November 30, 2023
Here are some key lessons learned from the 20th annual Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit.
Originally Published May 22, 2015
More than 1,000 of the nation’s top African American entrepreneurs and executives convened in Atlanta at the 20th annual BLACK ENTERPRISE Entrepreneurs Summit, hosted by Nationwide Insurance. Several powerhouse women business owners graced the main stage and panels, sharing their lessons about starting, growing, and scaling a successful business.
All the speakers agreed that entrepreneurs need to be focused and fearless to succeed and stressed that opportunity often comes out of crisis.
For nearly 20 years, African American women have been entrepreneurial pioneers. At the time of this reporting, Black women started firms at a rate six times higher than the national average but experienced a decline.
For aspiring and existing business owners, here are 10 entrepreneurial success tips from some of the most successful Black women in business.
Lisa Nichols – CEO of Motivating The Masses
“Your vision is yours; let your family off the hook. God gave you the vision for your dream biz, not them.”
“Play big or go home. Play big to the point where you scare yourself.”
Necole Parker – CEO The Elocen Group
“Always pivot to grow as a small business owner.”
“Having business mentors is key to growing your business.”
Egypt Sherrod
“If you make yourself an expert in your field, it will organically help you expand your brand and your business.”
“You have to live your life and run your business in the spirit of service–trustworthy service.”
“You can tell people who you are, or you can show them who you are–it’s the latter [that counts].”
Kim Kimble – Owner of Kim Kimble Salons
