Our economic empowerment initiative primarily seeks to raise the community's awareness of Black owned businesses while increasing the capital flowing to these businesses. Secondly, our intent is to aide in the sustainability of locally owned black businesses that support families. By doing so we will increase employment opportunities for residents within neighborhoods of focus that will lead to a reduction in the unemployment rate and begin to revitalize economically neglected neighborhoods.

Beginning the week of September 1, 2022 through the week of September 30, 2022 we are challenging 1000 residents to commit to shifting $30 of their monthly spending to a Black owned businesses with the overall goal of increasing the length of time dollars remain in Black neighborhood businesses.

By shifting your dollars to Black Businesses you will be playing a vital role improving the quality of life in economically marginalized neighborhoods in Grand Rapids while purchasing great products and services. By the end of our #30days30dollars challenge we will realize the collective strength of our dollars and the strength of the people in our community!

I pledge to support locally owned black businesses in the Greater Grand Rapids area by spending a minimum of $30 starting September 1st 2022.