This Summer Camp Is Empowering Young Black Entrepreneurs
Summer camp is more than just fun and games for the young entrepreneurs attending the first annual Youth Business Camp. Hosted by the Better Black Business Project (B3P), a professional network for Black entrepreneurs,the three-day camp is designed to inspire and equip 14- to 19-year-olds with real-world business and financial literacy skills.
Creating opportunities for Black business owners in Minnesota
In Minnesota, African Americans make up 14% of the population but only 2% of businesses. B3 aims to close that gap. LeBrent Speed founded B3P to change that.
“I grew up in north Minneapolis and I thought man it would have been wonderful to have a business camp when other kids were going to basketball camps so that’s spawn the idea,” Speed told CBS News. “It’s open to anyone, but our focus is how do we support Black entrepreneurs and close the wealth gap by empowering Black businesses.”
The Better Black Business Project
The B3 Project describes itself as “The #1 Community for Black Entrepreneurs and Allies.” It helps Black business owners build their network, grow their businesses, and enhance personal development. It currently has 120 members, and Speed is utilizing his network of business owners to organize this business camp, aiming to help young entrepreneurs.
“We have over 15 presenters on a variety of subjects: credit, finances, real estate, trades but then we have another 15 to 20 volunteers who will just be there with them going through the courses with them, eating lunch and breakfast with them just hanging out sharing stories, information access and mentorship,” he said.
Business owner Ella Beard will attend the camp for the first time and hopes to “learn about investment and just growing and putting back into my business and just grow it and being surrounded by encouraging people like youth entrepreneurs like me to just help grow me.”
Image: LeBrent Speed
