with if they don't personally know an entrepreneur that they can support.

Learn more at www.BlackBusinessList.Com

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting businesses not only in the United States, but around the world.  How is your business dealing with this pandemic?  Do you have adequate policies and procedures in place?  Do you have a plan to keep your customers/clients and and employees safe?  There are many resources available for business owners.  We have a list of a few that can help you navigate this challenging public health emergency.

Resources:

• The CDC Center for Disease Control and Prevention - ​Click Here
• The U.S. Small Business Administration - Click Here
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Click Here

In addition to these links, please defer to your state and local government for more resources that may help you navigate your business through these trying times.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions that are not addressed by the resources listed.

Stephen Wicks, Founder
BlackBusinessList.Com