New digital directory to uplift, highlight Black-owned businesses in Calhoun County
BATTLE CREEK — A new digital tool aimed at uplifting and highlighting Black-owned businesses in Calhoun County is on the horizon.
The Battle Creek Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is launching a digital directory of Black-owned businesses serving the Battle Creek and Calhoun County areas dubbed the "RED, Black, and Green Pages" on Nov. 18.
The website and how to access the digital directory will be revealed during the inaugural Black Business Expo, slated from noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Burma Center, 765 Upton Ave. The event is free and open to the public.
"When we launched the original listing in 2016, we could not have imagined a digital version seven years later and are thrilled to offer this free platform to Black-owned businesses in Calhoun County," Economic Development Committee Chair Lynn Ward Gray said. "With the new platform, we needed a new name. Since we are known for our RED (the sorority colors are crimson and creme) and it's a program under our chapter, that's where we began. Then Black, because our mission includes a primary focus on the Black community. Then Green for prosperity because we'd like every business connected to this digital directory to thrive and prosper."
Listed businesses will have the ability to update their information at any time, ensuring the digital directory will be as current as possible.
"We want Black-owned businesses to know that we will not only provide exposure for their business but offer a range of opportunities that aid in their success such as workshops, business mixers, and of course, an annual Black Business Expo to name a few," Gray added.
The digital directory is being made possible thanks to a W.K. Kellogg Foundation grant through the Delta Research and Educational Foundation. Several of the businesses listed in the digital directory will be participating in the inaugural Black Business Expo, which will include a panel discussion featuring business owners from around the state of Michigan.
“Although we have very capable business owners right here in our Battle Creek community who can speak about their business journey, I wanted to allow them to focus strictly on their business for the day and be on the receiving end of the value-add information sure to be gained from the panel discussion, therefore, I intentionally sought out individuals from other areas,” explained Kyra Wallace, a consultant organizing the event.
Black-owned businesses in and serving the Battle Creek and Calhoun County areas that would like to be included in the RED, Black, and Green Pages or vend at the expo should send an email to desiresoflife2018@gmail.com or call (269) 289-3390.
For more information about the Battle Creek Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., call (269) 830-2456, email g4bcnow@gmail.com or visit battlecreekdst.org.
Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: New digital directory to highlight Black-owned businesses in Calhoun County
