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	<title>Business &#8211; BBR | Black Business Review</title>
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	<title>Business &#8211; BBR | Black Business Review</title>
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		<title>Latriece Watkins Makes History as First Black Woman to Lead Sam’s Club as President and CEO</title>
		<link>https://blackbusinessreview.net/latriece-watkins-first-black-woman-ceo-sams-club/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Black Business Review]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2026 14:33:56 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blackbusinessreview.net/?p=6219</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[From a Walmart internship in 1997 to the top executive position at one of America&#8217;s largest membership warehouse retailers, Watkins&#8217; nearly three-decade journey demonstrates the power of perseverance, strategic leadership and professional growth. October 20, 2026 &#124; Black Business Review Latriece Watkins has reached a historic milestone in corporate America, becoming the first African American [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">From a Walmart internship in 1997 to the top executive position at one of America&#8217;s largest membership warehouse retailers, Watkins&#8217; nearly three-decade journey demonstrates the power of perseverance, strategic leadership and professional growth.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">October 20, 2026 | Black Business Review</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Latriece Watkins has reached a historic milestone in corporate America, becoming the first African American woman to serve as president and chief executive officer of Sam&#8217;s Club U.S., effective February 1, 2026.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Latriece Watkins is paving the way for future generations through her groundbreaking achievements.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This appointment of Latriece Watkins signifies a shift in corporate culture, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Watkins&#8217; unique perspective as a Black woman adds tremendous value to the Sam&#8217;s Club leadership team.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Her appointment represents more than a significant career achievement. It marks an important moment for <a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/black-owned-golf-courses/">Black women</a> in corporate leadership and highlights the value of developing executive talent from within an organization.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Watkins&#8217; journey from a Walmart intern to the executive suite spans nearly three decades, illustrating how consistency, adaptability and a deep understanding of business operations can create opportunities at the highest levels of corporate America.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Latriece Watkins exemplifies how determination and hard work can lead to significant milestones in corporate America.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From College Graduate to Corporate Executive</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Watkins&#8217; professional foundation began with a strong academic background.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">She earned a bachelor&#8217;s degree in political science from Spelman College, the historically Black women&#8217;s college in Atlanta known for developing generations of accomplished leaders.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">She subsequently earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law, adding legal training to an educational foundation that would prove valuable throughout her business career.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In 1997, Watkins began her professional journey at Walmart as an intern.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What started as an early career opportunity eventually developed into a nearly 30-year relationship with one of the world&#8217;s largest retail organizations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Latriece Watkins: A Trailblazer in Corporate Leadership</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rather than following a single management track, Watkins gained experience across several critical areas of Walmart&#8217;s operations, including real estate, merchandising, people management and Sam&#8217;s Club operations.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That broad exposure helped prepare her for the complexities of leading a major retail business.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/image-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6222" srcset="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/image-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/image-150x150.png 150w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/image-300x300.png 300w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/image-768x768.png 768w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/image.png 1254w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Building Leadership Experience Across Walmart</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Watkins&#8217; career reflects the importance of understanding a company from multiple perspectives.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Her work in real estate provided experience with the physical infrastructure and strategic investments necessary to support a nationwide retail operation.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Her leadership responsibilities in merchandising exposed her to product selection, customer demand, supplier relationships and the commercial decisions that influence retail performance.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Meanwhile, her experience in people management and operations strengthened her understanding of organizational leadership, workforce development and customer service.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">These experiences are particularly relevant in the warehouse club industry, where success depends on balancing competitive pricing, merchandise quality, membership value and operational efficiency.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">By developing expertise across different business functions, Watkins positioned herself to understand not simply how individual departments operate, but how they contribute to the overall performance of a large enterprise.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Historic Moment for Black Women in Business</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Watkins&#8217; appointment carries significance beyond Sam&#8217;s Club.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Black women have historically faced barriers to advancement into senior corporate leadership, particularly at the chief executive level of major American businesses.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Her rise demonstrates the potential impact of sustained professional development, executive sponsorship, organizational opportunity and demonstrated business leadership.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With Latriece Watkins at the helm, Sam&#8217;s Club is poised to excel in meeting customer needs and expectations.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It also reinforces the importance of representation in positions where strategic decisions are made.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For aspiring executives, entrepreneurs and young professionals, Watkins&#8217; career offers a powerful example of what long-term career development can produce.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Her path did not depend on becoming an overnight success. Instead, it was built through years of professional experience, increasing responsibility and exposure to different areas of business.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Leading Sam&#8217;s Club Into Its Next Chapter</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As president and CEO of Sam&#8217;s Club U.S., Watkins assumes responsibility for a major membership-based retail business operating in a highly competitive industry.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The company competes through a business model built around membership loyalty, merchandise value, convenience and operational efficiency.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The warehouse club sector continues to evolve as consumers demand competitive prices, seamless digital shopping experiences and greater convenience.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For Watkins, the leadership challenge involves strengthening the company&#8217;s competitive position while maintaining the membership experience that supports its business model.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Her background in merchandising, operations and workforce leadership provides experience relevant to those priorities.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Her appointment also reflects the potential advantages of promoting leaders who understand an organization&#8217;s culture, operational systems and customers through years of direct experience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Business Lesson: Consistency Creates Opportunity</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Watkins&#8217; story is the length and breadth of her professional journey.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Beginning as an intern in 1997 and reaching the CEO position in 2026 represents approximately 29 years of career development.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">During that period, she built experience across multiple disciplines rather than limiting herself to one specialty.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For professionals seeking executive leadership positions, her journey offers several lessons: develop expertise, embrace challenging assignments, understand how the entire business operates and remain prepared for opportunities to assume greater responsibility.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For companies, her career highlights the strategic importance of internal leadership development and creating pathways for talented employees to advance.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As she leads Sam&#8217;s Club, Latriece Watkins&#8217; commitment to excellence will shine through in every aspect of the business.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Latriece Watkins&#8217; journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders across all industries.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Watkins&#8217; story also challenges the idea that professional success must happen quickly.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Some of the most consequential leadership achievements emerge through decades of preparation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Legacy Still Being Written</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Latriece Watkins&#8217; appointment as the first Black woman to lead Sam&#8217;s Club U.S. is both a personal milestone and a significant moment in the broader story of corporate leadership.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Her progression from intern to president and CEO demonstrates how education, professional discipline and broad operational experience can intersect to create extraordinary career opportunities.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As she leads Sam&#8217;s Club into its next chapter, her performance will ultimately be measured by the company&#8217;s business results, competitive position and ability to deliver value to its members.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">But the historical significance of her appointment is already clear.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For the next generation of Black women entering corporate America, Watkins&#8217; career provides a visible example of leadership possibilities at the highest levels of business.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">From intern to CEO, Latriece Watkins&#8217; journey is a reminder that leadership is not simply about reaching the top. It is about the years of preparation that make reaching the top possible.</p>


<div class="wp-block-rank-math-related-posts rank-math-related-posts rank-math-related-grid-vertical" data-layout="grid-vertical"><h2 class="rank-math-related-heading">Related Posts</h2><div class="rank-math-related-wrap"><article class="rank-math-related-item"><a class="rank-math-related-thumb" href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/dr-joy-rohadfox-we-mean-business-summit-5/"><img decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-11-2026-01_00_57-PM-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Dr. Joy Rohadfox" /></a><h3 class="rank-math-related-title"><a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/dr-joy-rohadfox-we-mean-business-summit-5/">Dr. Joy Rohadfox Brings 50 Years of Construction Leadership to We Mean Business Summit 5</a></h3><div class="rank-math-related-excerpt">Rohadfox Corporation’s president and CEO will join women leaders in St. Thomas for three days of strategy, connection and candid conversations about business growth. Anyone who still believes construction is a man’s world has not met Dr. Joy Rohadfox. Dr. Joy Rohadfox is an inspiration to many young women in the construction industry. Under the [&hellip;]</div></article><article class="rank-math-related-item"><a class="rank-math-related-thumb" href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/orbit-professional-network-black-business/"><img decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-25-2026-09_16_38-AM-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Orbit professional network" /></a><h3 class="rank-math-related-title"><a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/orbit-professional-network-black-business/">BLACK BUSINESS REVIEW INTRODUCES ORBIT, A NEW PROFESSIONAL NETWORK BUILT TO CONNECT BLACK BUSINESS LEADERS</a></h3><div class="rank-math-related-excerpt">Early-access platform will bring entrepreneurs, executives, investors and professionals together around relationships, opportunities, jobs and business growth BALTIMORE — Black Business Review today announced Orbit, a new digital professional network designed to help Black entrepreneurs, executives, investors and business professionals build meaningful relationships, exchange opportunities and grow their influence. Why Choose Orbit for Your Professional [&hellip;]</div></article><article class="rank-math-related-item"><a class="rank-math-related-thumb" href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/spencer-sonn-pick-n-pay-ceo-designate/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/a81be338-c9a0-465e-832d-1f2059b26913-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" /></a><h3 class="rank-math-related-title"><a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/spencer-sonn-pick-n-pay-ceo-designate/">Pick n Pay Taps Spencer Sonn to Lead One of South Africa’s Biggest Retail Turnarounds</a></h3><div class="rank-math-related-excerpt">The Woolworths veteran will join as CEO-designate in February 2027, beginning an extended leadership transition as Pick n Pay works to restore its supermarket business. By Black Business Review CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Pick n Pay has selected veteran retail executive Spencer Sonn as its next chief executive, placing an experienced grocery operator at [&hellip;]</div></article></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Alexis Coates Consulting Launches AlexisCoates.com</title>
		<link>https://blackbusinessreview.net/alexis-coates-consulting/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Black Business Review]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2026 02:17:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blackbusinessreview.net/?p=6195</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Baltimore, MD &#8212; Alexis Coates, founder of Alexis Coates Consulting, today announced the launch of alexiscoates.com, the new online home of his consulting practice. The site brings together more than 15 years of consulting experience and 12 years of owning and operating businesses, offering AI adoption and enablement, business strategy and growth, and agile delivery [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Baltimore, MD &mdash;</strong> Alexis Coates, founder of Alexis Coates Consulting, today announced the launch of <a href="https://alexiscoates.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">alexiscoates.com</a>, the new online home of his consulting practice. The site brings together more than 15 years of consulting experience and 12 years of owning and operating businesses, offering AI adoption and enablement, business strategy and growth, and agile delivery leadership to small businesses, government contractors, and organizations in the middle of change.</p>
<p><a href="https://orbit.blackbusinessreview.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad.png" alt="Join Orbit by BBR" /></a></p>
<h2>The Alexis Coates Consulting Approach: Assess, Align, Advance</h2>
<p>The practice is built on a simple three-step methodology &mdash; Assess, Align, Advance. Engagements begin with an honest assessment of where a business stands, align its people, processes and priorities around a practical plan, and advance in measured steps that produce results the business can see. Coates holds certifications in ITIL V3, ISO/IEC 20000, Scrum (Scrum Master) and Product Ownership, and has spent his career working at the intersection of technology delivery and business leadership.</p>
<h2>Four Problems, Practical Solutions</h2>
<p>That approach is already being put to work on the problems owners bring to the practice every week:</p>
<p><strong>The overextended owner-operator.</strong> In many small businesses, the owner personally carries scheduling, follow-up emails, invoicing reminders and a dozen other routine tasks. The solution starts with an AI Efficiency Audit to find the hours hiding in that routine work, then introduces practical AI tools and simple automations for drafting, scheduling and follow-up &mdash; returning time to the owner for the work only they can do.</p>
<p><strong>The team whose projects always run late.</strong> When delivery depends on heroics instead of a system, deadlines slip and clients feel it. The solution is an agile delivery reset: disciplined intake &mdash; supported by CoreLex Intake, the agile intake application Coates built &mdash; a steady sprint cadence, and clear product ownership, so work becomes visible, prioritized and predictable.</p>
<p><strong>The owner who knows AI matters but can&rsquo;t separate signal from hype.</strong> With hundreds of tools competing for attention and budget, the wrong purchase is easy and the right first step is unclear. The solution is a structured assessment scored by impact and effort, a written AI use policy that keeps the business and its data protected, and a sequenced 90-day plan that starts with the few use cases that pay back fastest.</p>
<p><strong>The government contractor working under federal scrutiny.</strong> Contractors and the agencies they serve operate under compliance requirements, heavy reporting burdens and deadlines that do not move. The solution pairs service management grounded in ITIL and ISO/IEC 20000 with agile delivery discipline, and adds practical AI support for documentation, status reporting and proposal work &mdash; so teams meet the standard, can prove they met it, and deliver on schedule.</p>
<figure><img decoding="async" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/alexiscoates-usecases-square.jpg" alt="Four Problems, Practical Solutions — the use cases Alexis Coates Consulting is built to solve" /></figure>
<h2>A Flagship AI Course for Small Business Owners</h2>
<p>A centerpiece of the new site is &ldquo;AI for Small Business: The Practical Playbook,&rdquo; a flagship interactive online course from Alexis Coates Consulting. Across eight modules and 40 lessons and assessments, business owners learn to identify their best AI opportunities, apply AI to marketing, operations and customer experience, write a responsible AI use policy, and finish with a written 90-day AI action plan. The course includes quizzes with instant feedback, hands-on worksheets and a certificate of completion. Enrollment is now open at an early-bird price of $297.</p>
<p>To mark the launch, business owners can book a free 15-minute AI Efficiency Audit directly on the site &mdash; a focused phone call identifying where AI can save a business time and money, with no obligation.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>&ldquo;Most small business owners don&rsquo;t need more AI hype &mdash; they need a practitioner who will tell them honestly where AI helps, where it doesn&rsquo;t, and what to do first. That&rsquo;s what this practice has always been about: rigorous thinking, straight answers, and plans that survive contact with the real world. AlexisCoates.com simply puts that within everyone&rsquo;s reach.&rdquo; &mdash; Alexis Coates, Founder, Alexis Coates Consulting</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Books, Media and Ventures</h2>
<p>The site also showcases Coates&rsquo;s books, including &ldquo;12 Great Business Principles&rdquo; and &ldquo;12 Great Business Principles for Kids,&rdquo; part of a ten-book catalog available on Amazon. In addition to his consulting practice, Coates is the Founder and Publisher of <a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/">Black Business Review</a>, the digital business publication he has owned for 12 years; founder of Orbit by BBR, the professional community platform; founder and managing partner of Laundrifi Capital LLC; and founder of Coates Publishing.</p>
<p>Businesses interested in consulting services from Alexis Coates Consulting, the AI course, or a free AI Efficiency Audit can visit <a href="https://alexiscoates.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">alexiscoates.com</a> and book directly through the site&rsquo;s consultation section.</p>
<p>Join Orbit — where Black professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders connect, collaborate and turn opportunities into action. https://orbit.blackbusinessreview.net/</p>
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		<title>David Grain&#8217;s $8 Billion Spectrum Flip: How a Black Billionaire Turned $3.6B Into $8B in Two Months</title>
		<link>https://blackbusinessreview.net/david-grain-spacex-spectrum-deal/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Black Business Review]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2026 11:39:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blackbusinessreview.net/?p=6140</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The David Grain SpaceX spectrum deal may be the fastest flip in telecom history. In August 2026, David Grain bought a nationwide portfolio of 800 MHz wireless spectrum from T-Mobile for $2.9 billion in cash plus his firm’s 600 MHz licenses — an all-in cost of roughly $3.6 billion. Two months later, he agreed to [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The David Grain SpaceX spectrum deal may be the fastest flip in telecom history. In August 2026, David Grain bought a nationwide portfolio of 800 MHz wireless spectrum from T-Mobile for $2.9 billion in cash plus his firm’s 600 MHz licenses — an all-in cost of roughly $3.6 billion. Two months later, he agreed to sell that same spectrum to SpaceX for about $8 billion in cash.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That is a ~$4.4 billion gain in roughly eight weeks. And it may be the most instructive deal a Black founder has executed in public markets this decade.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://orbit.blackbusinessreview.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad.png" alt="Join Orbit today — the professional business network powered by Black Business Review — David Grain SpaceX spectrum deal"/></a></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The David Grain SpaceX Spectrum Deal</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On October 8, 2026, SpaceX announced a definitive agreement to acquire 100 percent of Grain Management’s nationwide 800 MHz spectrum portfolio — the David Grain SpaceX spectrum deal — up to 14 MHz of paired low-band frequencies covering the 817–824 MHz and 862–869 MHz ranges. The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reported the cash price at approximately $8 billion. The companies themselves did not disclose financial terms.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The spectrum fills the missing piece in SpaceX&#8217;s plan to turn Starlink into a full-fledged U.S. mobile carrier. Low-band 800 MHz airwaves travel long distances and penetrate buildings — exactly what satellite-only service cannot do. In SpaceX&#8217;s words, the deal &#8220;will pave the way for Starlink to become a major mobile carrier in the U.S.,&#8221; combining a next-generation satellite fleet with terrestrial towers for direct-to-device service that works everywhere, indoors included.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The transaction requires<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Federal Communications Commissio</a>n approval and other customary closing conditions before it can close.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Flip Nobody Saw Coming</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What makes the David Grain SpaceX spectrum deal remarkable is the timeline. Grain Management only acquired this exact 800 MHz portfolio from T-Mobile in August 2026 — paying $2.9 billion in cash plus the firm’s entire 600 MHz holdings. T-Mobile had agreed to the transfer in early 2025, and the deal closed in August.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Weeks later, Grain reportedly put the portfolio up for bid seeking around $6 billion, drawing preliminary interest from SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile. SpaceX landed it at roughly $8 billion — more than double Grain&#8217;s all-in cost, in about two months.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Telecom stocks felt it immediately: the announcement triggered a one-day, $39 billion wipeout across Verizon, AT&amp;T, and T-Mobile shares, as markets priced in a serious new competitor.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Is David Grain</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">David Grain is the founder and CEO of Grain Management, the private investment firm he started in 2007 that specializes in digital infrastructure — spectrum, fiber, towers, and data centers. Forbes puts his net worth at approximately $2.3 billion, making him one of a small group of Black billionaires in global finance.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">His path ran through Wall Street — Drexel Burnham Lambert, then Morgan Stanley — before he turned around a bankrupt tower company, growing it from 2,000 to more than 11,000 sites. His first fund took 185 meetings to raise. For nearly two decades, as he put it in the company&#8217;s statement on the SpaceX deal, Grain has &#8220;built Grain to see opportunity where others see complexity.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;Our spectrum expertise allows us to connect the strategic value of these assets with the technologies and operators that can realize their potential,&#8221; Grain said. &#8220;This agreement with SpaceX brings that capability to bear at extraordinary scale, with the potential to change where and how Americans connect.&#8221;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Playbook: 5 Lessons From the $8 Billion Flip</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>1. Buy from a motivated seller.</strong> T-Mobile was required to move the spectrum. A prior auction process fell short. Grain stayed ready — and bought at a price that left enormous room to run.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>2. Use what you own as currency.</strong> Grain didn&#8217;t just pay cash — it traded 600 MHz licenses T-Mobile was already leasing. The deal currency was strategic, not just financial.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>3. Buy with more than one exit.</strong> Before SpaceX ever called, utilities were already signing letters of intent around the spectrum. Grain wasn&#8217;t betting on a single buyer.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>4. Own the missing piece.</strong> SpaceX had satellites but needed signal that reaches inside buildings. Grain owned the fix — and strategic buyers pay premiums for the piece they can&#8217;t build themselves.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>5. The &#8220;2 months&#8221; took years.</strong> The T-Mobile transaction was announced in March 2025 and closed in August 2026. The flip looked fast; the positioning took nearly two decades. Patience built the premium.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Happens Next</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The David Grain SpaceX spectrum deal now goes to the FCC, a process that took roughly eight months on SpaceX’s earlier EchoStar transaction. If approved, SpaceX will hold a formidable spectrum position — on top of the $17 billion EchoStar purchase the FCC approved in May 2026 — as it builds Starlink Mobile into a genuine rival to the national carriers.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For Black business, the bigger story is the blueprint: deep sector expertise, patient capital, and the discipline to buy complexity at a discount and sell clarity at a premium. As Grain&#8217;s own career shows — and as <a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/black-entrepreneurs-worldwide-international-spotlight/">Black entrepreneurs building worldwide</a> keep proving — the biggest wins go to those who see the opportunity others walk past.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Join Orbit — where Black professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders connect, collaborate and turn opportunities into action. https://orbit.blackbusinessreview.net/</p>
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		<title>Wiz Khalifa Expands Khalifa Kush Into New York Through Strategic 36-Store Distribution Partnership</title>
		<link>https://blackbusinessreview.net/khalifa-kush-new-york-36-store-partnership/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Black Business Review]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2026 14:12:56 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blackbusinessreview.net/?p=6020</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Celebrity entrepreneur enters his 14th U.S. market as Khalifa Kush partners with Skyworld Cannabis to expand its national footprint. NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2026 — Grammy-nominated recording artist and entrepreneur Wiz Khalifa is expanding his business portfolio as his cannabis brand, Khalifa Kush, prepares to enter New York&#8217;s regulated cannabis market through a strategic partnership [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Celebrity entrepreneur enters his 14th U.S. market as Khalifa Kush partners with Skyworld Cannabis to expand its national footprint.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2026 — Grammy-nominated recording artist and entrepreneur Wiz Khalifa is expanding his business portfolio as his cannabis brand, Khalifa Kush, prepares to enter New York&#8217;s regulated cannabis market through a <a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/50-cent-business-empire-2026/">strategic partnership</a> with New York-based Skyworld Cannabis.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Announced October 14, the agreement will introduce Khalifa Kush products to 36 licensed dispensaries across New York beginning October 31, including seven locations in New York City.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The expansion marks Khalifa Kush&#8217;s entry into its 14th U.S. market and represents another milestone in the company&#8217;s strategy to build a nationally recognized consumer brand through partnerships with established local operators.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://orbit.blackbusinessreview.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad.png" alt="Join Orbit - Khalifa Kush New York"/></a></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">From Entertainment to Enterprise</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Best known for his success in the music industry, Wiz Khalifa has expanded his entrepreneurial interests beyond recording and entertainment into consumer products and brand development.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Khalifa Kush reflects a broader shift among celebrity entrepreneurs who are moving beyond traditional endorsement arrangements to develop businesses associated with their identities, audiences and long-term commercial ambitions.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The New York agreement illustrates how entertainment-driven brand recognition can be combined with regional infrastructure to pursue growth in highly regulated industries.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rather than building every operational component independently, Khalifa Kush is working with Skyworld to establish a local production and distribution presence.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Skyworld Partnership Provides Market Infrastructure</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Under the agreement, Skyworld Cannabis will provide cultivation and distribution services to support Khalifa Kush&#8217;s entry into New York.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The arrangement allows Khalifa Kush to leverage an established local operating partner while maintaining its national brand identity.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">New York presents a significant opportunity for consumer brands seeking access to a large and diverse marketplace. However, its regulated cannabis industry also requires companies to navigate licensing, production requirements, distribution arrangements and state oversight.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For Khalifa Kush, the partnership offers a market-entry structure built around local operational capabilities.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Building a National Consumer Brand</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The expansion into New York demonstrates the importance of distribution strategy in scaling consumer businesses.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While celebrity recognition can generate awareness, sustainable business growth requires access to markets, operational partnerships, product availability and consistent execution.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Khalifa Kush&#8217;s planned expansion to 36 retail locations represents a measurable increase in the company&#8217;s distribution footprint.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The seven New York City locations also position the brand within one of the country&#8217;s most visible consumer markets.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The announcement reinforces an important business principle: Brand recognition may open doors, but infrastructure and strategic partnerships help businesses enter new markets.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Broader Business Opportunity</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For Black entrepreneurs, the Khalifa Kush expansion provides a case study in leveraging intellectual property, personal brand equity and commercial partnerships to pursue growth.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The development also highlights how entrepreneurs operating in regulated industries can pursue geographic expansion without independently establishing every element of the supply chain.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Three business strategies stand out:</p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Leverage brand equity. An established public identity can support market awareness and business development.</li>



<li>Build strategic partnerships. Working with qualified regional operators can provide access to infrastructure and specialized expertise.</li>



<li>Expand through distribution. Market penetration depends on operational execution and relationships with licensed retail businesses.</li>
</ol>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">These principles extend beyond the cannabis industry into consumer packaged goods, beauty, apparel, food and beverage, and other competitive sectors.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What&#8217;s Next for Khalifa Kush?</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The company&#8217;s planned October 31 New York launch will represent the next step in its national expansion.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Key business developments to watch include the execution of the initial 36-store rollout, additional retail partnerships and whether the New York arrangement creates opportunities for further geographic growth.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The partnership also underscores the evolution of celebrity entrepreneurship, where commercial success increasingly depends on ownership structures, intellectual property, distribution networks and long-term business strategy.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For Wiz Khalifa, the move into New York is another chapter in building a consumer brand whose commercial reach extends beyond the music industry.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">About Khalifa Kush</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Khalifa Kush is a cannabis brand associated with recording artist and entrepreneur Wiz Khalifa. The company operates in regulated U.S. cannabis markets and pursues expansion through licensed industry partnerships.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Source: Khalifa Kush and Skyworld Cannabis announcement, October 14, 2026, distributed through <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PR Newswire</a>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Editorial coverage: Black Business Review | blackbusinessreview.net</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Editor&#8217;s note: This article reports on business expansion and industry developments. It does not endorse or promote cannabis consumption.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Related Posts</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/50-cent-business-empire-2026/">People on the Move: 50 Cent Continues Building an Empire Beyond Entertainment</a></li>



<li><a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/rihanna-fenty-empire-billion-dollar-blueprint/">Rihanna&#8217;s Billion-Dollar Blueprint: How Fenty Became a Modern Empire of Ownership, Influence, and Style</a></li>



<li><a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/orbit-professional-network-black-business/">Black Business Review Introduces ORBIT, a New Professional Network Built to Connect Black Business Leaders</a></li>
</ul>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Join Orbit — where Black professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders connect, collaborate and turn opportunities into action. https://orbit.blackbusinessreview.net/</p>
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		<title>Sensori&#8217;s $1M Raise: Shanna Pearre and Darean Rhodes Build the Sober-Curious Brand Without VC</title>
		<link>https://blackbusinessreview.net/sensori-shanna-pearre-1m-raise/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Black Business Review]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:05:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blackbusinessreview.net/?p=5990</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[In September 2026, three best friends did what the startup playbook says is nearly impossible: Sensori, their functional non-alcoholic beverage brand, closed a nearly $1M pre-seed round — oversubscribed, backed by more than 40 creators, athletes, and community investors, and built with zero venture capital. The Dallas-based brand, led by CEO Shanna Pearre and COO [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In September 2026, three best friends did what the startup playbook says is nearly impossible: Sensori, their functional non-alcoholic beverage brand, closed a nearly $1M pre-seed round — oversubscribed, backed by more than 40 creators, athletes, and community investors, and built with zero venture capital.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Dallas-based brand, led by CEO Shanna Pearre and COO Darean Rhodes alongside CMO Ashlyn Knox, is riding the sober-curious wave with mood-boosting beverages powered by kanna, blue lotus, adaptogens, and nootropics — crafted for modern social and self-care rituals. It is a brand built by three best friends who decided the alcohol-optional future needed better options.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://orbit.blackbusinessreview.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1254" height="1254" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad.png" alt="Join Orbit today — the professional business network powered by Black Business Review" class="wp-image-5879" srcset="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad.png 1254w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-300x300.png 300w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-150x150.png 150w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-768x768.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1254px) 100vw, 1254px" /></a></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three Friends, One Relaunch</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sensori was founded in 2024 and relaunched in September 2025 — and the relaunch caught fire. The brand sold 5,000 cans in its first three months, generating $25,000, then sold out completely in 115 days as TikTok virality took hold.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The momentum only accelerated from there. Sensori crossed $100,000 in revenue in the first quarter of 2026 — surpassing everything the brand earned in all of 2025. Two signature blends anchor the lineup: “Connect,” made for intimate moments, and “Play,” a Blood Orange Habanero blend built for social settings. Hero ingredients include kanna — a South African plant that stimulates serotonin — plus blue lotus, reishi, and lion’s mane.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Raise on Their Own Terms</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rather than chasing traditional venture capital, the founders turned to their community. The September 2026 pre-seed drew in dozens of creators, athletes, and what the team calls “everyday corporate baddies” — people who believe in the brand and actually drink the product.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">They also brought in heavyweight guidance: Jacqueline Harrill, Poppi’s former VP of Sales Operations — the executive who helped grow Poppi from $20 million to $400 million — joined as a strategic advisor. The brand was also named a finalist in AT&amp;T’s Small Business Contest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What’s Next</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The founders expect Sensori to cross $1 million in revenue in 2026, with an institutional raise eyed for 2027. Covered by AfroTech, Black Enterprise, Inc., and Essence, the brand has become a case study in community-powered fundraising — proof that the best cap table can be the community itself.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The sober-curious movement keeps growing, and Sensori sits squarely in its sweet spot: functional ingredients, striking branding, and a community that markets the product for them. By raising from creators and customers instead of venture firms, Pearre, Rhodes, and Knox kept control of the brand they built — and turned their earliest believers into their earliest investors. That is a fundraising model worth watching.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Follow Sensori’s journey on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shannawatkins_onward-and-upward-sensori-is-on-such-a-activity-7452829000407875585-la35" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LinkedIn</a>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Related reading: Black Business Review’s <a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/black-entrepreneurs-worldwide-international-spotlight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">international spotlight on Black entrepreneurs worldwide</a>.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Never Miss a Black Business Win</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Get BBR&#8217;s free weekly newsletter — success stories, funding news, and opportunities for Black entrepreneurs.</p>


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		<title>Revenue Stuck? 10 Proven Strategies to Break Through Flat Business Growth</title>
		<link>https://blackbusinessreview.net/how-to-increase-business-revenue/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Black Business Review]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:39:20 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Artificial Intelligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Revenue Growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sales Strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blackbusinessreview.net/?p=6006</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Revenue growth is the lifeblood of every successful business. Yet thousands of entrepreneurs face a frustrating reality: their companies remain operational, customers continue purchasing products and services, and employees stay busy — but revenue refuses to grow. If you want to learn how to increase business revenue when growth stalls, start by understanding the plateau. [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Revenue growth is the lifeblood of every successful business. Yet thousands of entrepreneurs face a frustrating reality: their companies remain operational, customers continue purchasing products and services, and employees stay busy — but revenue refuses to grow. If you want to learn how to increase business revenue when growth stalls, start by understanding the plateau.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This phenomenon, often called a revenue plateau, can affect businesses of every size, from neighborhood retailers to established consulting firms and multimillion-dollar enterprises — including <a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/black-entrepreneurs-worldwide-international-spotlight/">Black entrepreneurs building global businesses</a>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The good news is that flat revenue does not necessarily mean a business is failing. However, it often signals that the strategies responsible for earlier success are no longer sufficient to drive the next stage of growth.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The solution is not always working harder. Sometimes, it requires changing how the business operates, markets its services and creates value for customers.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">10 Strategies to Increase Business Revenue</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here are 10 strategies entrepreneurs can implement to move beyond stagnant revenue and build a stronger financial future.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Reevaluate Your Business Model</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is assuming the business model that worked five years ago will continue producing the same results. Markets change. Customer expectations evolve. Competitors introduce new products and technology transforms entire industries.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Business owners should regularly evaluate three fundamental questions: Are we solving a problem customers are willing to pay for? Are our products and services priced appropriately? Are we reaching the customers most likely to purchase?</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A business generating $250,000 annually may discover that its greatest growth opportunity is not acquiring hundreds of new customers but developing higher-value services for its existing customer base.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Growth strategy: Identify your three most profitable products or services and determine how to increase sales without significantly increasing operating expenses.</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Stop Selling Products and Start Selling Solutions</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Customers rarely purchase products simply because a company offers them. They purchase solutions to problems. A marketing agency should not merely sell advertisements. It should demonstrate how its services help clients generate leads, strengthen brand recognition and increase sales. Similarly, a consulting firm should focus less on billable hours and more on measurable business outcomes.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When customers understand the financial value of a solution, businesses can often command stronger pricing and develop longer-term relationships.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Growth strategy: Rewrite your primary sales message to emphasize the customer&#8217;s desired outcome rather than the features of your product.</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Increase Revenue From Existing Customers</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Acquiring new customers is important, but overlooking existing customers can be an expensive mistake. Current customers already understand your brand, have experience with your services and may be willing to purchase additional offerings.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Consider introducing premium packages, annual service agreements, subscriptions, complementary products or customer loyalty incentives.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For example, a business with 100 customers spending an average of $1,000 annually generates $100,000 in revenue. Increasing average annual customer spending to $1,500 would produce $150,000, assuming the same 100 customers continue purchasing. That represents a 50% revenue increase without expanding the customer base.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Growth strategy: Develop at least one additional service or package specifically for existing customers.</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Examine Your Pricing Strategy</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Many entrepreneurs underprice their products because they fear losing customers. However, maintaining prices while labor, technology, insurance and operating costs increase can gradually erode profitability.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A thoughtful pricing adjustment can improve revenue without requiring additional sales volume. Consider a company generating $200,000 annually. A 10% price increase, with sales volume remaining unchanged, would generate approximately $20,000 in additional annual revenue.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Of course, price increases should reflect customer demand, competitive positioning and the value delivered.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Growth strategy: Conduct a pricing review and test modest increases on selected products or service packages.</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. Build a Consistent Sales Pipeline</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Revenue stagnation frequently results from inconsistent sales activity. Some businesses market aggressively when revenue declines but stop prospecting when business improves. This creates unpredictable sales cycles and unnecessary financial pressure.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Successful companies treat business development as a continuous process. Establish weekly goals for qualified leads, prospect conversations, proposals, follow-ups and closed sales. Use a customer relationship management system to track opportunities and identify where potential customers are dropping out of the sales process.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Growth strategy: Set a weekly target for qualified prospect conversations and review your sales pipeline every Friday.</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/10-Step-Revenue-Growth-Roadmap-683x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6010" srcset="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/10-Step-Revenue-Growth-Roadmap-683x1024.png 683w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/10-Step-Revenue-Growth-Roadmap-200x300.png 200w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/10-Step-Revenue-Growth-Roadmap-768x1152.png 768w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/10-Step-Revenue-Growth-Roadmap.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">6. Create Strategic Partnerships</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Businesses do not have to pursue growth alone. Strategic partnerships can introduce companies to new markets, customers and distribution channels without requiring significant advertising investments.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A financial consulting firm might partner with an accounting company. A technology provider could collaborate with a professional association. A media company might use a <a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/press-release-service-black-businesses/">press release service</a> to develop sponsorship relationships with corporations seeking access to specialized audiences.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The strongest partnerships create measurable value for both organizations.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Growth strategy: Identify five businesses or organizations serving your ideal customers and propose a mutually beneficial partnership.</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">7. Use Artificial Intelligence to Improve Productivity</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Artificial intelligence is creating opportunities for businesses to improve operations, strengthen customer service and reduce repetitive administrative work. Entrepreneurs can use AI to support lead qualification, marketing content development, customer inquiries, sales analysis and internal reporting.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, adopting AI should not become another expensive technology experiment. Business owners should begin with specific operational problems and establish measurable goals.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For example, reducing proposal preparation time from four hours to one hour could allow a consulting company to respond to more opportunities without immediately hiring additional employees.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Growth strategy: Identify three repetitive business activities and evaluate whether AI can reduce the time or cost required to complete them.</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">8. Strengthen Your Brand and Market Position</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Businesses struggling with stagnant revenue sometimes have a visibility problem rather than a product problem. Potential customers cannot purchase from companies they do not know exist.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A strong brand communicates credibility, expertise and a clear reason customers should choose one company over another. Businesses should evaluate their websites, social media presence, customer testimonials, search visibility and thought leadership activities.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Publishing informative articles, sharing success stories and participating in industry discussions can strengthen credibility and attract prospective customers.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Growth strategy: Develop a 90-day visibility campaign that includes consistent content, customer success stories and targeted outreach.</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">9. Measure the Numbers That Actually Matter</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Revenue alone does not tell the complete story of business performance. A company can increase sales while simultaneously reducing profitability. Business owners should monitor monthly revenue, gross profit margin, customer acquisition cost, customer retention rate, average transaction value, sales conversion rate and cash flow.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Tracking these numbers helps leaders distinguish between problems involving demand, pricing, customer retention and operating efficiency.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Growth strategy: Create a simple weekly dashboard and review performance against monthly targets.</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">10. Develop a 90-Day Revenue Growth Plan</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the most effective ways to overcome stagnant revenue is to replace vague growth ambitions with measurable action. A 90-day plan provides enough time to test new strategies while maintaining urgency and accountability.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Days 1–30: Diagnose the problem.</strong> Analyze revenue trends, customer purchasing patterns, pricing, profit margins and sales pipeline performance. Identify the three biggest barriers to growth.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Days 31–60: Execute new strategies.</strong> Introduce targeted sales campaigns, test improved pricing, reconnect with existing customers and pursue strategic partnerships.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Days 61–90: Measure and scale.</strong> Evaluate conversion rates, customer spending, recurring revenue and profitability. Expand the initiatives producing measurable results and eliminate ineffective activities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why is my business revenue flat?</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Revenue typically plateaus when the strategies that drove early growth stop working: the market shifts, pricing lags behind costs, or sales activity becomes inconsistent. A flat top line is a signal to diagnose the business model, pricing and pipeline — not necessarily a sign of failure.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How can a small business increase revenue?</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Start with existing customers through premium packages and loyalty offers, review pricing against rising costs, build a consistent weekly sales pipeline, and pursue strategic partnerships. Small, deliberate improvements across pricing, retention and visibility compound into meaningful growth.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What is a 90-day revenue growth plan?</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A focused sprint: 30 days diagnosing revenue trends and barriers, 30 days executing new pricing, sales and partnership strategies, and 30 days measuring results and scaling what works.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Bottom Line: Growth Requires a Different Approach</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the most important lessons in entrepreneurship is that activity does not automatically produce progress. A business owner can work 60 hours a week, attend networking events, post daily on social media and still experience flat revenue. The critical question is whether those activities produce measurable financial results.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Breaking through a revenue plateau requires disciplined leadership, stronger customer relationships, strategic pricing, consistent sales execution and a willingness to challenge outdated assumptions.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Businesses that successfully navigate stagnant growth rarely rely on one dramatic breakthrough. Instead, they make a series of deliberate improvements that collectively produce stronger financial performance.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The ultimate goal is not simply to generate more revenue. It is to build a more profitable, resilient and scalable business. Because in business, standing still may feel comfortable — but sustainable success requires knowing when to change direction.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Join Orbit — where Black professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders connect, collaborate and turn opportunities into action. <a href="https://orbit.blackbusinessreview.net/">https://orbit.blackbusinessreview.net/</a></p>


<div class="wp-block-rank-math-related-posts rank-math-related-posts rank-math-related-grid-vertical" data-layout="grid-vertical"><h2 class="rank-math-related-heading">Related Posts</h2><div class="rank-math-related-wrap"><article class="rank-math-related-item"><a class="rank-math-related-thumb" href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/camille-carter-madison-black-restaurant-week-2026/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-11-2026-10_23_28-AM-1-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Camille Carter" /></a><h3 class="rank-math-related-title"><a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/camille-carter-madison-black-restaurant-week-2026/">Camille Carter Leads Madison Black Restaurant Week Into Its 11th Year, Turning Black Business Month Into Customer Revenue</a></h3><div class="rank-math-related-excerpt">BBR Power Move Score: 94/100 MADISON, Wis. — Black Business Month can generate plenty of recognition for Black entrepreneurs. Camille Carter and the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce are focused on something even more tangible: getting customers through the doors of Black-owned businesses and putting dollars into their cash registers. Camille Carter is passionate about [&hellip;]</div></article><article class="rank-math-related-item"><a class="rank-math-related-thumb" href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/tiffany-bethea-urges-black-women-founders-to-turn-resilience-into-revenue-tiffany-bethea/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-30-2026-08_59_14-AM-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" /></a><h3 class="rank-math-related-title"><a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/tiffany-bethea-urges-black-women-founders-to-turn-resilience-into-revenue-tiffany-bethea/">Tiffany Bethea Urges Black Women Founders to Turn Resilience Into Revenue</a></h3><div class="rank-math-related-excerpt">In her Lead Out Loud newsletter, Bethea connects economic ownership with a practical challenge: building businesses that can support the women behind them. By Black Business Review Tiffany Bethea is asking Black and Brown women entrepreneurs to move beyond the language of resilience and focus on the mechanics of building stronger businesses. Tiffany Bethea emphasizes [&hellip;]</div></article><article class="rank-math-related-item"><a class="rank-math-related-thumb" href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/rihanna-fenty-empire-billion-dollar-blueprint/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ChatGPT-Image-Jun-29-2026-08_37_01-AM-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Rihanna Fenty empire" /></a><h3 class="rank-math-related-title"><a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/rihanna-fenty-empire-billion-dollar-blueprint/">Rihanna’s Billion-Dollar Blueprint: How Fenty Became a Modern Empire of Ownership, Influence, and Strategic Power</a></h3><div class="rank-math-related-excerpt">Opening: The Facts Behind the Rihanna Fenty empire The Rihanna Fenty empire is a testament to innovation and entrepreneurship. With the rise of the Rihanna Fenty empire, she has shown that music and business can blend seamlessly. The Rihanna Fenty empire is not just a beauty line; it represents a cultural shift in how we [&hellip;]</div></article></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>5 Business Deals and Money Moves to Watch This Week</title>
		<link>https://blackbusinessreview.net/weekend-business-deals-watch/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Black Business Review]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 11 Oct 2026 08:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blackbusinessreview.net/?p=5848</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[From AI infrastructure to the great small-business handoff, here are the business deals to watch this week — and what each one means for Black entrepreneurs and investors. The fourth quarter is where business years are won or lost. As October gets underway, boardrooms are finalizing budgets, investors are positioning for year-end, and the deal [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">From AI infrastructure to the great small-business handoff, here are the business deals to watch this week — and what each one means for Black entrepreneurs and investors.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The fourth quarter is where business years are won or lost. As October gets underway, boardrooms are finalizing budgets, investors are positioning for year-end, and the deal market rarely sleeps — even on weekends. You don&#8217;t need a trading terminal to stay ahead. You need to know which business deals to watch actually touch your money.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here are five business deals to watch worth your attention.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://orbit.blackbusinessreview.net/" target="_blank" rel=" noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-1024x1024.png" alt="Join Orbit today — the professional business network powered by Black Business Review" class="wp-image-5879" srcset="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-300x300.png 300w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-150x150.png 150w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-768x768.png 768w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad.png 1254w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. The AI infrastructure buildout: business deals to watch</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The signal. The artificial-intelligence boom has become a construction boom. The world&#8217;s largest technology companies continue committing enormous sums to data centers, advanced chips, and the power grid required to run them — and the ripple effects reach nearly every industry, from real estate to energy to skilled trades.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Why it matters for you. You don&#8217;t need to build a chatbot to benefit from the AI trade. Data centers need construction firms, electricians, HVAC contractors, security providers, and facilities managers. Grid upgrades need engineering talent. Every wave of announced infrastructure spending eventually becomes contracts — and contracts are where Black-owned firms in construction, logistics, and professional services can compete and win. If your business can serve as a vendor or subcontractor to this buildout, now is the time to get certified, get bonded, and get in the room on these business deals to watch.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Watch for: new data-center announcements in your region, utility partnership news, and local economic development incentives tied to tech infrastructure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. All eyes on the cost of capital</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The signal. Markets head into the weekend watching for signals on where interest rates go next. The direction of borrowing costs shapes everything from small-business loan payments to commercial real estate to whether large mergers get financed at all.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Why it matters for you. For most Black founders, debt — not venture capital — is the primary fuel for growth. Research has long shown that Black entrepreneurs lean more heavily on loans and personal capital than on outside equity. That makes interest rates personal: a single percentage point on a business loan is real money every single month. If you&#8217;ve been considering refinancing, expanding with borrowed funds, or buying commercial property, the rate environment deserves a line item in your planning — not an afterthought.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Watch for: commentary from <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Federal Reserve</a> officials, movement in bond markets, and any shifts in small-business lending activity. Your banker is also a source — ask what they&#8217;re seeing from the inside.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Black capital keeps building</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The signal. The ecosystem of Black-led capital keeps growing: <a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/mf-bank-optus-bank-merger-november-closing/">Black-owned banks</a>, community development financial institutions, and investment funds focused on founders the mainstream market overlooks. In recent years, several Black-owned banks have reported meaningful deposit growth as consumers and companies moved money with intention.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Why it matters for you. Capital is a network. Every new fund and every stronger Black-owned bank widens the set of doors a Black founder can knock on. If you&#8217;re raising, these institutions belong on your target list alongside traditional lenders. If you&#8217;re in a position to invest, backing diverse fund managers is one of the highest-leverage ways to keep wealth circulating inside the community.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Watch for: new fund launches, bank partnership announcements, and corporate deposit commitments. Follow the money — literally — because these are business deals to watch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. The great small-business handoff</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The signal. A generation of baby-boomer business owners is heading for retirement, and thousands of profitable small businesses — plumbing companies, logistics firms, manufacturers, distributors — need new owners. Buying an existing business, sometimes called entrepreneurship through acquisition, is having a well-deserved moment.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Why it matters for you. Acquiring a business with customers, revenue, and trained staff can be a faster path to wealth than starting from zero. Government-backed acquisition loans exist precisely for this purpose, and retiring sellers often finance part of the deal themselves. For Black entrepreneurs underserved by the traditional startup-funding narrative, acquisition is an underused on-ramp to ownership — one that builds on cash flow from day one.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Watch for: business-for-sale listings in your metro area, lender workshops on acquisition financing, and retiring owners inside your own network. Some of the best business deals to watch never reach a public listing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. The business of culture keeps appreciating</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The signal. Assets built on culture — sports franchises, music catalogs, media properties, creator-led businesses — continue to command remarkable valuations. The pattern holds: culture creates the value, but ownership captures it.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Why it matters for you. Black culture drives an outsized share of American entertainment, sports, and style, yet ownership stakes remain disproportionately small. The real wealth play isn&#8217;t participation — it&#8217;s equity. That can mean investing in media and entertainment ventures, building a creator business with genuine enterprise value, or simply understanding how intellectual property works before signing anything away.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Watch for: media rights deals, minority-stake sales in sports teams, and catalog transactions. Each one reprices what culture is worth — and signals where the next business deals to watch will sit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The takeaway: make one money move before Monday</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Information only pays when it changes behavior. Before the weekend is over, pick one of these business deals to watch:</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Audit your debt. Pull up your business loans and credit lines and know your rates cold. If refinancing could save you real money, put a call with your banker on next week&#8217;s calendar.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Browse one acquisition listing. Spend thirty minutes looking at businesses for sale. You&#8217;re not buying this weekend — you&#8217;re training your eye for what good businesses sell for.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Follow the capital. Identify one Black-led fund, community lender, or Black-owned bank you didn&#8217;t know about last week. Every valuable introduction starts with awareness.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The owners and investors who build lasting wealth aren&#8217;t the ones who track everything. They&#8217;re the ones who act on the few business deals to watch that matter most.</p>


<div class="wp-block-rank-math-related-posts rank-math-related-posts rank-math-related-grid-vertical" data-layout="grid-vertical"><h2 class="rank-math-related-heading">Related Posts</h2><div class="rank-math-related-wrap"><article class="rank-math-related-item"><a class="rank-math-related-thumb" href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/marketing-pr-expert-dr-pam-perry-releases-powerful-visibility-message-nobody-knows-what-you-do-and-your-confusing-branding-may-be-the-reason/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/dr-pam-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" /></a><h3 class="rank-math-related-title"><a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/marketing-pr-expert-dr-pam-perry-releases-powerful-visibility-message-nobody-knows-what-you-do-and-your-confusing-branding-may-be-the-reason/">Marketing &amp; PR Expert Dr. Pam Perry Releases Powerful Visibility Message: “Nobody Knows What You Do — And Your Confusing Branding May Be the Reason</a></h3><div class="rank-math-related-excerpt">Veteran publicist, branding strategist, and media coach Dr. Pam Perry is challenging entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches, and business owners to rethink the way they present themselves online with her latest thought leadership message, “Nobody Knows What You Do — And Your Confusing Branding May Be the Reason.” Published through her growing Substack platform, the article delivers [&hellip;]</div></article><article class="rank-math-related-item"><a class="rank-math-related-thumb" href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/5-inspiring-stories-of-black-entrepreneurs-who-started-from-scratch/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bbbbbb-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" /></a><h3 class="rank-math-related-title"><a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/5-inspiring-stories-of-black-entrepreneurs-who-started-from-scratch/">5 Inspiring Stories of Black Entrepreneurs Who Started from Scratch</a></h3><div class="rank-math-related-excerpt">Entrepreneurship is in many ways, a mirror to life — you start with a blank page and a head full of ideas. How you fill that page will depend on a lot of inner characteristics — vision, patience, perseverance, empathy, stubbornness. Plus, one external thing— “a dash of luck”. Often enough, “luck” is the collective term for [&hellip;]</div></article><article class="rank-math-related-item"><a class="rank-math-related-thumb" href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/3-ways-to-increase-cash-flow-for-small-black-owned-businesses/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ChatGPT-Image-Jul-1-2026-06_58_00-AM-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="increase cash flow for small black-owned businesses" /></a><h3 class="rank-math-related-title"><a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/3-ways-to-increase-cash-flow-for-small-black-owned-businesses/">3 Ways Small Black-Owned Businesses Can Increase Cash Flow in Q3</a></h3><div class="rank-math-related-excerpt">For many small businesses, the third quarter is where the year either gains momentum or starts to slow down. Summer spending shifts, consumer habits change, and many business owners find themselves trying to close the gap before the holiday season arrives. Cash flow is the lifeblood of every business. Revenue may look strong on paper, [&hellip;]</div></article></div></div>


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Join Orbit — where Black professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders connect, collaborate and turn opportunities into action. <a href="https://orbit.blackbusinessreview.net/">https://orbit.blackbusinessreview.net/</a></p>
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		<title>Black Entrepreneurs Worldwide: An International Spotlight</title>
		<link>https://blackbusinessreview.net/black-entrepreneurs-worldwide-international-spotlight/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Black Business Review]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 10 Oct 2026 02:23:30 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blackbusinessreview.net/?p=5973</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[These Black entrepreneurs worldwide are proof that Black excellence in business doesn&#8217;t stop at any border. From Lagos to London, Kingston to California, they are building empires, disrupting industries, and reshaping what global business looks like. This is our international spotlight — eleven founders and moguls proving that ambition speaks every language. Africa: Black Entrepreneurs [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">These Black entrepreneurs worldwide are proof that Black excellence in business doesn&#8217;t stop at any border. From Lagos to London, Kingston to California, they are building empires, disrupting industries, and reshaping what global business looks like. This is our international spotlight — eleven founders and moguls proving that ambition speaks every language.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://orbit.blackbusinessreview.net/" target="_blank" rel=" noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-1024x1024.png" alt="Join Orbit today — the professional business network powered by Black Business Review" class="wp-image-5879" srcset="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-300x300.png 300w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-150x150.png 150w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-768x768.png 768w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad.png 1254w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Africa: Black Entrepreneurs Worldwide Building Empires</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/category/africa/">Aliko Dangote</a> — Nigeria.</strong> The richest Black person in the world, with a fortune built on the Dangote Group&#8217;s cement, sugar, and fertilizer empire. His $19 billion oil refinery near Lagos — the largest single-train refinery on earth — is redefining Africa&#8217;s energy future.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Strive Masiyiwa — Zimbabwe.</strong> The telecom pioneer who fought his own government in court for the right to launch Econet Wireless, igniting Africa&#8217;s mobile revolution. Now London-based, he leads Cassava Technologies, sits on the boards of Netflix and Unilever, and is building Africa&#8217;s first AI factory.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Patrice Motsepe — South Africa.</strong> From mining magnate to one of Africa&#8217;s most influential businessmen, Motsepe built his fortune in gold and diversified across finance, telecom, and sports — including ownership of one of Africa&#8217;s top football clubs. Together, these African giants show how Black entrepreneurs worldwide are rewriting the rules of wealth creation on the continent and beyond.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Europe: Black Entrepreneurs Worldwide — The New Guard</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Oliver Kent-Braham — United Kingdom.</strong> The British-Jamaican founder of Marshmallow, the tech-driven car insurance company that hit unicorn status at a $1 billion valuation — making it the UK&#8217;s second Black-founded unicorn. He started it with his identical twin brother to disrupt an industry that had ignored underserved drivers.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Kike Oniwinde Agoro — United Kingdom.</strong> Founder and CEO of BYP Network, the platform advancing Black professionals worldwide. With over 150,000 members and 20+ chapters across Dubai, Lagos, Nairobi, and beyond, she&#8217;s building the global infrastructure for Black career growth.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Steven Bartlett — United Kingdom.</strong> From breakout entrepreneur to one of Europe&#8217;s most-watched investors. He co-founded the marketing agency Flight Story, launched Flight Fund to back the next wave of European unicorns, and has invested in giants like Huel and Zoe. His rise reflects a wider wave of Black entrepreneurs worldwide reshaping European finance and media from the inside out.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Caribbean: Island Innovation</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Rihanna — Barbados.</strong> The Barbadian superstar who turned Fenty into a billion-dollar beauty empire, proving that cultural influence converts directly into business dominance. Her ventures span beauty, fashion, and lingerie — all built on celebrating the customers the industry overlooked.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Michael Lee-Chin — Jamaica/Canada.</strong> The Jamaican-born investor who built a $1.1 billion fortune through disciplined investing and financial services in Canada. His story is a masterclass in patience, compounding, and betting on yourself. His disciplined approach offers a timeless playbook for Black entrepreneurs worldwide building wealth across generations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Americas: Scale and Impact</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>David Steward — United States.</strong> Founder of World Wide Technology, one of the largest Black-owned businesses in America, with a personal fortune exceeding $12 billion. He built a technology services giant from St. Louis that serves the world&#8217;s biggest companies.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Robert F. Smith — United States.</strong> The Vista Equity Partners founder who turned enterprise software investing into an art form, amassing over $11 billion. His 2019 pledge to pay off the student debt of Morehouse College&#8217;s graduating class made him a legend beyond finance.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Tope Awotona — Nigeria to United States.</strong> The Nigerian-born immigrant who founded Calendly, the scheduling platform now used by millions worldwide. His $1.4 billion fortune started with a simple frustration — booking meetings was broken — and a refusal to accept it. His journey captures the immigrant drive powering Black entrepreneurs worldwide, turning everyday friction into billion-dollar opportunity.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The thread connecting every name on this list: they saw what the world overlooked and built it anyway. That&#8217;s the Black entrepreneurial tradition — global, relentless, and just getting started.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Join Orbit — where Black professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders connect, collaborate and turn opportunities into action. https://orbit.blackbusinessreview.net/</p>


<div class="wp-block-rank-math-related-posts rank-math-related-posts rank-math-related-grid-vertical" data-layout="grid-vertical"><h2 class="rank-math-related-heading">Related Posts</h2><div class="rank-math-related-wrap"><article class="rank-math-related-item"><a class="rank-math-related-thumb" href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/5-inspiring-stories-of-black-entrepreneurs-who-started-from-scratch/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bbbbbb-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" /></a><h3 class="rank-math-related-title"><a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/5-inspiring-stories-of-black-entrepreneurs-who-started-from-scratch/">5 Inspiring Stories of Black Entrepreneurs Who Started from Scratch</a></h3><div class="rank-math-related-excerpt">Entrepreneurship is in many ways, a mirror to life — you start with a blank page and a head full of ideas. How you fill that page will depend on a lot of inner characteristics — vision, patience, perseverance, empathy, stubbornness. Plus, one external thing— “a dash of luck”. Often enough, “luck” is the collective term for [&hellip;]</div></article><article class="rank-math-related-item"><a class="rank-math-related-thumb" href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/50-cent-business-empire-2026/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ChatGPT-Image-Jun-23-2026-07_17_23-AM-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" /></a><h3 class="rank-math-related-title"><a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/50-cent-business-empire-2026/">People on the Move: 50 Cent Continues Building an Empire Beyond Entertainment</a></h3><div class="rank-math-related-excerpt">From Queens hustler to global business architect, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is proving that reinvention isn’t luck—it’s strategy. His journey is a testament to the power of the 50 Cent business empire. In business, timing is everything. But for 50 Cent, timing has never been accidental. It’s been calculated, sharpened by experience, and executed with [&hellip;]</div></article><article class="rank-math-related-item"><a class="rank-math-related-thumb" href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/orbit-professional-network-black-business/"><img decoding="async" width="150" height="150" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-25-2026-09_16_38-AM-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Orbit professional network" /></a><h3 class="rank-math-related-title"><a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/orbit-professional-network-black-business/">BLACK BUSINESS REVIEW INTRODUCES ORBIT, A NEW PROFESSIONAL NETWORK BUILT TO CONNECT BLACK BUSINESS LEADERS</a></h3><div class="rank-math-related-excerpt">Early-access platform will bring entrepreneurs, executives, investors and professionals together around relationships, opportunities, jobs and business growth BALTIMORE — Black Business Review today announced Orbit, a new digital professional network designed to help Black entrepreneurs, executives, investors and business professionals build meaningful relationships, exchange opportunities and grow their influence. Why Choose Orbit for Your Professional [&hellip;]</div></article></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Nicole Obi Positions BECMA at the Intersection of AI and Black Business Procurement</title>
		<link>https://blackbusinessreview.net/nicole-obi-becma-ai-black-business-procurement-nicole-ob/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Black Business Review]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 13:00:10 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blackbusinessreview.net/?p=5938</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[TThe Mass Black Expo agenda puts opportunity discovery alongside the practical work of helping entrepreneurs compete for business. Byline: Black Business ReviewFormat: News and Analysis BOSTON — The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts is bringing artificial intelligence into its procurement strategy, with the October 6 Mass Black Expo agenda featuring the public unveiling of BECMA [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>T</em><em>The Mass Black Expo agenda puts opportunity discovery alongside the practical work of helping entrepreneurs compete for business.</em></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Byline:</strong> Black Business Review<br><strong>Format:</strong> News and Analysis</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">BOSTON — The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts is bringing artificial intelligence into its procurement strategy, with the October 6 Mass Black Expo agenda featuring the public unveiling of <strong>BECMA Compass</strong>, described as an AI-powered aggregator of requests for proposals and grants.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The initiative reflects a broader business-development strategy under <strong>BECMA President and CEO Nicole Obi</strong>, connecting technology with one of the most persistent challenges facing entrepreneurs: finding and competing for meaningful business opportunities.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Mass Black Expo program combines that technology focus with procurement matchmaking and a pavilion promoted as featuring more than 50 Black-owned businesses. Its AI workshop also lists The Hope Group alongside BECMA Program Manager Abdullateef Lawal.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For Black business owners, the potential value is straightforward. Finding a suitable contract, grant or procurement opportunity earlier can provide more time to evaluate requirements, assemble documentation and prepare a competitive response.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The bigger question is whether AI can help entrepreneurs move beyond simply <strong>finding opportunities to actually winning them</strong>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Opportunity Discovery Meets Business Readiness</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Hope Group describes its BECMA partnership as beginning with hands-on AI training covering lead generation, marketing, grants, procurement and operations. It says a product called Project Lookout was designed with BECMA members and searches more than 100 sources nightly for opportunities. Those are the developer&#8217;s descriptions rather than independently measured performance results.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The event agenda uses the name <strong>BECMA Compass</strong>, while the partner&#8217;s website uses <strong>Project Lookout</strong>. Both sources describe work involving AI and procurement, but their published descriptions do not conclusively establish whether the names refer to the same product or separate versions.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That distinction matters for entrepreneurs looking for a live service, its terms and its eligibility requirements.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">BECMA&#8217;s existing programs provide a useful backdrop. Its published initiatives include back-office support intended to strengthen operational capacity and a vendor advisory council focused on contracting outcomes. The organization also describes procurement-readiness work within its clean-energy business support, including certification, bid preparation and navigation of the Massachusetts purchasing system.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Together, those efforts point toward a potentially powerful sequence:</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Find the opportunity → determine whether the company can deliver → prepare a competitive response → pursue the contract.</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Technology can accelerate opportunity discovery. But winning business still requires sound judgment, accurate documentation, competitive pricing and enough operating capacity to deliver once a contract is awarded.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Leadership Agenda Built Around Commerce</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Obi brings experience in corporate strategy and entrepreneurship to that mission. BECMA&#8217;s biography says she joined the organization in 2020 following a career that included 12 years at Fidelity Investments, leadership of a consulting firm and the co-founding of two venture-backed startups. She earned graduate degrees from MIT in management and urban studies and planning.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Under her leadership, commerce and capital have become central elements of BECMA&#8217;s approach to strengthening Black-owned businesses.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The procurement focus is especially significant because access to capital alone does not build a sustainable company. Businesses also need customers.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For chambers, economic-development organizations and business-support networks, BECMA&#8217;s approach raises an important question: <strong>Can technology shorten the distance between an entrepreneur and a qualified business opportunity?</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A searchable database can help. But a system that combines relevant opportunities with deadlines, buyer information and business-readiness assistance could provide considerably greater value.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What Would Demonstrate Progress</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The strongest measure of success will not be the number of opportunities generated by an AI platform.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It will be what businesses accomplish with them.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Useful measures would include time saved locating relevant opportunities, applications completed, bids submitted, contracts awarded and ultimately revenue generated.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Business owners evaluating any AI-assisted opportunity service should still review the original solicitation, verify deadlines and carefully examine buyer requirements. A matching algorithm cannot determine whether a company has the staffing, insurance, certifications, financing or operational capacity necessary to perform the work.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">BECMA&#8217;s October 6 program nevertheless represents an important development in how Black business organizations are approaching technology, procurement and customer access.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The next test will be whether tools such as BECMA Compass can turn <strong>opportunity discovery into measurable business outcomes</strong>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong> </strong></p>


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		<title>DeMarius Simmons Brings the Drone Economy Down to Earth With Southern Drone Academy</title>
		<link>https://blackbusinessreview.net/demarius-simmons-southern-drone-academy/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Black Business Review]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:11:31 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blackbusinessreview.net/?p=5992</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[In 2026, DeMarius Simmons took two decades of military drone intelligence and turned it into a classroom. The veteran and award-winning drone innovator launched the Southern Drone Academy, the education arm of his Southern Drone Company — training teens and adults to earn their FAA wings and build businesses in the drone economy. Based in [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In 2026, DeMarius Simmons took two decades of military drone intelligence and turned it into a classroom. The veteran and award-winning drone innovator launched the Southern Drone Academy, the education arm of his Southern Drone Company — training teens and adults to earn their FAA wings and build businesses in the drone economy.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Based in Douglasville, Georgia, Simmons has spent more than 20 years working in drones and unmanned systems, intelligence, and geospatial operations supporting military, government, and civilian missions. Now he is using that expertise to open doors for the next generation — and to prove that the drone economy belongs to everyone.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://orbit.blackbusinessreview.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1254" height="1254" src="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad.png" alt="Join Orbit today — the professional business network powered by Black Business Review" class="wp-image-5879" srcset="https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad.png 1254w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-300x300.png 300w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-150x150.png 150w, https://blackbusinessreview.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/orbit-join-ad-768x768.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1254px) 100vw, 1254px" /></a></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From the Battlefield to the Back Forty</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Simmons’ résumé reads like a masterclass in unmanned systems. He served as a Combat Intelligence Augmentation Team Site Lead and Senior All-Source Analyst at BAE Systems, and he developed a proprietary workflow and algorithm to count and inventory containerized pine seedlings from RGB drone data — the first person in the United States to do so.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">His Southern Drone Company serves an impressive range of clients: precision agriculture (stand counts, weed mapping, crop and forest health), cinematic drone light shows, GIS mapping, and government contracting for agencies and military organizations alike.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Academy: Licenses, Skills, Livelihoods</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Southern Drone Academy offers FAA Part 107 exam preparation, hands-on flight instruction, safety and compliance education, and workforce development — serving individuals, schools, businesses, government agencies, and military organizations.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What sets Simmons apart is the mission underneath the machinery. This is workforce development with a purpose: preparing teens and adults not just to fly drones, but to build businesses around them. It is a fitting second act for a man who also holds a master’s degree in Marriage, Family &amp; Couples Counseling and a bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology — a technologist who never lost sight of the human being behind the controls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why It Matters</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The commercial drone economy keeps soaring, but access to training remains uneven. Simmons is closing that gap from Douglasville outward — one Part 107 license, one young pilot, one new drone business at a time.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For Simmons, the Academy is about more than flight hours. It is about ownership — giving young people a credential that leads directly to income, whether through a drone services business, agricultural contracts, or government work. In an industry where the technology often arrives before the training, he is making sure his community isn’t left on the ground.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Learn more at <a href="https://southerndronecompany.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://southerndronecompany.com/</a>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Related reading: Black Business Review’s <a href="https://blackbusinessreview.net/black-entrepreneurs-worldwide-international-spotlight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">international spotlight on Black entrepreneurs worldwide</a>.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Never Miss a Black Business Win</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Get BBR&#8217;s free weekly newsletter — success stories, funding news, and opportunities for Black entrepreneurs.</p>


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