Local Business owners will have a chance to expand their customer outreach during National Black Business Month, celebrated every August in an upcoming event sponsored by the African American Business Association (ABBA). The association will host the Elevate Business Expo from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Holiday Inn and Suites, 1471 Rock Creek Blvd., Joliet.
In addition to the Expo, The African American Business Association invites small business owners and those aspiring to own a business to a business entrepreneurship workshop from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23 at the same location.
Event planner Charlene “Char” Boyd of BP Events said 2024 marks the fourth year the business expo will highlight businesses in Will County. At least 75 businesses representing Will County will participate.
“Elevate is a time for local businesses to share their goods and services with the community,” Boyd said. “Our goal is to lift businesses and connect them with new customers.”
Ebony Park, who has owned Alina Rae Jewelry for three years, said the expo allows small business owners like hers to promote their products to customers in person. She has been selling her jewelry on her Facebook page and would like to expand to a wider audience.
“The Expo is always a positive atmosphere, and it makes you feel good that someone cares about the hard work you are putting into your business,” Park said. “Participating in these events allows myself and others to network and to reach a broader audience. It also creates an opportunity for you to learn from other more established business owners on how to increase sales.”
Dellanise Catchings, who has owned 2 Wonderful Things in Joliet for three years, said she always looks forward to the expo. Catchings sells earrings made from different materials at Krown Lux Boutique, 1321 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. Her earrings are also available on Etsy and on her Instagram and Facebook pages.
“I have participated in Elevate because it was a great opportunity to get my business out there to get new customers,” Catchings said. “I’ve had returning customers throughout the three years of my business, and I believe in Char and her vision for small businesses to put them on a bigger platform.
“When I did my first Elevate in 2022 at the Slammer Stadium, I was very shy and afraid of how people would perceive my business, but from that point on I earned confidence and pushed forward in my business, and I am so glad for that opportunity and all that it taught me.”
The event is held during National Black Business Month in August, which spotlights African American owned businesses. Boyd emphasizes that the expo is open to every business owner in Will County, not just to African Americans. “It’s an opportunity to reach a broader audience, “Boyd said.
According to the American Communities Survey compiled by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO), African Americans make up 14 percent of the population, yet they own 11 percent of all businesses in Illinois. Black businesses employ more than 175,000 people and generate $8 billion in economic activity each year.
Last year’s report showed 12.2 percent were professional businesses; 8.98 percent were retail; 6.77 percent were personal services; 10.75 percent were food and restaurants; and 9.72 percent provide education and social services.
Sadly, the report also showed that eight out of 10 Black-owned businesses fail within the first 18 months.
