Unstoppable Grit: The Inspiring Journeys of 5 Black Women Entrepreneurs

There was a time when the road to entrepreneurship was paved with obstacles for Black women. They had the vision, the talent, and the drive, but doors remained closed, opportunities scarce, and resources out of reach. Yet, against all odds, they persevered.

“Black women can do anything. We have proven that time and time and time again.” – Tarana Burke, the founder of the #MeToo movement.

According to USA TODAY, there has been a notable increase in the number of Black women-owned businesses over the years. In 2020, women owned 37% of majority Black-owned businesses, and this figure rose to 42% in 2021.

What’s even more remarkable is that Black women are at the forefront of business ownership within their racial category, with 36.1% of all Black-owned businesses being led by women.

The shift is undeniable. While the strength and ambition of Black women remain at the core of their success, policies that promote access to funding, education, and networking opportunities have created an environment where they can thrive.

These are some of the Black women-owned businesses that have proactively seized opportunities from various agencies, particularly the SBA, to achieve growth.

Tamiko Bailey – An Air Force Veteran Making Her Mark in the Aviation Industry.

Let’s meet Tamiko Bailey. Tamiko has over 30 years of combined military and industry experience. During her military career, she supported an F-15/F-16 squadron and served two tours in Saudi Arabia for Operation Southern Watch. She has also worked for major defense contractors like Bell Helicopter, DynCorp International, and Lockheed Martin. Working in these environments provided additional valuable work experience within the aviation industry.

In 2010, service-disabled veteran Tamiko Bailey founded Bailey’s Premier Services as a small startup in her garage. Since then, the company has expanded significantly and now operates as a multi-state defense contractor. Bailey’s Premier Services provides staff augmentation, management of facilities, and aircraft parts that conform to specifications.

Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Bailey leveraged various SBA resources to foster growth. She received support from the SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) and was nominated by the VBOC to participate in VIP VetBiz and Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business programs.

During her entrepreneurial journey, Bailey, like many business owners, encountered debt challenges. She sought out opportunities and accepted several high-interest loans, some with rates reaching up to 25%, to keep her business afloat. These high rates significantly impacted her company’s finances. Eventually, a coordinator from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) introduced her to the SBA 7(a) loan program.

In 2018, Bailey secured an SBA 7(a) loan, which allowed her to pay off her existing debt and concentrate on expanding her business. She managed to repay the loan ahead of schedule and, in 2023, obtained another SBA 7(a) loan. This second loan provided working capital and helped refinance existing debt, further fueling her company’s growth.

Today, Bailey’s Premier Services employs over 160 people at military bases in eleven states and has expanded its operations internationally, including in the United Kingdom.

Community service is a core value of the company. As a Fort Worth native, Tamiko Bailey dedicates numerous hours to community and veterans’ events. She has served as a board director for the Airpower Foundation and now acts as an advisor. Additionally, she is an Executive Council Member for the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl and a member of the Fort Worth Airpower Council.

Renee Pellom and Her Passion for Education

Renee Pellom is well-acquainted with the dedication, investment, and boldness required to succeed as an entrepreneur. Over the past three decades, she has juggled owning multiple businesses while maintaining a full-time career in the non-profit sector. Recently, she decided to transition from being an employee to becoming an employer.

Renee is the Founder and CEO of Higher Education Accreditation Consulting, a firm that provides comprehensive consultation services to help institutions navigate the intricate policies and procedures of accreditation. Renee’s passion for education stems from her upbringing during the post-Black Civil Rights era, where she was encouraged to “get a good education,” and her love for learning, which made her feel at home in classrooms and among books.

Renee had known about the SBA for years but had never utilized its programs and services with her previous businesses. When she founded HEAC, she decided to explore SBA training and mentorship opportunities and was pleasantly surprised by the wide array of options available.

Renee now regularly participates in SBA in-person events and online training sessions. She credits SBA training for helping her apply for the Women-Owned Small Business program and plans to pursue additional certifications. She also attended a workshop that assisted her in launching her company’s YouTube channel.

“The agency has a wealth of topics, subject matter experts, and industry leaders,” Renee stated.

She added, “Also, through their collaboration with Operation Hope and metro Atlanta libraries, I have had the opportunity to pitch my business during their training activities. Bottom line, the SBA has been such a strong ally for my company and for me.

Renee values continuous learning and sees the SBA as a vital resource for enhancing her small business. “There will never be a time when I do not need a community to help me do business life better,” she said. “I am grateful that the SBA is here for companies like my own, providing the assistance we need to continually improve, grow, and positively impact the communities we serve.”

LeAnna Lynn’s Path to Culinary Entrepreneurship

From an early age, LeAnna Lynn had a clear vision of becoming a CEO. At just 12 years old, she began selling chocolate-covered treats to her classmates, and after making her first $100, she convinced her parents to open a bank account for her budding business.

This early entrepreneurial spirit only grew stronger as she pursued her studies in marketing and branding at Georgia State University. During her time there, she launched her first venture, Executive Marketing Company, which allowed her to delve into the world of marketing.

However, LeAnna’s journey didn’t stop there. She soon discovered a passion for the hospitality industry, prompting her to pivot her career path. This shift not only honed her marketing skills but also unlocked her full potential as an entrepreneur. Through her experiences in hospitality, LeAnna realized that her true calling was to create and lead businesses.

Taking a chance on herself, LeAnna purchased a lounge franchise in midtown Atlanta. This decision plunged her into the vibrant world of food, service, and people. She relished the opportunity to innovate within the franchise model, enhancing sales, profits, and operations.

She initially learned about the SBA during her college years, but it wasn’t until 2023 that she utilized SBA financial assistance to help launch her restaurant, Buttermilk Biscuit.

“In May 2023, I applied for an SBA 7(a) Community Advantage loan through a Certified Development Company (CDC),” LeAnna said.

She added, “The lender was extremely supportive, guiding me through each step of the process and even providing a business advisor to help improve my projections. This loan provided the startup capital I needed to bring Buttermilk Biscuit to life.”

LeAnna launched Buttermilk Biscuit in November 2023, with the support of a Community Advantage loan that enabled her to realize her dream of providing a “home away from home” for her local community’s guests.

She envisioned Buttermilk as a family-friendly restaurant that evokes the warmth of home and the nostalgia of grandma’s freshly baked biscuits. The establishment features a bright ambiance with both indoor and heated outdoor seating, designed in a “modern farmhouse” style.

Now, Buttermilk Biscuit is a cozy and trendy restaurant located in College Park, Georgia. It specializes in Southern-inspired breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes that are designed to warm the heart and soul. The restaurant is known for its fluffy, buttery biscuits baked fresh each morning, and it offers a welcoming atmosphere where community values and great food intersect.

Labrescia Dawson and the Journey to Pursue Entrepreneurship

Labrescia Dawson always knew she wanted to be an entrepreneur, inspired and motivated by her father to one day own her own business. Today, she holds the roles of President, Founder, and CEO of Dawson’s Management.

Founded in 2006, Dawson’s Management is a certified 8(a), HUBZone, Woman-Owned Small Disadvantaged Business (WOSB) incorporated in Georgia. The company provides customized solutions and strategies to corporate, commercial, and government clients.

Labrescia Dawson chose the professional services and contracting sector because its flexibility and versatility align perfectly with her passion for creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning.

She first learned about the SBA at a conference years ago, and since then, SBA programs have been instrumental in her company’s growth and expansion. “One of the most significant ways the SBA has assisted me is through access to mentorship and technical assistance,” she stated.

Labrescia Dawson has benefited from counseling services provided by the Small Business Development Center and is a graduate of the SBA Emerging Leaders program, now known as T.H.R.I.V.E. She is also an 8(a) program participant and holds Woman-Owned Small Business and HUBZone certifications.

“Despite initially lacking contracts and facing challenges, completing [T.H.R.I.V.E.] enabled me to secure multiple contracts,” she shared. “This success can be attributed to the invaluable tools and encouragement received from both classmates and instructors alike.”

Labrescia Dawson also highlighted the financial assistance she received from the SBA, which has been vital for her business’s growth. For instance, in 2020, she secured SBA pandemic assistance that directly contributed to the successful expansion of her organization. This expansion led to acquiring multiple contracts and effectively recruiting and retaining her staff.

“The combined support from these SBA programs has played a crucial role in our growth and resilience,” she noted. “Overall, SBA programs have been a cornerstone in my company’s journey, providing essential tools and support to help us thrive and succeed.”

Labrescia Dawson urges fellow small business owners to take full advantage of all available resources and support networks, especially those provided by the SBA.

“Attend as many classes and workshops as you can to gain insights and knowledge. Build relationships with SBA representatives and other entrepreneurs in your community. Believe in your ability to succeed with the support of the SBA, and most importantly, take action and implement what you learn. Together, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals if we don’t quit,” she advises.

LaKeya Scott – Embracing Fire Designs

LaKeya Scott spent 16 years as a high-performing professional in the automotive dealership industry. In 2016, while still working full-time, she started “Embracing Fire Designs” as a side hustle, focusing on designing logos, websites, tumblers, and T-shirts. Her primary goal was to help small businesses establish their identity and brand.

After seven years, Embracing Fire Designs had grown significantly, and Scott faced a decision: continue her side hustle alongside her day job or transition to full-time entrepreneurship. Considering her children’s needs, she chose to resign from her job and fully commit to her business venture.

LaKeya Scott initially operated her business from a spare bedroom, carefully managing her funds to grow Embracing Fire Designs. For instance, she used her tax refund to purchase a heat press, which significantly improved her t-shirt production process. As her business expanded, she recognized the need for additional technical support to scale effectively.

Scott had previously collaborated with RISE, a social justice organization based in Waynesboro, VA, dedicated to uplifting the Black community. RISE referred her to the B-Cubed entrepreneurship program, which offers comprehensive business support, including business plan development, technical assistance, and mentoring. Both RISE and B-Cubed are part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP).

The Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP) helps reduce barriers that underrepresented and underserved entrepreneurs often face when trying to access essential programs for business recovery, growth, or startup. It operates with a lead “Hub” at the center of a network of “Spoke” organizations, which deploy community advocates to assist small businesses during economic recovery. Through CNPP, LaKeya Scott received valuable classes in QuickBooks, accounting, marketing, and other technical assistance.

“These classes were essential and helpful to my business,” Scott mentioned.

Scott also involves her children in running Embracing Fire Designs, valuing their contributions and teaching them how to manage a small business. The business has formed partnerships with high schools, little leagues, churches, and many other organizations. Embracing Fire Designs has enabled Scott and her family to achieve her dream.