In an effort to honor creativity and business in the black community, Daymond John, the CEO of FUBU and co-star of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” founded Black Entrepreneurs Day in 2020. The organization has given out business awards totaling more than $750,000 since then. John is adamant about using Black Entrepreneurs Day to change the narrative, even in the face of a decrease in funding prospects for black-owned firms. The Apollo Theater in Harlem hosted a star-studded celebration on Black Entrepreneurs Day, where nine entrepreneurs were chosen to receive a $25,000 prize apiece. The winners of the NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant took home more than $200,000 and represented a variety of businesses, including food, financial services, and lawn care.
Ashley Sutton, who received a $25,000 prize from Salesforce, hopes to revolutionize the greeting card industry with her downloadable instructions that blend virtual and physical experiences. Lawrence Phillips, another Black Entrepreneurs Day honoree, abandoned his consulting job to go on a world tour at the height of his career in an attempt to give black passengers more confidence and reduce their anxiety. Phillips wants to extend the company’s community offerings so that customers can write to each other directly and develop stronger bonds around their mutual love of travel.
