Black Women in Business: A Legacy of Strength and a Future of Leadership
- They Call Me Coach
- Feb 12
- 4 min read
- Misty Robinson
Throughout our nation’s history, Black women have been the backbone of progress. From labor movements to breakthroughs in STEM and government leadership, we’ve built prosperity while navigating barriers meant to keep us invisible. Despite this, we continue to pave the way toward a more equitable future, and that’s why I firmly believe that we don’t just deserve jobs; we deserve companies.
We deserve leadership.
Our tenacity, resilience, and vision are exactly what’s needed—not just in business ownership, but in executive decision-making, policy-shaping, and corporate governance. It’s time to stop waiting for a seat at the table and start owning the building.
A Legacy of Overlooked Contributions
The Hidden Powerhouses in Business and Government
Maggie Lena Walker
One of the most powerful businesswomen in U.S. history, Maggie Lena Walker became the first Black woman to own a bank in the United States when she founded the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in 1903. At a time when financial institutions actively excluded Black Americans, she provided banking services, home loans, and business capital that fueled Black entrepreneurship for generations.
Annie Turnbo Malone
While Madam C.J. Walker is widely credited as the first self-made Black woman millionaire, much of her early business training came from Annie Turnbo Malone, a lesser-known but equally influential beauty entrepreneur. Malone founded Poro College, an empire of beauty schools and manufacturing plants that trained thousands of Black women to become financially independent business owners.
Barbara Jordan
A trailblazer in politics and law, Barbara Jordan was the first Black woman elected to the Texas Senate and later became a U.S. Congresswoman. Her powerful speeches and legal mind reshaped public policy, proving that Black women belonged at the helm of legislative decision-making.
Our history is filled with innovators, financiers, and policymakers whose names were often overshadowed or erased. Their stories remind us that our presence in business and government isn’t new—our impact simply hasn’t been properly credited.
Overqualified, Yet Underestimated
Time and again, we’ve seen Black women meet and exceed every qualification for leadership, only to be told we’re “overqualified” for the positions we seek. This coded language serves as a reminder that systemic bias often outweighs our credentials.
We are expected to work twice as hard to be taken half as seriously, navigating a professional landscape where we must constantly prove our worth. But the truth is, we don’t just belong in leadership—we define it.
So why should we keep applying for positions we’re already overqualified for, when we can create the opportunities ourselves?
From Leadership to Ownership
Igniting Our Own Visions
After generations of using our skills and intelligence to build the success of others, it’s time for us to channel that energy into our own ventures. Our perspectives, lived experiences, and cultural insights are exactly what leadership in every industry needs right now.
We are natural problem-solvers, strategists, and community-builders. These qualities aren’t just valuable in executive positions—they are the foundation of strong, scalable businesses.
Building Generational Wealth and Influence
Ownership is more than financial success—it’s about power, control, and longevity.
When we own businesses, we shape the landscape, set policies, and create opportunities for others. We mentor the next wave of Black women leaders and business owners, breaking cycles of economic exclusion and replacing them with generational wealth.
When we lead corporations, we change corporate culture.
When we own policy firms, we influence legislation.
When we sit on boards, we shift the conversation.
It’s not about fitting into the system—it’s about designing a system that fits us.
Opportunities for Women in Business
Federal and State Set-Asides
There are resources available to ensure that Black women don’t just survive in business—we thrive.
8(a) Business Development Program – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers this program to help socially and economically disadvantaged business owners access government contracts.
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Set-Aside – Federal agencies allocate a percentage of contracts specifically for WOSB-certified companies.
HUBZone Program – Offers federal contracting advantages to small businesses in historically underutilized business zones, many of which are in predominantly Black communities.
State-Specific Programs
Many states offer their own certifications and resources for women-owned businesses, including:
California Small Business Certifications – Provides opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses to gain visibility in contracting.
New York State MWBE Program – Certifies businesses owned by women and people of color for state-funded projects.
Illinois BEP (Business Enterprise Program) – Helps underrepresented businesses access government contracts and financial resources.
Access to Capital and Business Support
Funding is often one of the biggest challenges for Black women in business, but resources exist:
Grants & Investment Networks – Organizations like the Fearless Fund and the Black Women’s Business Collective provide funding specifically for Black women entrepreneurs.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) – Offer free business consulting and resources to women- and minority-owned businesses in every state.
Accelerators & Incubators – Programs such as Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses provide mentorship, funding opportunities, and leadership training for entrepreneurs.
If capital has historically been a barrier, these programs are the key to unlocking the next level of success.
Practical Steps for Launching or Expanding Your Business
Register Your Business – Follow state and local licensing requirements. Some states even offer fee waivers or reduced rates for women-owned businesses.
Certifications Matter – Apply for the 8(a), WOSB, or MWBE certifications to access set-aside contracts.
Build Your Network – Join organizations like NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) or local chambers of commerce.
Secure Funding – Look into grants, venture capital, and state-specific financing programs targeting women entrepreneurs.
Position Yourself for Growth – Identify industries where government contracts and corporate partnerships align with your business.
Conclusion: We Are The Blueprint
Black women have continually proven our capacity to lead, innovate, and propel America forward—even when our contributions weren’t properly acknowledged. Today, the doors to entrepreneurship and executive leadership are more open than ever, thanks to set-aside programs, targeted funding, and a shifting corporate landscape that increasingly values diverse leadership.
We don’t just belong in the room.
We are the room.
We shouldn’t simply aspire to be hired.
We should aspire to own.
It’s time to step into business ownership, boardroom leadership, and industry innovation. Whether it’s through government contracting, corporate acquisitions, or building enterprises from the ground up, our leadership is not just necessary—it’s inevitable.
The future of business isn’t just diverse.
It’s Black women-led.
Are you ready to claim your place? Let's chat!