Rue said that there are 3.5 million Black-owned businesses across the country, generating more than $250 billion annually.
“I am proud to witness the increasing support from our community for minority and women-owned businesses,” said Reggie Troutman, the city of Springfield’s minority business coordinator. “Assisting these remarkable individuals, who are integral to the Springfield business ecosystem, has long been a passion of mine. Their dedication truly makes my work rewarding.”
Levi Duncan, who the city spotlighted for his work on upcoming event space the Springfield Metropolis and work at Liberty Remodeling Co., said during the meeting that those who grew up in minority communities who see no example of people who look like them in positions they aspire to find it difficult to convince themselves that it is possible.
“Many can and have broken through that mental and unfortunately sometimes physical barrier, but many cannot,” Duncan said. “That is the value of Black Business Month. It gives the young Black child an example they can use to break down these barriers and the will to aspire to chase their dreams. This holds for any minority group.”
He said context for why the month is important is crucial, to avoid causing division “where there should be unity.”
Duncan said it’s important for young minority entrepreneurs to understand that “business is not hard because I am Black,” that the pursuit is inherently challenging regardless of race.
“It doesn’t matter how hard you work; if you don’t learn that success is a house built on a foundation of a supportive team and a community, you will fail and you will not survive,” Duncan said. “I chose Springfield to retire because I have received tremendous support, not because I’m Black, but because I see and want to bring value to this community.”
Throughout the month, the city has featured Black business owners across their social media platforms, and has also launched a “50 by 25″ initiative, which aims to certify at least 50 minority and/or women business enterprises (MWBEs) by Jan. 1, 2025, according to Karlos Marshall, co-founder and co-executive director of The Conscious Connect CDC. Currently, the city has 34 MWBEs certified.
The city recognized Black entrepreneurs in the community on its Facebook page, including Duncan, plus Donyale Hill, owner of D. Sweets Cookies & Gifts.
Hill, who was born and raised in Springfield, said the city “kind of chose her” because she felt a connection with it.
“As I began to share my business dreams and aspirations, I felt a connection with Springfield,” Hill said. “Over time as my customer base grew, I began to realize that there was a deeper connection made … As customers shared their experiences with their families and friends, D. Sweets became an integral part of their special occasions. It truly warms my heart to hear their stories and the expression of excitement once they receive their cookies.”
Hill said she appreciates the acknowledgement the city has shown for Black Business Month and is thankful for the spotlight because it’s “an encouragement to carry on.” She said: “I’m reminded of those days and nights 20-plus years ago when I started my journey … the moment that I realized ‘I think I have a business not just a hobby.’ Owning a business is all about discovering one’s self and your potential. Not just in the beginning of the journey but all throughout your journey.”
Hill said it was “critical” for her to get help from groups such as the Minority Business Services Department and the Small Business Development Center that could guide her on her journey, Hill said she’s thankful they’re still here and growing in ways “that better serve all dreamers in our community.”
“If one even dares to dream of owning a business, it is a big step — a step in believing in one’s self and worth. Owning a business isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is pure dedication and passion to move toward something many people may not see or even believe in,” she said.
Rose City Black Business Month was also celebrated in Springfield for the third year in a row with the Rose City Black Business Block Party & Renaissance at Sully Jaymes Memorial Park. The event included live music from Vibe 5, Black food trucks, vendors, artisans and service providers.
This national initiative, which happens every August, was founded in 2004 by historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr. “to bring attention to the needs of more than two million Black-owned businesses operating across America,” Marshall said.
This event was started locally in 2022 by The Conscious Connect CDC, with support from several community partners. The organization brought the effort to Springfield one year after they were able to successfully launch Gem City Black Business Month in Dayton in 2021.
“It’s extremely important that the community rallies behind this initiative and supports Black businesses 365 days of the year and not just in August,” Marshall said.
Marshall added that there is still room for improvement, but it’s good to see the current growth and increased involvement of government agencies.
The Conscious Connect CDC was previously a strategic partner with the Springfield Small Business Development Center’s Community Navigators pilot program to support Black businesses through a two-year grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration from 2022-2023. The program was coordinated by Troutman, who worked at the SBDC at the time.
“This event continues to build upon the work that was laid by many people with the Community Navigators program … We look forward to establishing a more intentional long-term partnership with the city of Springfield, Springfield Small Business Development Center, and a host of other community organizations to create a vibrant and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Marshall said.
Local Black-owned businesses
There are numerous Black-owned businesses in Springfield. According to Young Black Professionals and Businesses of Springfield, they include:
Bubby’s Chicken & Waffles at 1305 Lexington Ave.
All Seasons Catering by Chef Troy at 1928 Mitchell Blvd.
D. Sweets, Cookies & Gifts, LLC at 1605 E. Main St.
Riddle’s Ribs at 502 S. Wittenberg Ave.
Leslie C. Pinson, DDS at 251 Hampton Place
Hometown DDS, Dr. Tanisha Moore at 221 E. Home Road
Massage Therapy at 2204 E. High St.
“The L” at 1530 S. Yellow Springs St.
Barr-Nunn Barber Shop at 212 W. Pleasant St.
Champion City Cuts at 1877 S. Limestone St.
Fresh – the barbershop at 18 W. Main St.
God’s Creation Hair and Beauty Bar at 1810 S. Limestone St.
Joshne Hair Salon LLC at 1116 S. Limestone St.
Serenity Beauty Room at 295 E. Leffel Lane
Shay’s Phase II Salon at 905 S. Yellow Springs St.
UNeak Designs at 1833 S. Yellow Springs St.
Young Hair Inc at 1928 E. High St.
Lavished Luxury at 1014 N. Bechtle Ave.
Blessed Beauty KLM at 1605 N. Limestone St.
Queens Studio at 564 E. Main St.
Styylistics at 1628 E. Main St.
Complete Solutions at 1121 Sunset Ave.
Kinley Funeral Home at 1307 E. High St.
Robert C Henry – Clark Funeral Home at 527 S. Center St.
Porter-Qualls & Freeman Funeral Home Inc at 823 S. Yellow Springs St.