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Succession Planning: The Key to Small Business Retirement Security For many small business owners, their business is their passion—and their retirement plan. “I always knew that my business would help me retire,” said Marcella Medor owner of MarCom. “However, I did not know how much planning it would take to turn that asset into actual retirement income. I know now that starting the succession planning process early will make a difference." According to a recent survey by the Center for Retirement Research, 90% of registered voters believe we're in a retirement savings crisis, and only 22% feel confident about having enough money to live on through retirement. For small business owners, a well-planned succession strategy can help avoid becoming part of these concerning statistics. The Value of Early Planning Successful business transitions rarely happen by chance. They require careful planning, often over several years. Early planning provides crucial advantages: Time to maximize business value before transition Opportunity to identify and prepare successors Flexibility to structure the transition for optimal tax benefits Ability to create a sustainable retirement income stream Space to ensure business continuity and success Understanding Your Options Small business owners have several succession paths, each with distinct implications for retirement planning: Family Succession This traditional option can preserve your legacy while providing retirement income. Success requires: Early identification of interested and capable family members Structured training and development programs Clear leadership transition criteria Strategic planning for fair treatment of all family members Professional valuation and purchase structure Employee Buyout Sometimes the best successors are already on the payroll. Employee buyouts can offer: Business continuity with minimal disruption Built-in motivation for success Flexible financing options Gradual transition possibilities External Sale For many owners, selling to an outside buyer provides the cleanest exit and potentially the highest return. This option works best when: Family or employee succession isn't viable Maximizing retirement funds is the priority The business would benefit from fresh perspectives A complete exit is desired Building a Strategic Timeline Effective succession planning typically follows distinct phases: Preparation (3-5 Years Out) Obtain professional business valuation and implement strategic improvements Identify and begin developing potential successors Document business processes and develop personal retirement plan Training (2-3 Years Out) Transfer knowledge through formal training programs Gradually delegate responsibilities and decision-making authority Develop and test contingency plans Transition (1-2 Years Out) Complete legal and financial arrangements Execute leadership transfer and operational handoff Communicate changes to all stakeholders Financial Considerations Your succession plan must align with your retirement needs through careful attention to both income structure and risk management. Consider your ongoing income requirements, ownership retention options, and financing methods while understanding their tax implications. Protect your retirement security through appropriate guarantees, intellectual property protection, and contingency planning that addresses potential challenges during and after the transition. Taking Action Begin your succession planning by assessing retirement goals and obtaining a professional business valuation. Work with financial and legal advisors to explore succession options and create a comprehensive transition plan that remains flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances. Remember, succession planning is about ensuring your business continues to thrive while providing the financial security you need for your next chapter.
The Truth About Small Business Retirement Plans: More Affordable Than You Think Small business owners are experts at managing day-to-day operations, but planning for retirement often takes a back seat. A recent survey by the Center for Retirement Research reveals a disconnect: while many small business owners want to offer retirement plans, misconceptions about costs hold them back. According to the 2023 Small Business Retirement Survey , over half of small businesses believe providing a retirement plan would cost more than $10,000 per year, with nearly 30% thinking it would exceed $20,000 annually. In reality annual costs for a business with 10 employees, can be as low as $2,500, and around $5,000 for a business with 50 employees. "Instead of assuming what my employees needed, I decided to ask them directly," says Kristelle Siarza Moon, CEO of Siarza . "Through our survey, retirement savings emerged as a top priority across all age groups. By partnering with a wealth management firm, we implemented a plan that automatically invests 3% into employees' retirement accounts. The automatic enrollment feature made it simple for everyone, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.” With costs being more manageable than many believe, let's look at the various retirement plans available to small business owners. Understanding these options is the first step in choosing what works best for your business. Retirement Options for Small Business Owners Small business owners have several retirement plan options, each designed to fit different needs: SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) Perfect for businesses with fewer than 100 employees Employee Benefits: Employees can contribute up to $16,500 annually (2024 limits) Employer Requirements: Must either match employee contributions up to 3% or contribute 2% for all eligible employees Key Advantage: Easy setup and low administrative costs Best For: Small businesses wanting to offer retirement benefits with minimal paperwork Cost Example: Annual fees often under $500, plus employer contributions SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension) Ideal for self-employed individuals or very small businesses Contribution Limits: Up to 25% of compensation or $69,000 (2024), whichever is less Key Feature: Only employers contribute; employees cannot make contributions Flexibility: Contribution amounts can vary year to year based on business performance Best For: Sole proprietors or businesses with few employees Setup: Minimal paperwork and low administrative costs Solo 401(k) (One-Participant 401(k)) Great for business owners with no employees except their spouse Dual Contribution: You can contribute both as employer and employee Higher Limits: Up to $69,000 total annual contribution (2024), plus catch-up contributions if over 50 Loan Options: Unlike IRAs, you can borrow from your account Best For: High-earning self-employed individuals wanting to maximize savings Administration: Requires more paperwork than IRAs, including annual filing once account exceeds $250,000 Traditional 401(k) Most flexible option with highest contribution potential Employee Benefits: Workers can contribute up to $23,000 annually (2024) Employer Options: Can offer matching or profit-sharing contributions Administrative Requirements: More complex, but third-party administrators can handle most tasks Best For: Growing businesses wanting competitive benefits packages Costs: Setup fees typically $500-$2,500, plus annual administration fees State Auto-IRA Programs Key Feature: State-sponsored retirement savings programs at no cost to employers Employee Benefits: Automatic enrollment makes it easy for workers to save through payroll deductions Employer Requirements: Minimal - just process payroll deductions for participating employees Best For: Small businesses unable to offer traditional retirement plans Cost Example: No setup or administrative costs for employers My States Program: Dozens of states have enacted retirement savings programs to help individuals save for retirement. Click here for a comprehensive list. While choosing the right retirement plan is crucial, implementing it in a way that works for both you and your business requires careful planning. As a business owner, your path to retirement may look different from other employees. Planning for a Flexible Retirement The traditional idea of retirement - working one day, retired the next - rarely fits small business owners. Here's how to create a more flexible retirement plan that works for you and your employees: Phased Retirement Options Gradual Transition: Reduce your work hours over 3-5 years instead of stopping abruptly Project-Based Work: Move from daily operations to specific projects or consulting Seasonal Schedule: Work during busy seasons while taking extended breaks Advisory Role: Step back from operations while maintaining strategic input As you plan your own retirement, consider how to make retirement benefits accessible to your entire workforce. Inclusive retirement benefits can help attract and retain talented employees while building a stronger business community. Expanding Retirement Access Today's workforce is changing, and retirement plans need to adapt. Here's how to make retirement plans work for different types of workers: Part-Time Employees: Consider plans that allow participation for employees working 500+ hours annually Independent Contractors: Explore options to include 1099 workers in your retirement benefits Seasonal Workers: Look for plans with shorter eligibility periods Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs): Join forces with other small businesses to access better retirement options at lower costs Making Your Plan More Inclusive Auto-enrollment features to encourage participation Shorter vesting schedules to benefit mobile workers Clear communication about benefits in multiple formats Regular retirement planning education sessions Take the First Step The best retirement plan is the one you start today. By taking action now, you're securing your own future and investing in your employees' well-being and your business's long-term success.
A Small Business Owner’s Perspective on Retirement Planning By Johnnie Bellows As a construction company owner in Ann Arbor, Michigan, I’ve learned that building a sustainable future requires the same careful planning and strong foundation as the structures we create. And just as every building needs strong walls to protect what’s inside, every business needs robust employee benefits to support and retain the people who help build our success. Unfortunately, when it comes to retirement security, too many of these walls are showing cracks. A recent survey by BlackRock revealed that 90% of registered voters believe we’re in a retirement savings crisis, and only 22% feel confident about having enough money to live on through retirement. As a small business owner, these statistics hit close to home – especially considering that only 15% of private sector workers have access to pension plans. Like many small business owners, I’ve experienced the challenges of balancing business growth with long-term financial security for me and my employees. The construction industry’s inherent uncertainty – with its ebbs and flows in project availability and workforce needs – makes this balance particularly challenging. Currently, my business maintains three full-time employees and works with various contractors depending on project demands. While we’ve achieved steady growth, competing with large corporations for skilled workers is a challenge. When potential employees can choose between a small business and a company offering comprehensive retirement benefits, the mom and pop shop often loses out. It’s a common story among small business owners – we want to provide these benefits, but the complexity and cost create yet another hurdle in attracting and retaining skilled workers. The Employee Benefits Gap: A Business Risk The absence of retirement benefits in small businesses creates a ripple effect that impacts both employees and employers. Our workers face the difficult reality of planning for retirement without the structured benefits that their counterparts at larger companies often take for granted. Many find themselves piecing together personal savings strategies while missing out on the advantages of employer-sponsored retirement plans – from tax benefits to employer matching contributions that can significantly boost their retirement savings. The challenge extends beyond just hiring. Without retirement benefits, current employees may feel compelled to look elsewhere for long-term financial security, leading to higher turnover and increased training costs. This creates a costly cycle: small businesses invest in training employees who then leave for better benefits elsewhere, requiring the small business to start the process again. While I too navigate the complexities of retirement planning as a business owner, it’s clear that finding solutions for employees’ retirement security isn’t just about doing what’s right – it’s essential for building a stable, competitive business. Looking Toward the Future The construction industry taught me that solid foundations take time to build. The same principle applies to retirement planning. The key is starting early and being strategic. For many businesses, this means exploring state-sponsored retirement programs that are specifically designed to help small businesses provide retirement benefits without the administrative burden and costs of traditional retirement plans. These programs, which operate like Roth IRAs, make it possible for small businesses to offer retirement benefits that can help them compete with larger companies for talent. Other tools, such as the LifePath Paycheck , can be offered to not just help retirement saving, but also help plan and extend retirement spending. These types of tools alleviate the very real fear of outliving retirement savings. These options also mean having honest conversations with employees about retirement planning and helping them understand how these state-facilitated programs can put them on a path to long-term financial security.  After all, the true measure of our success isn’t just in the growth of our companies — it’s in building lasting financial security for ourselves, our employees, and our families. Just as every construction project needs a blueprint, every small business owner needs a retirement roadmap. The time to start drawing that map is now.
At the heart of this business boom are four landmark laws that have laid the groundwork for America's economic recovery and positioned small businesses as the backbone of this revitalization. The Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act, alongside the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are empowering Main Street businesses to innovate, expand, and thrive like never before. Here's a closer look at how these laws – that together make up the "Investing in America" agenda – are transforming the landscape for small business owners in our network.
Fueling small business innovation: The Climate Capital Guidebook's role in green financing By Shaundell Newsome Over the past three years, our country has witnessed an unprecedented small business boom with over 17 million small business applications filed, reflecting a deep optimism among American entrepreneurs about our economic future. Access to capital is crucial for these entrepreneurs to turn their innovative ideas into reality and to sustain their operations long-term. It’s encouraging that resources are now available to help small businesses access capital and address one of the most pressing issues of our time: the climate crisis. The Biden-Harris Administration recently announced an expansion of access to capital for small- and medium-sized climate businesses. With the largest public investment in climate action in history included in the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, new doors are opening for small businesses to thrive while contributing to a sustainable future. These investments, including grants, loans, and tax incentives, are a lifeline for businesses looking to innovate and lead in the clean energy sector. In addition to the investments, the administration is also releasing new resources to expand access to climate capital since smaller enterprises often face greater challenges navigating federal programs than larger institutionally backed companies. The new Climate Capital Guidebook provides a comprehensive map of capital programs in the federal government that are available to climate-related start-ups, small- and medium-sized businesses, and their investors. The path to success for entrepreneurs is often paired with challenges and systemic barriers. I had very limited access to capital at the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey even though I did everything by the book. Historically, access to capital, especially for entrepreneurs of color, has been a significant barrier. Now we are seeing an inclusive push to ensure all communities benefit from these resources. As we look to the future, the commitment to catalyze investment for climate and clean energy companies will continue to be a driving force in our economic landscape.
A Memorable Visit: Vice President Stops by Leah and Louise By Subrina Collier, owner of Leah and Louise As a small business owner, every day brings its own set of challenges and rewards. But last Thursday was a day unlike any other at our restaurant Leah and Louise. We had the honor of welcoming the Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris, a moment that my team and I will cherish forever. The visit was a surprise. The day before her arrival five staffers from the Vice President's team came in to gather information and enjoy our Afro-Southern-inspired cuisine. Little did we know, they were paving the way for a very special guest. The next day, about 15 minutes before the Vice President's arrival, her staff informed us of her upcoming visit. When Vice President Harris arrived, she immediately expressed her admiration for our restaurant. She was interested in our experiences with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. I shared our story of resilience during COVID, how these programs were lifelines that kept us afloat, enabling us to pivot to curbside service when the pandemic hit – just as we were about to open our doors for the first time. The Vice President was keen to understand how we were managing and what it meant to be entrepreneurs. Madame Vice President Harris’ warmth and personality shone through during her visit. She ate our Mud Island dish, a tribute to a part of Memphis, Tennessee, which includes catfish and rice grits, followed by some delicious cobblers. She enjoyed it so much she suggested that my husband, Chef Greg, publish a cookbook! The visit, though brief, was incredibly meaningful. Madame Vice President Harris took the time to interact with our staff and guests, leaving a lasting impression on all of us. As she departed, we were left with a sense of pride and gratitude – not just for her visit but for the support and recognition from our administration towards small businesses like ours. This experience was a reminder of the strength and resilience of the small business community. It reinforced the importance of programs like the PPP and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which have been crucial in helping businesses like ours navigate unprecedented challenges. As we continue to serve our community and share our love for Afro-Southern cuisine, we do so with renewed vigor and optimism, inspired by the Vice President's visit and the ongoing support for small businesses across the country. 
North Carolina's small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering economic vitality. However, small businesses across the state are feeling immense financial pressure because of rising healthcare costs, leading to medical debt that saps money and time they could be investing in the health of their businesses. Senate Bill 321 offers a lifeline to Main Street business owners and their families by addressing medical debt. It includes provisions that would limit medical debt interest rates and increase transparency by requiring medical facilities to post price information online. The legislation passed the Senate with almost unanimous bipartisan support. As the session comes to a close, we are urging the House to do the same. SB 321 is a commonsense reform with broad support that promises the protection and transparency that North Carolina small businesses need to thrive and bolster the economy. The storybook linked below includes real-life accounts of North Carolina small business owners whose medical debt has impacted their businesses, highlighting the urgency of the reforms proposed in SB 321.
My memorable conversation with President Biden and the Hopeful Path Ahead for Small Business Owners By Susanna Anderson, owner of VP Like Me I recently had the privilege of meeting President Joe Biden at an event in Prince George’s County, Maryland–a moment I will never forget. As a small business owner, staying ahead means staying informed so I jumped at the opportunity to attend this event and get insights into how current policies might shape the future for entrepreneurs like me. It was great to hear President Biden highlight our economy’s positive trajectory with inflation beginning to cool and a strong hiring market. We have come a long way since the early days of the pandemic! Following his remarks, President Biden made a commendable effort to connect with those in attendance including me. I introduced myself and showed him my shirt, "The VP looks like me," a product from my business, VP Like Me . He acknowledged it, and we had a brief but meaningful discussion about small businesses. I expressed how my small business is thriving because of the policies of the Biden-Harris Administration. Their emphasis on supporting small businesses and fostering equitable opportunities has played a part in the stability and growth of ventures like mine. Legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act has contributed to positive economic momentum giving Main Street a boost that will show benefits for years to come. Reflecting on the day, my biggest takeaway is a measured optimism about our economic direction. The policies and initiatives from the current administration provide a foundation for growth, and I am ready to see how they unfold for small business owners and beyond in the coming years.
Dear Congress, As a business leader in your state, we are asking you to support our communities by starting with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework and then considering bold investment in America’s small businesses, workers & families.  Small Businesses are an integral part of America’s communities. We account for almost half of the country’s economic activity, two-thirds of new jobs, and employ more than half of all Americans. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework will deliver desperately needed resources to not only rebuild our roads, bridges, and transportation infrastructure, but also modernize the energy, internet, and water systems small businesses and the communities we are part of rely on to survive. We know infrastructure is just one investment that we need to make to ensure America thrives, we also need additional investment in important human infrastructure including childcare, paid leave and the social safety net that allows American workers to bounce back better than before Covid-19. We are far from alone in our support of these investments. In a survey of over 1,000 small business owners by Small Business for America’s Future earlier this spring, a staggering eight in 10 small business owners supported public investment at the scope and scale this plan provides. Passage of such a sweeping and forward-looking plan is exactly what our business community needs to build a thriving Main Street economy. We the undersigned business owners and leaders endorse the bipartisan legislation and urge you to take this opportunity to join us and your colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get it passed in the U.S. Senate. Sincerely, Alabama Bobbiette Swanson, Bobbiette Swanson Trade Style: Ready Resume Dr. JeFreda Brown, Xaris Financial Enterprises Emmanuel Igboin, Pawa brand LLC Arkansas Blanchie Johnson, BJ'S Grocery & Kountry Kitchen Ines Polonius, Communities Unlimited, Inc. Luz Marin, Tequila bar and grill Arizona Allen Yalda, ANU COFFEE LLC Avram Laub, Cats Pajamas Bistro Becki Christensen, Springerville-Eagar Regional Chamber of Commerce Bijan Hedayati, BH Limo LLC Brett Allen, SBDC Cherie Nishke, Wheelpowerinfo Christine Ray, Maximo Branding LLC Constance Laub, Cats Pajamas Bistro Denise Nunley, Egeocava,LLC Dr. Cindy Banton, AVID Consulting, LLC Dwayne Allen, The Breadfruit & Rum Bar Field Weber, Read to Me Books Gary White, GLW SOLUTIONS LLC. Gary White, White’s EcoSmart Properties & Investments Ginger Torres, ShiKeyah Environmental James Morgan, Deming Investment Group, LLC Jerry Reyes, DeLaRosaKings Joel McDonald, Quality Palm and Tree Services LLC Juan Jose Lopez, Accord Healthcare Institute, LLC LeiLani Day, Az Asian Chamber of Commerce Louie Ghadhban, America In Arabic Services LLC Martin Moreno, Martin's lawn care & Maintnace Mary Scott, NPS retiree Michael Zito, BySynergy Holdings, LLC Michael Malinick, Forced Physics Data Center Technology LLC Morgan Fatali, Hank's Trading Post Olivia Ainza-Kramer, Nogales-Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce Paul Herren, Paul's Private Transportation Service, LLC Ramon Amparano, 20precious elements Rosana Jimenez, De Colores Daycare, LLC Ruth Graham, Equity Capital Investment Group, LLC Ryan Winkle, RAIL CDC Samantha Armenta, Sammie’s cleaning Stephanie Zill, Stephanie Zill Accounting Steven Quinonez, Fix It Jack Terri Kimble, Chandler Chamber of Commerce Theodore Allen, Prestigious Transporters LLC Walter Pino, GED - CLASES California Abdur-Rahim Hameed, National Black Contractors Association Abi Kariguddaiah, LivinBetr corp Andrea Beth Damsky, Andrea Beth Damsky, L.Ac. Carolyn McMaster, Thinkshift Communications Christina Morrison, TrueNorth Insight, Inc. Christopher Tyndall, Talaria Consultants Crystina Lee, Elite Wellness Grp Darryl Evans, Evans Building Maintenance LLC Davona Ferguson, Grandeur Goddess Devonna Banks, Circle In A Square, LLC Eddie Naser, Toast eatery Henry Vaughan, Vaughan and Sons Renovation & Repair Howard Chen, Analog Power Ilicia Cohen, Cohen Enterprises James Fisher, Law Office of James I. Fisher Je Lee, Aha fresh Jeanine Cotter, Luminalt JoAnn Williams, Executive Business Services John Yanguba, SIERRA ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Jonathan Wilson, Dubb Value Creation Joseph Anastasio, Tutti Frutti LLC Juan Santana, Jungle Communications, Inc. Julie Zhou, Actnet Advanced Technology Corporation Kaya Herron, Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce Kelly Irubor, ALL TIME ALERT SECURITY (ATAS) Latacha Dennis, DTMCATERINGCA Leigh Lester, Ubuntu Institute Of Learning Lisa Vera, VeraCite Inc. Luz Atienza, Saver Office Supplies, Inc Maria Fredholm, Paradise imports Mark Morales, Charles Jacobsen, Inc. Marlon Mejia, Mejia Construction Mauricio Vega, Professional Painting Services Michael Esser, Michael Esser Development Mike Thor, CCSF Mohammad Jalalian, Mohammad Jalalian Nhut Truong, Pho 888 Inc Nikole Smith, Nikkinewnew's dogwalker Orion Zemene, Fresh Brand Foods Patrick Mulvaney, B&L Paula Fiscal, San Francisco Investment Development Pep Cearnal, Blue Warriors Pete Sittnick, Waterbar/EPIC Steak Porter Wong, Asian Inc. Quentin Strode, Artifex Capital and Advisory Richard Coleman, Neon Access Inc Richard Gonzalez, Digital Vision Samuel Lee, S I Lee Accountancy Corp Selwyn Whitehead, Law Offices of Selwyn D. Whitehead Sovandara Hean, Tekdeysovanphum (TDSP) Steven Wong, Ready State, LLC. Tara Slaughter, CFS Medical Supplies Theresa Davis, Cover Me Clean, LLC Valerie Lewis, VLJ Boris Tankhilevich, Magtera, Inc. Floyd Garrett, Floyd Garrett Enterprise Karla Rosales-Barrios, Pass The Sauced Colorado Anwar Siddiqui, MedShip Surgicals, LLc Carol McCallister, Champion Business Services Inc. Daniel Gregory, Available Power, LLC Debbie Davis, Studio Design LLC Jacop Hetherton, INEX TRAVEL LLC James Burness, National Car Charging LLC Jesse Angel, 2 Angels Cleaning & Sanitation Marek Elliott, 24-7 Services LLC Masaru Torito, Kokoro Restaurant Melinda Jarvis, Noble Beast Dog Training Mesfin Alemu, Rehoboth, LLC Michelle Clifton, Temp Temps Health and Security Roland Kayode, Rodak-Jdk International Inc Sheila Reed, Troublemakehers.net Torrey Banks, Skratch llc Connecticut Chris Miller, SALAD HEADS INC Diane Matta, Diane's Tax Services LaMisha Corley, Corley Property and Services LLC Prakash Wadhwani, SRA Asset Management District of Columbia Stanley Kolbe Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) Stephen Underwood U-CAN Global Multicultural Marketing Group, L.L.C Delaware Devon Mitchell, DSN Corporation Mezaun Norman, TeleFix Technologies LLC Rebeca Rodriguez, Dominican café Florida Adrienne Fletcher, Adrienne Fletcher Photography Arden Bollette, Sure Fit Canvas and Upholstery shop Chandler Clary, EC Corp Business Consultants Charlène Jean-Charles, SIGMEA Davide Calcinai, Davide Calcinai Llc Denisse Viteri, Support from Home Egerton Anderson, Miami Seaplane Tours, Inc. Ian Morse, IM INTEGRATION LLC Jair Delgado, Jair Delgado painting llc Jeremy Hine, FLORIDA LEISURE POOL & SPA Keith Jennings, IMR Development Corp Kenneth Curry, Millennium Fire And Water Restoration Kevin Kiple, Fabulous flooring and baths Kristal Todd, KST Notary Services Mark C. Jackson, Jackson enterprises Miriam Solis, Nessie’s Creations Mohammad Hossain, Aristo Group LLC PadmaSree Chigurupati, Cellars Fine wine and Spirits Patrick Thimote, JPT-TECH Paulette McClain, Madame Paulette's Regal Services LLC Sara Hand, Spark Growth Serge Jean Jacques, Sergotek mobile welding and Pvc furniture llc Sherry Drew, AbacusOne LLC Susan Rodriguez, SQIFI, LLC Sylvia Williams, SYL'S & DP ENTERPRISES LLC Tazrin Rahman, Aristo Group LLC Georgia Anissa Hemingway, Professional Hospice and Paliative Care Barbara Smith, B's Enterprises, Inc. Benedict Ibironke, Sectorial international LLC / Alade Market African Store LLC Delores Williams-Salley, 424 Fashionz LLC Germissa Clay, PLUHM COUTURE DESIGNS BY GERMISSA Glenett Hannah, Hannah Innovative Solutions Heather Ramirez, Havana Cigars LLC Keith Grant, Total Underground LLC Mark Smith, STS Melissa Blanchard Colesburg Mercantile Company, LLC MIchelle Moran, Litl Pond Hospitality Group Nkechi Funso, Naija Gourmet Foods Tommy Stowers, Tms Victor Ortega , Vector Squared Iowa Frank Spillers, Rural Community Solutions Kimberlee Spillers, Rural Community Solutions Reginald McDade, Human Capital Strategies & Solutions Illinois Abiodun Olusanya, Remitii Trading and Resourcing Audrey Woodley, Changing Oasis, Inc BrenAda Williams, BrenAda Williams Realty Claudette Redic, CIDER ENTERPRISES, LLC Dean Carson, Carson's Ribs Desiree Morris, Making our ways better Ellen Frank-Miller Workforce & Organizational Research Center Hugh Cooper, Tripple D Trucking LLC Humberto Rabadan, Appliance & Mechanical.Svcs Jonathan Sanders Marsha Hall, New Venture Enterprises Nat Rosasco, olive street design llc Rs Ryan, Bicgen Ruth Quiroz, Nandu Restaurant, LTD Sabrina Hunter, JOURNEY CHILDCARE/SHEPHERDS FIELDWORKERS Terrell Miller, I-290 Ribs and Chicken Kansas Michelle Wilson, ASAP Service, LLC Rodney Farmer, Ducts N Stuff Kentucky Tim Guess, Guess Auto Repair Louisiana Mary Scott, Care Management Alliance, Inc. Massachusetts Alfred Enchill, Elegant Stitches Inc Arnold Sapenter, Arnold Sapenter Consulting Hans Patrick Domercant, U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce, Inc. / Haitian American Business Expo, Inc. Kathleen Hutton, ASBC The Honorable Melvin C., Poindexter DNC & Massachusetts Democratic Black Caucus Maryland Alphonso Reid, A Car (to be established formerly Acarfor.com) Bruce Jones, A Better Alternative Nursing Agency, Inc. Germano Brandes, AMORC Joe Reddix, The Reddix Group, LLC Kinite McCrae, This Is Why Inc Marcia Duncan, ASHMAR International Technology, Inc Rich Mak, BALT COUNTY BREWING LLC Roxanne Burroughs, Majestic Grounds, LLC Teresa Combs, Living and Growing, LLC Tess Gainey, Teresa Lewis Small Business Advisory Services, LLC Venita Johnson, JVRELLC Maine Mark Granzier, Schooner Healthcare Resources LLC Michigan Carl Malysz, City of Lincoln Park, Michigan, Downtown Development Authority Esi Collins, Royal BenEsi LLC Monica Feltson, Winnie's Bountiful Garden Paula Guthat, Cinema Detroit Rama K, Paruchuri DataHash LLC Sebastian Swae, Anolo LLC Minnesota Alicia Cassady, Superchanic Basil Ajuo, Minnesota Africans United Tatiana Freeman, NoshPosh LLC Missouri Agnes Kate, Handy Girl Construction Diana Clemons, Future Leaders Outreach Network Estrella Cruz-Curoe, Del Carmen Jacklyn James, Divine harmony home care llc Kelli Lin, Hunt Kalei jewlz Teresa Warren, Life Happens Business Consulting Group Mississippi Gwendolyn Hayes, North MIssissippi Community Development Center James Burch, Colemans Farm, LLC Marcharie Chambliss, Alcorn State University Pamela Price, P Price, LLC Patricia Durr, Durr Services llc North Carolina Abraham Walker, PAP TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC Adrean Eley, The 360 Effect Alexander Forde, Eden’s Vegetarian Catering Services Amanda Summerford, A&R Auto Repair and Services Beverly Carlton, Olive Hill CEDC Bob Hinkle, White Horse Black Mountain, LLC Brandy Childers, Brandys cleaning Brenda Gray, Two Sister's Tire, Auto, & Truck Repair Brian Kee, Legends bar and lounge Bryan Brewer, Brewer Construction Company Carolyn Brown, New Life in Christ Ministries Inc Christopher Summerford, A&R Auto Repair and Services Crystal Kegler, Danielle's Boutique Curtis Stollings, You-Neak Antiques and Collectubbles Deja Brown DDSMOKES Dr Shermaine, Surratt Encouraging Words International Inc Elizabeth Acker, Classic II Elretha Perkins, Child Care India Pitts, G&J’s Helping Hands James Mackey, Mackey Financial Services Inc James Mccormick, Xtreme Cleaning Services llc Janis Olson, FernCrest Winery Jaye Maxx, Alexander II Spartan Financial Management Inc Jeffrey Boak, NV Partners Jeffrey Boak, Blue Dogwood Jennifer Pawlikowski, M&J Marine, LLC Jennifer Williams, Private Investments Joel Benitez, Reanimations John Martin, Martin Sloane International LLC Karim Razzak, Kream Consulting Katherine Higgins, Acupuncture Integrative Medicine Clinic Katherine Lambert-Scronce, Greensboro Online Tutoring, LLC Kenny Mayes, Mayes tranport services Kristi Tally, KD7 Enterprises Inc Kristi Vanwhy, Kristi Vanwhy dba Kristi vanwhy Lakeisha Collins, Purple Print : Legacy, LLC Lenwood V, Long Ae African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs Maria Vogel, Maria’s Health Shoppe Mariame Boujlil, Rainbow Brite Remodeling Mark Bryant, Floortex Integrated Martha Brown, Uniques Mike Castro, Maria’s Health LLC Moriah Heaney, Mountain BizWorks Muriel Diaz, Euphoria Nutrition Nicole Prowse Norwood King, Jr., myHair Bundles of Winston-Salem, Inc. Pantea Dougani, Excel Body Fitness Perry McCauley, McCauley Installation Services LLP Raleigh Gilbert, Urban American Innovations, LLC Rebecca Corbin, National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship Robert Furberg, Eir Labs Shawn Greene, GreenLyion Inc Stacey Holden, Clean N Classy Talanda Jones, Jones Boat Storage Tarja Pollari, Careme Whippets Tasha White , Assurance Consulting Group Theresa Valentine, Chez TAZ LLC Tracy Wilson, Dimensions of Beauty Vilma Paige, VP REALTY Will Hand Jr, Hands Catering Nebraska Hollie Boyer, Coupons 24/7 Lebari Abiikor, Ranny Auto Sales New Hampshire Jill Shaffer Hammond, Jill Shaffer / Graphic Design John Reuter, NewVo Interiors Lizz Whittaker, Whittaker’s Homestead & Greenhouses Mary Brown, The Franklin Cafe Michael Fairbrother, Moonlight Meadery LLC Michele Tremblay, Nature source communications Vandy Leigh, Creative Community Space William Shaheen, Shaheen & Gordon, PA New Jersey Cynthia Dangelo, Armonk Center for Dance Doug Schaeffer, Food Bank of South Jersey LaNa Jones-Jules, Jules Realty, Inc. 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LOCATION
700 Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast
Washington, DC, 20003
Created by Olive + Ash.
Managed by Olive Street Design. 