Springfield recognizes Black Business Month; entrepreneurs share their stories

With at least 25 Black-owned business in Springfield, city officials have recognized August as Black Business Month, and other organizations are engaged as well, including the Minority Business Services Department and the Springfield Small Business Development Center.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue read a resolution at the Aug. 14 city commission meeting, proclaiming that promoting and supporting Black-owned businesses to address the racial wealth gap in the U.S. “has never been more important.”

Rue said that there are 3.5 million Black-owned businesses across the country, generating more than $250 billion annually.

“I am proud to witness the increasing support from our community for minority and women-owned businesses,” said Reggie Troutman, the city of Springfield’s minority business coordinator. “Assisting these remarkable individuals, who are integral to the Springfield business ecosystem, has long been a passion of mine. Their dedication truly makes my work rewarding.”

Levi Duncan, who the city spotlighted for his work on upcoming event space the Springfield Metropolis and work at Liberty Remodeling Co., said during the meeting that those who grew up in minority communities who see no example of people who look like them in positions they aspire to find it difficult to convince themselves that it is possible.

“Many can and have broken through that mental and unfortunately sometimes physical barrier, but many cannot,” Duncan said. “That is the value of Black Business Month. It gives the young Black child an example they can use to break down these barriers and the will to aspire to chase their dreams. This holds for any minority group.”

He said context for why the month is important is crucial, to avoid causing division “where there should be unity.”

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Duncan said it’s important for young minority entrepreneurs to understand that “business is not hard because I am Black,” that the pursuit is inherently challenging regardless of race.

“It doesn’t matter how hard you work; if you don’t learn that success is a house built on a foundation of a supportive team and a community, you will fail and you will not survive,” Duncan said. “I chose Springfield to retire because I have received tremendous support, not because I’m Black, but because I see and want to bring value to this community.”

Throughout the month, the city has featured Black business owners across their social media platforms, and has also launched a “50 by 25″ initiative, which aims to certify at least 50 minority and/or women business enterprises (MWBEs) by Jan. 1, 2025, according to Karlos Marshall, co-founder and co-executive director of The Conscious Connect CDC. Currently, the city has 34 MWBEs certified.

The city recognized Black entrepreneurs in the community on its Facebook page, including Duncan, plus Donyale Hill, owner of D. Sweets Cookies & Gifts.

Hill, who was born and raised in Springfield, said the city “kind of chose her” because she felt a connection with it.

“As I began to share my business dreams and aspirations, I felt a connection with Springfield,” Hill said. “Over time as my customer base grew, I began to realize that there was a deeper connection made ... As customers shared their experiences with their families and friends, D. Sweets became an integral part of their special occasions. It truly warms my heart to hear their stories and the expression of excitement once they receive their cookies.”

Hill said she appreciates the acknowledgement the city has shown for Black Business Month and is thankful for the spotlight because it’s “an encouragement to carry on.” She said: “I’m reminded of those days and nights 20-plus years ago when I started my journey ... the moment that I realized ‘I think I have a business not just a hobby.’ Owning a business is all about discovering one’s self and your potential. Not just in the beginning of the journey but all throughout your journey.”

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Hill said it was “critical” for her to get help from groups such as the Minority Business Services Department and the Small Business Development Center that could guide her on her journey, Hill said she’s thankful they’re still here and growing in ways “that better serve all dreamers in our community.”

“If one even dares to dream of owning a business, it is a big step — a step in believing in one’s self and worth. Owning a business isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is pure dedication and passion to move toward something many people may not see or even believe in,” she said.

Rose City Black Business Month was also celebrated in Springfield for the third year in a row with the Rose City Black Business Block Party & Renaissance at Sully Jaymes Memorial Park. The event included live music from Vibe 5, Black food trucks, vendors, artisans and service providers.

This national initiative, which happens every August, was founded in 2004 by historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr. “to bring attention to the needs of more than two million Black-owned businesses operating across America,” Marshall said.

This event was started locally in 2022 by The Conscious Connect CDC, with support from several community partners. The organization brought the effort to Springfield one year after Marshall was able to successfully launch Gem City Black Business Month in Dayton in 2021. He created the Dayton event through his former role as the founding manager of University of Dayton’s Greater West Dayton Incubator.

“It’s extremely important that the community rallies behind this initiative and supports Black businesses 365 days of the year and not just in August,” Marshall said.

Marshall added that there is still room for improvement, but it’s good to see the current growth and increased involvement of government agencies.

The Conscious Connect CDC was previously a strategic partner with the Springfield Small Business Development Center’s Community Navigators pilot program to support Black businesses through a two-year grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration from 2022-2023. The program was coordinated by Troutman, who worked at the SBDC at the time.

“This event continues to build upon the work that was laid by many people with the Community Navigators program ... We look forward to establishing a more intentional long-term partnership with the city of Springfield, Springfield Small Business Development Center, and a host of other community organizations to create a vibrant and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Marshall said.

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