Businessman and Shark Tank star Daymon John has always been a champion for entrepreneurs, especially those in our communities. He founded Black Entrepreneurs Day (BED) to celebrate Black business and entrepreneurship. “I started it five years ago in the wake of George Floyd. We should be building businesses, not burning them,” he told EBONY.
“I wanted to create something positive, fun and informative so our community could learn from one another, get the fundamentals down and provide financial support to Black business owners.” To date, BED has given over $1 million to support Black-owned businesses.
With that in mind, John shared four Black-owned businesses with connections to BED that we can all support this holiday season.
Be Rooted: “Be Rooted makes these incredible products with beautiful illustrations of black women, from journals to puzzles. It’s a brand made by women of color, for women of color, and it’s all about celebrating representation.”
The Cupcake Collection: “The owner, Mignon Francois, started the business with the last $5 she had, with no baking experience and turned it into a successful destination bakery. If someone you know has a sweet tooth, you have to order them an edible gift from The Cupcake Collection. They have three brick & mortars in Nashville, TN, but ship nationwide.”
Bridal Babes: “You might recognize them from season 14 of Shark Tank. Ashley and Charles Young are disrupting the bridal shopping experience with Bridal Babes. They offer size-inclusive bridesmaid dresses made with stretchy, stylish materials. They do virtual consultations, making them a nationwide business and might be the perfect gift for your friend getting married.”
Vontélle: “The 2024 BED NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur grant winner, Vontélle, makes eyewear designed to fit better and represent a more diverse range of people. The designs also celebrate the founder’s African heritage, including ones inspired by mud cloth and kente cloth.”