Proposed bill aims to financially support Black business owners in Prince George’s County
HILLCREST HEIGHTS, Md. (DC News Now) — Black business owners in Prince George’s County could soon get some financial help through a newly introduced bill aimed at helping start or expand Black businesses.
“So I’ve heard from a lot of businesses that they’ve been struggling about getting the resources they need in the county. So this seemed like the perfect thing we could do to really show that we want to support Black businesses,” said District 7 County Council member Krystal Oriadha.
Oriadha introduced the “Black start-up fund,” designed to help Black business owners with funding to start their businesses or expand them.
For business owners like Christopher Arnold at Soul-Tarian Cafe, transitioning from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar store was not easy.
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“It was very challenging financially, but our first year, taking on more staff, of course, as well as just, you know, accumulation of the different bills, rent, utilities. And things of that nature that we didn’t incur with having a lower cost on the food truck. So it’s been a great transition, but we’re just trying to keep it steady and stay afloat,” said Arnold.
Since the restaurant opened in January of 2023, Arnold and his business partner have had so many ideas to improve the business.
“I’ve heard from a lot of businesses that they’ve been struggling about getting the resources they need in the county. So this seemed like the perfect thing we could do to really show that we want to support Black businesses,” he said.
Those are some of the reasons Oriadha introduced this bill this week during a county council meeting. The bill aims to provide funding for Black business owners looking to start their business or even expand it. Although the funds already exist through a program with the county’s economic development corporation, if the bill passes it will allow 25% of those funds to go to Black-owned businesses.
Oriadha says she’s also hoping the county will invest more money into the program in next year’s budget.
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“I’m really excited that I’m able to pass something that can create generational wealth for my community,” she said.
This bill is a part of Oriadha’s “Everything Black Campaign” for Black History Month. She’s also launching a “Green Book” that highlights all the Black-Owned Businesses in the county. In addition, she’s hosting a family-friendly event for the community called “Black on the Block” on Feb. 24 at Creative Suitland.
“[We’re encouraging people to] eat Black, shop Black, read Black, listen Black… I think it’s okay to be a Black elected official, and also say that you want to build Black businesses, and this is the first time I feel I’m doing it in a very tangible way,” she added.
Arnold says the “Black start-up fund” could be a game changer for existing and inspiring businesses in Prince George’s County.
“A lot of times Black and minority-owned businesses are starting off you know with much of nothing but an idea and a dream, right? This helps put those dreams into fruition,” he said.
The “Black start-up fund” bill will be reviewed by a committee in the coming weeks before a final vote.
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