Black to Business Black to Business

When you think about funding your business, venture capital might be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, for Black entrepreneurs, accessing traditional VC funding can be an uphill battle, with less than 1% of VC capital going to Black-owned businesses. This episode of the Black to Business podcast dives deep into alternative funding paths that you can take to build and grow your business without relying solely on venture capital. Rodney Williams, the co-founder of SoLo Funds and other successful startups, shares his invaluable insights and personal experiences on how Black-owned businesses can navigate the challenging landscape of business funding. We understand the unique obstacles you face in securing capital and building sustainable businesses within a system that often overlooks you. That's why this episode is critically important: it explores practical, alternative funding strategies that have helped Rodney and many others succeed. From utilizing personal savings and credit cards to engaging with socially-minded investors and community finance platforms like SoLo Funds, this episode will offer you a roadmap to achieving financial autonomy and business success. Rodney also addresses the mental and emotional aspects of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, support systems, and mental health.
 
DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
Alternative funding sources besides venture capital
The importance of creating a sustainable business model
How to attract smaller, socially-minded investors
The benefits of community finance platforms like SoLo Funds
Understanding the true cost of funding options and making informed decisions
About Rodney Williams:
Rodney Williams is the Co-Founder of SoLo Funds, the largest community finance platform in the United States. Since its inception in 2018, SoLo Funds has surpassed 1 million loans funded and has redefined access to capital for its 1.5 million users. As the U.S.’s only Black-led Certified B Corp fintech, SoLo Funds continues its leadership, grounded in the mission to build a community that enables financial autonomy for all. Before founding SoLo, Rodney founded LISNR, securing over $40 million in funding and leading the company to numerous accolades and partnerships across retail and financial services. Rodney began his career at Procter & Gamble in brand management, where he was pivotal in shaping the company’s digital strategy. He holds degrees from West Virginia University and Howard University and is a member of the 2019 Class of Henry Crown Fellows within the Aspen Global Leadership Network at the Aspen Institute. Rodney has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including Ad Age’s 40 Under 40, Cannes Gold Lion award, and consistently featuring on the CNBC Disruptor 50 list.
 
Tune in to this episode to get inspired, gain actionable insights, and discover new ways to fund your entrepreneurial dreams, anchored by Rodney Williams' journey and expertise.
 
Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/204
 
Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!
 
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Financial literacy isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and building a rock-solid foundation for success and economic empowerment, particularly within the Black entrepreneurial community. This episode is all about unlocking the potential of Black entrepreneurship through the amazing power of financial literacy. We’ve got the one and only John Hope Bryant on board to guide us through a journey into resilience, empowerment, and long-lasting success. We’re putting the spotlight on the pivotal role of financial knowledge, especially for Black entrepreneurs. This isn’t just essential – it’s a game-changer for carving out a path to prosperity and economic stability in the world of business. John brings to light the idea that access to financial literacy is not just a personal or community issue, but a civil rights one. He passionately advocates for the economic empowerment of the Black community through financial education, as he believes it is fundamental to breaking the cycles of poverty and inequality.
With John Hope Bryant’s expertise, we’ll shine a light on breaking down barriers, combating discrimination, and building generational wealth through financial knowledge. 
 
DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
Practical steps for reclaiming power and fostering economic empowerment through financial literacy
Understanding the direct impact of financial knowledge on the success and resilience of Black entrepreneurs
Uncovering the profound impact of financial literacy as a civil rights issue
Shifting from a surviving mindset to a thriving mindset within the Black community
Navigating discrimination in lending and building generational wealth
Incorporating financial principles into daily business operations for growth and stability
ABOUT JOHN HOPE BRYANT:
John Hope Bryant is an American entrepreneur, prominent thought leader, author, philanthropist, and a leading expert in financial literacy and economic inclusion. He is referred to as the Conscience of Capitalism by numerous Fortune 500 CEO’s. Mr. Bryant is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE, Inc. the largest nonprofit, best-in-class provider of financial literacy and economic empowerment services in the United States. He is also Chairman and CEO of Bryant Group Ventures, John Hope Bryant Holdings, and The Promise Homes Company, the largest for-profit minority-controlled owner of institutional-quality, single-family residential rental homes in the U.S. Five former Presidents have recognized his work, and he has served as an advisor to three sitting U.S. presidents across both political parties. He has received hundreds of awards and citations for his work, including Oprah Winfrey’s Use Your Life Award, and the John Sherman Award for Excellence in Financial Education from the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/203
 
Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!
 
Got a question? We’d love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA 
 
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Isolation is a common struggle for entrepreneurs, especially for Black business owners who face additional barriers and fewer resources. Finding a supportive community is crucial for mental health, staying informed, and fostering innovation. This episode dives into the importance of overcoming isolation and building your network to thrive both personally and professionally.
 
Joining us to discuss this vital topic is Shadé Akande, the Founder and CEO of ONE X LEAGUE. With over 18 years of experience in HR roles at industry leaders like Google and Walmart, Shadé brings a wealth of knowledge on fostering community and promoting diversity in leadership.
 
DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
The impact of isolation on mental and physical health and how to combat it.
Strategies to find and connect with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.
The importance of safe spaces and how they contribute to personal and professional growth.
Daily and weekly practices to stay connected with your community.
How technology can help you combat isolation.
The significance of mentorship and peer support in entrepreneurial success.
 
Shadé Akande (she/her) is the Founder and CEO of ONE X LEAGUE, a private social league providing exclusive spaces and curated experiences for Black and Afro-Latinx women executives and founders. With over 18 years of global experience in HR executive roles at industry giants like Google, Walmart, and Verizon Wireless, Shadé leverages her expertise to revolutionize global strategic people operations, promoting diversity in leadership and building an engaged community of like-minded women leaders.
 
Accomplished in both her personal and professional life, Shadé is a published author, board member, trusted advisor, and angel investor. She’s a proud first-generation American and the second of four children to immigrant Nigerian parents. A native New Yorker and proud alumna of Syracuse University, Shadé combines her vast experience and passion to foster growth and mentorship within the community.
 
🙏🏿 Support: ⁠
 
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Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/202
 
Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!
 
Got a question? We’d love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA 
 
Connect with us on Instagram: 
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Navigating the alcohol and spirits industry can be complex, especially for Black entrepreneurs. Monique sits down with industry leaders Dia Simms and Erin J. Hall to discuss how you can break into this lucrative field. Despite making up 15% of the U.S. population and being long-time consumers, Black individuals remain significantly underrepresented in the spirits industry, occupying only about 7% of the roles. This episode is designed to empower you with the knowledge needed to explore untapped opportunities, whether you're currently in the industry, considering entry, or simply want to understand its dynamics better.
 
Dia and Erin founded Pronghorn, a leading accelerator program investing in Black-owned brands to drive $2.4 billion of economic value over the next decade. Global beverage alcohol leader Diageo backed Pronghorn in 2021, committing $200 million based on the achievement of key milestones within a ten-year plan to diversify the spirits industry. Pronghorn offers cash investments, education, and partnerships with industry leaders to help Black entrepreneurs succeed. You'll hear about their journey, valuable insights from their experiences, and how Pronghorn has secured deals and partnerships resulting in a 5% increase in Black representation. 
 
DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
Untapped opportunities in the spirits industry for Black entrepreneurs.
The role of local press and smaller platforms in building brand awareness.
Strategies for managing distribution channels effectively in the spirits industry.
The significance of understanding market data and targeting specific audiences.
The importance of producing culturally forward content as a Black-owned vendor.
Tips on leaning into technology and innovation in flavor and packaging.
Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/201
 
Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!
 
Got a question? We’d love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA 
 
Connect with us on Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/ 
 
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Cue the celebration! We're thrilled to mark our 200th episode milestone, and it's all thanks to incredible listeners like you. Your support and engagement have fueled our journey, and we couldn't have done it without you.
 
To celebrate this special occasion, we've curated a selection of the most impactful moments from some of our top episodes spanning 2023-2024. These snippets are packed with actionable advice and insights to empower you on your entrepreneurial journey.
 
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll learn in this power-packed episode:
 
Practical tips for starting a business as a new and first-generation Black entrepreneur
The importance of focus and mastering your niche for success
Strategies for getting your business backend in order and streamlining your operations
Essential HR tips for small businesses
Navigating the challenges of business closure with grace and resilience
Building confidence and communicating effectively in any business setting
Planning for retirement as an entrepreneur and securing your financial future
Unleashing your inner brilliance and tapping into your full potential
 
Thank you once again for your unwavering support and for joining us on this incredible journey. Here's to the next 200 episodes and beyond!
 
If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:
 
Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/200
 
Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!
 
Got a question? We’d love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA 
 
Connect with us on Instagram: 
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In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, where every connection counts and every relationship could mean the difference between success and stagnation, understanding the power of social capital is not just advantageous—it's a game-changer. As a Black entrepreneur, you're keenly aware of the importance of forging genuine connections in an environment where opportunities can sometimes feel scarce. Building meaningful relationships isn't just about networking; it's about cultivating a network that supports your growth, opens doors to new opportunities, and fosters a sense of community. In this episode of the Black To Business podcast, we're diving deep into the art of leveraging social capital to cultivate meaningful relationships in business, because we understand the unique challenges you face and the vital role that relationships play in your entrepreneurial journey.
 
Joining us is Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew, a powerhouse in the world of network weaving and relationship-building. With a rich background in leadership, nonprofit management, and philanthropy, Dr. Froswa brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. As the co-founder of HERitage Giving Circle and Power in Action - Dallas, as well as the founder and owner of Soulstice Consultancy and The Reconciliation & Restoration Foundation, her impact extends far beyond the realm of entrepreneurship. Dr. Froswa's work has been recognized in Forbes, Ozy, Bustle, Huffington Post, Modern Luxury, and other media outlets, underscoring her status as a thought leader and influencer in her field.



DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
The importance of relationships and how they contribute to business success.
Practical strategies for building and leveraging social capital effectively.
The difference between networking and truly cultivating genuine connections.
The concept of network weaving and how it benefits entrepreneurs.
Tips for identifying key players and nurturing relationships.
Overcoming challenges in relationship building.
Measuring the effectiveness of relationship-building efforts.
So, whether you're a seasoned business owner looking to expand your professional network or a budding entrepreneur eager to forge strategic partnerships, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to help you cultivate meaningful relationships that drive success in your business endeavors. Tune in and get ready to unlock the full potential of your network!
Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/199
 
Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!
 
Got a question? We’d love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA 
 
Connect with us on Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/ 
 
Don’t miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter:
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