Black Business Database of Montgomery County

?? Spotlight on Naddia Clute: Empowering Montgomery County's Small Businesses ?? For the past two years, Naddia Clute has been at the forefront of supporting small businesses in Montgomery County Government as the Small Business Navigator. Her dedication has led to: ?? Enhanced Accessibility: Revamping the county’s business website to make resources more accessible. ?? Improved Support Systems: Implementing a CRM system to better track and address business needs. ?? Strengthened Relationships: Fostering stronger connections between the county and local entrepreneurs. Discover how Naddia's initiatives are shaping a more supportive environment for small businesses and learn about the new resources available to help your business thrive. Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/e_gbevwx #SmallBusinessSupport #MontgomeryCounty #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #CommunityDevelopment

?? Member Spotlight: Gillian de Souza & Caribbean Caterers, Inc. ????? Meet Gillian de Souza, the visionary founder of Caribbean Caterers, who has been bringing exquisite island-inspired cuisine to the DMV area for over 20 years! ????? A Culinary Journey Rooted in Culture and Commitment: ? From Trinidad & Tobago to the DMV: Gillian began her entrepreneurial journey with a fine-dining vegetarian restaurant in the 1980s, expanding to three locations in her home country. ? Transition to Catering: Upon moving to the U.S., she started catering for diplomats, leading to the full-time launch of Caribbean Caterers in 2001. Serving the Region’s Most Prestigious Events: ? Corporate Galas & Nonprofit Fundraisers: Providing exceptional service and cuisine for large-scale events. ? Luxury Weddings: Offering full event experiences, including décor, fine dining setups, and seamless service. Gillian’s story is a testament to passion, persistence, and the power of cultural heritage in building a successful business. ?? Read the full interview here: ?? https://bit.ly/41EOjVL #BlackBusinessExcellence #EntrepreneurSpotlight #CaribbeanCaterers #CulinaryJourney #WomenInBusiness

?? Need Help Hiring & Training Employees? WorkSource Montgomery Has You Covered! ?? Finding the right team and keeping them trained doesn’t have to drain your budget. WorkSource Montgomery (WSM) provides funding, workforce development programs, and hiring solutions to help small businesses in Montgomery County grow and thrive! In our latest article, we break down how WSM can help you: ? Get grants to support hiring & training ?? ? Find and retain top talent in your industry ?? ? Develop skilled employees through apprenticeship & on-the-job training programs ?? ? Access online resources to make smarter workforce decisions ?? If you’re a Black business owner in Montgomery County, WSM is a game-changer for growing your team and scaling your business. Now’s the time to take advantage of these resources! ?? Read the full article now! ?? ?? https://bit.ly/3XixbCj #HireSmart #WorkSourceMontgomery #SmallBusinessGrowth #BlackEntrepreneurs #BusinessResources #MontgomeryCounty

?? Member Spotlight: Lorna Kerr & 360° Painting of DC ???? Meet Lorna Kerr the dynamic force behind 360° Painting of DC! Since launching in 2021, Lorna has been transforming spaces and breaking barriers in the painting and light construction industry. ???? Services Offered: Interior & Exterior Painting Wallpaper Installation Accent Wall Paneling Light Construction Wood & Metal Refinishing Discover how Lorna's passion for aesthetics and community impact has driven her journey from corporate life to successful entrepreneurship. Her story is a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of a fresh coat of paint! ???? Read the full interview here: ?? https://lnkd.in/eu39wBtx #BlackBusinessExcellence #EntrepreneurSpotlight #360PaintingDC #HomeTransformation #WomenInBusiness

?? Unlock Resources to Grow Your Business with MCEDC! ?? Running a business takes vision, strategy, and the right support—and that’s exactly what Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) provides! Whether you need funding, market insights, networking opportunities, or guidance on government contracting, MCEDC is here to help your business thrive. In our latest article, we break down: ? How MCEDC helps businesses secure funding & incentives ?? ? Market intelligence & site selection support ?? ? Business resources & networking opportunities ?? ? How Black-owned businesses can leverage these tools for success! ?? Montgomery County is investing in YOU—are you taking advantage? Read the full article now! ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/ezXcmy5a #BuyBlack #SmallBusinessGrowth #MCEDC #MontgomeryCounty #BlackEntrepreneurs #BusinessResources #EconomicDevelopment

?? Member Spotlight: Eddie Egesi & Apricot Branding ?? From a college side hustle to a strategic branding firm, Eddie Egesi has transformed Apricot Branding into a powerhouse serving small and mid-sized businesses in Maryland and D.C. ??? Specializing in the health and wellness industry, Eddie helps visionary founders amplify their impact through: * Strategic Branding: Crafting tailored marketing plans and brand strategies. * Web Services: Developing cohesive websites integrated with digital tools. * Nonfiction Publishing: Assisting business owners in sharing their stories and building credibility. Discover how Eddie's journey and expertise are empowering businesses to reach new heights. ?? Read the full interview here: ?? https://lnkd.in/djt23Jnh

??? Surviving the Winter Slump: Tips for Service-Based Businesses ??? Winter can be a challenging time for service-based businesses, but it’s also an opportunity to prepare for growth. In our latest article, we share practical strategies to help you stay afloat and thrive during the slower months, including: ? Engaging with your loyal customers ? Diversifying your income streams ? Refreshing your marketing and preparing for spring ? Managing cash flow wisely Don’t just survive the winter—use it to set the stage for a successful spring season! ?? Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dciZhzNK

?? Member Spotlight: Dr. Adebayo & Dr. Nadine Akindele ?? In May 2024, Dr. Adebayo Akindele and Dr. Nadine Peart Akindele opened the doors to AFC Urgent Care in Rockville’s King Farm neighborhood. With decades of experience in family medicine and pediatrics, this husband-and-wife team is on a mission to provide accessible and equitable healthcare for their community. ??? “We believe equity in healthcare means meeting people where they are,” says Dr. Peart. Their clinic is committed to delivering high-quality care to everyone, regardless of insurance status or barriers. Learn more about their inspiring journey and mission: ?? https://lnkd.in/eHa3Q97J

?? Should Your Business Have a Table at an Expo? ??? Expos and vendor events can be game-changers for small businesses—but are they worth the time and investment? In our latest article, we break down: ? The pros and cons of attending expos ? How these events can impact your business ? Tips for planning strategically and making the most of your experience From setting clear goals to reviewing your outcomes afterward, this guide will help you turn expos into opportunities for growth! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/egR2rkBT

?? Member Spotlight: Randall Nixon, M.A, GCB. J.D. & Ampley Heartstone Capital ?? Throughout his multifaceted career, Randall Nixon has been a champion for driving change in minority business development. ??? As the founder of Ampley Heartstone Capital, Randall is making waves by providing non-bank access to capital and business consulting services. With decades of experience as an entrepreneur, attorney, and policymaker, he’s on a mission to create opportunities and empower others to succeed. ???? Learn more about Randall’s inspiring journey and Ampley Heartstone Capital: https://lnkd.in/eMvDvcup