SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The second Black Entrepreneurs Day was held at the State Capitol Friday.
Sheletta Brundidge is the driving force behind the event. She is a local CEO and producer of the ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com podcast network.
"You can't have a Black entrepreneur state without meeting with those legislators," she told the crowd during a rally in the Capitol rotunda.
The rotunda was full of hundreds of entrepreneurs and allies.
"This is about ongoing work and continuing to show up," said Lt. Gov. Penny Flanagan. "So let this not be the first, or the second, or certainly the last time that you are here."
On Friday, entrepreneurs met with lawmakers, networked and talked about ways to overcome barriers.
"When it comes to art disparities, it revolves around money," said State Senate President Bobby Joe Campion. "It is important for our Black entrepreneurs are able to live up to their God-given potential."
"We shouldn't have to sacrifice who we are or our identity to make a profit," said Shaunie Grigsby, who owns Flava Café in Frogtown. "I know firsthand the barriers young women face, especially young women of color, moving into employment opportunities."
She uses her business to support her community's youth. Because she has had her own struggles including issues black owners face securing bank loans
"So this glaring disparity also perpetuates the wealth gap across generations hindering the ability for black entrepreneurs to invest in their businesses and communities," said Grigsby.
They hope the message of the importance of supporting all businesses is heard loud and clear.
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