GEORGIA BUSINESS FOCUS: Black leaders unveil “Georgia Blackprint” to boost economic opportunity

Statewide gathering focuses on access to capital, business growth, and policy changes for Black entrepreneurs.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — As Georgia continues to experience economic growth, leaders across the state are working to ensure Black businesses also benefit from that prosperity. For the first time, the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus and the Georgia Coalition of Black Chambers united for a statewide event to create an agenda for economic opportunity and improved quality of life for Black Georgians. The event, called “The Georgia Blackprint: Prosperity Convening,” brought together lawmakers, entrepreneurs and policymakers to tackle challenges and highlight opportunities for Black citizens.

Key areas of focus included economic development, wealth creation, access to capital, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and small business growth. Georgia House Rep. Al Williams for district 168, said the main barrier to sustained economic prosperity for Black businesses in Georgia is access to capital. “You’ve got to have access. You’ve got to be able to borrow money.” Williams said.

Charise Stephens-Merriweather, Executive Director of the Georgia Coalition of Black Chambers, said companies are often apprehensive if applicants lack experience. She emphasized that working as a subcontractor is a good way to get started and build credibility. Stevens also stressed the importance of conducting market research and joining platforms such as Team Marketplace. “Even if you’re not ready to have a contract, you start getting emails. You start getting updates. You start understanding what government buys, and then my personal thing is, I want small businesses, black-owned businesses, to customize to the audience they’re trying to serve,” said Stephens.  

Another key policy issue discussed was the expansion of Medicaid. Williams argued that expanding Medicaid would support economic mobility by improving access to health care for uninsured workers and their families, which in turn would benefit small businesses.

As the event concluded, leaders encouraged new business owners to seek out support and mentorship, from the Black Chamber of Commerce as a first good step.