DAYTON, Ohio — New data this year shows Black-owned businesses are creating more jobs and increasing their profits in 2023. That's a reason to celebrate, as Dayton is among the communities declaring August Black Business Month. Throughout August, the hope is to get these entrepreneurs connected with each other and resources across the city.
What You Need To Know
- Dayton is celebrating the Gem City Black Business Month all August
- The month has more than a dozen events to help Black business owners find resources, connect, and network
- Christopher Mack, the CEO and founder of MACK Brand Clothing, says resources in Dayton have helped his business grow
- Mack hopes this month inspires the next generation of Black entrepreneurs
Working in his small Oregon District office in Dayton, Christopher Mack is living out his dream. Mack has been creating apparel for several years. But while being a small business owner hasn’t always been easy he says thanks to resources in the Dayton community he’s been able to thrive.
“Once I found out about the entrepreneur center, it was like take advantage of it," Mack said. "Again, it’s people that look just like me that are wanting to help”
That's exactly why The Greater West Dayton Incubator spearheaded Gem City Black Business Month as a way for Black business owners to learn about available resources and connect. With over a dozen events throughout the month, leaders hope this continues to inspire and help these entrepreneurs.
“Ultimately, I’m hoping that Black business owners can go through the month, feel inspired and get connected to what they truly need," Whitney Barkley, the director of the Greater West Dayton Incubator, said. "Networking is key, networking is everything and so we’re hoping that we’re providing the platform so businesses can get in front of the people that they need to so they can grow.”
Mack said it’s been key in his success.
“I just didn’t feel like I was on an island by myself because you have a lot of people who are trying to do the same thing or if they’re now trying to do the same thing then they’ve already done it and their biggest thing is they’re ready to help the next person," he said.
And now he wants to pass along that knowledge to the next wave of entrepreneurs.
“Even though I’m doing this, I’m doing this for the next generation because they’re looking at me as like what he’s going to do next and how can Chris Mack help me?” Mack said.
Through every order, Mack hopes to share that inspiration and continue to showcase what Black business owners can do.
“I hope that we just know that we can lean on each other," he said.
The month will conclude with the Gem City Black Business Month Awards, which will include awards for hustler of the year and entrepreneur of the year.