By Damita Miller-Shanklin

Ujima is celebrating Women’s History Month. There are many women who have made history and women who are making history today. Rose Smith, CEO of Black Women in Business, is making a difference through her food program and by supporting and engaging entrepreneurs who want to build their businesses.

Black Women In Business is a non-profit organization founded in 2014. The mission is to encourage, educate, unite and help businesswomen excel in leadership and entrepreneurship. They are committed to enriching lives, families and communities by providing food, tools for personal growth, business education and resources. The goal is to transform the foundation and development of Black owned businesses.

BWIB’s current mission is to make direct investments into Black owned businesses. It is not a completely new mission, but a revamped one. In August of 2018, Smith launched the history-making “Authentically East Austin Food Tour.” It was an actual bus tour created to shed light, patronize Black owned restaurants and share the history of East Austin. For Smith, intentionally supporting these businesses is not a way to gain attention, but a way of life.

The initiative began to grow, and in November of 2019 it evolved into “The Black Dollar Tour.” Her vision was to make the initiative available for all industries. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic forced Smith to focus on the immediate needs within her community. In November 2023, she relaunched the initiative, and they have invested nearly $10,000 into various businesses!

BWIB was the first non-profit organization in Austin to pivot from their business model and start a food distribution program to provide free groceries to seniors, residents with disabilities, and families in need. Their COVID-19 Community Food Relief Program began by simply spreading the word in the East Austin community, and delivering groceries to those in need. The initiative and need within the community quickly grew. Food scarcity within Travis County is still a huge concern. BWIB are grateful for their amazing community partners: Trader Joe’s, Joe Bland Construction, Greater Mt. Zion, Mobile Blessings From The Heart, Austin Christian Fellowship, Live Oak Realty, Ouro (formerly Netspend), Sunflower Bank, Ballet Austin, Dream Together 2030 and thousands of individuals and groups who have donated, supported and volunteered. The organization has delivered and served free groceries 7 days a week since March 16, 2020, and have now served nearly 150,000 families without any governmental funding! In Smith’s opinion, “this is a perfect example of what a community can accomplish when we work together. I’m just blessed to be a part of the team.”

When it comes to Black women entrepreneurs, one of Smith’s biggest inspirations is Sarah Breedlove aka Madam C. J. Walker. Introduced to her by her maternal grandmother, she quickly became intrigued with her vision, work ethic, desire to succeed despite challenging circumstances and her passion to invest in others. Her mindset and journey continues to inspire her daily.

Women’s History Month serves as a way to amplify the voices and stories of black women entrepreneurs. Smith feels this is a great way to start. She is grateful for the work and investment Ujima Magazine has made over the years to amplify voices within our community. Smith thanks Ujima for creating this space, and giving her the opportunity to share her story.

Smith says, “Black women play a huge role in empowering future generations. Our words, actions and resilience will inspire younger women to dream bigger; just like those who came before us.” The shoulders we stand on should serve as a reminder that we all must do our part. Smith is excited and honored to work with so many young emerging entrepreneurs. They are brilliant!

Despite the fact that Black women start-up founders receive approximately .34% of the total venture capital spent in the United States, we are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs. What that says is we are not afraid of challenges, and we are determined to tackle systems that do not serve us.

The simplest way to support Black business women is to shop from their businesses or invest in their organizations. “Put a little extra effort into your research when you shop for products and services to find a Black-owned business that caters to your needs.” says Smith.

Women who are interested in becoming a member of BWIB can reach out at info@ blackwomeninbusiness.org.

Membership includes business education, virtual presentations, workshops, networking events, conferences, volunteer opportunities and continues development in leadership and entrepreneurship. They welcome new entrepreneurs, tenured businesswomen, those in the “dreaming” stages and women who need a circle of women who strive to achieve self-confidence, sisterhood, service within our community and success.

If you or your business would like to donate, please visit their website or email them for one of their payment options.

Follow BWIB on our website and the following social media sites:

www.blackwomeninbusiness.org LinkedIn: Black Women In Business
Instagram @theblack womeninbusiness