COLUMBIA — Columbia College, Saturday, in partnership with the James and Anelle Whitt Entrepreneurial Development Foundation, held the seventh annual B.L.A.C.K or Business Leaders Alliance, Cultivating Knowledge Business Expo.
This vibrant celebration of Mid-Missouri black and minority business entrepreneurship brought small businesses from various industries to a singular hub, providing them with exposure to current and future customers in central Missouri.
Host and Co-founder, Anelle Whitt, shared that the Expo has grown exponentially in the past few years, with last year’s accumulated revenue for all businesses exceeding $40,000.
“It only makes sense to support something that is working, that is going to happen regardless. So how do we make them stronger? How do we give them the skills that they need to excel and exceed their own expectations? I think it just makes good businesses. I think it’s good business for any city that wants a strong ecosystem to support those businesses within their communities,” said Whitt.
This year additionally featured a small business pitch competition open to middle and high school students who were looking to get a head start in the industry with a cash grant.
