The Black Business Association of Memphis

Memphis.png

What We Do

The BBA is missioned to improve the economic well-being of the Memphis region by developing successful entrepreneurs and MWBEs through education, advocacy, and business development. Creating and implementing innovative and strategic programs to propel MWBEs toward economic opportunities for growth and prosperity is paramount.

Become a Member

topShape v2.png

Memphis ReStart Initiative

Memphis ReStart is a multi-facet initiative launched by the Black Business Association of Memphis to focus on three areas: Talent, Acquisitions, and Talent Acquisitions.

bottomShape v2.png
Person smiling and sitting outside

Through the Memphis ReStart Initiative, the BBA is strategically working to connect Black individuals with viable business skills for advancement, business ventures, and executive placements in key local industries forecasted as high growth potential in the Memphis market, such as advanced manufacturing and technology enterprises.

Learn More

Why Restart?

On April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee for fighting for the rights of black workers. Fifty-three years later, Memphis has made little progress in creating economic growth opportunities for MWBEs, specifically black populations.

Person sitting in a chair and writing in a notebook

Memphis is the urban hub for the 2nd poorest metropolitan area in the United States with a population of over 1 million people. According to the University of Memphis’ 2020 Memphis Poverty Fact Sheet, the poverty rate for Black Memphians is 26 percent – nearly three times higher than the poverty rate for Whites.

This rate is expected to grow with the damages of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy which has disproportionately impacted Black business owners and populations, revealing persistent vulnerabilities. Historical racial oppression and structural disparities require community wide efforts and investments to dismantle and restart a more equitable and inclusive economy for all people.

Memphis ReStart Initiative

Program Components

What to Expect

Three people standing in a business building

talent

Person typing on a laptop

acquisitions

Eight people at a conference table

Talent Connections

Listen to the vision and plan for BBA Memphis from our new president and CEO, Ernest Strickland.

Funding for Memphis ReStart Provided by U.S. Small Business Administration

download (6).png

Strategic Partnership with U.S. Small Business Administration

The Memphis ReStart Initiative is funded in part through a Grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.”

Ready  to get started? Contact us today