The journey to financial stability and growth for Black business owners remains fraught with barriers. While the hustle is undeniable, the roadblocks are often insurmountable, and the resources promised seem to remain just out of reach. We’ve witnessed it time and again—entrepreneurs putting in the work, checking all the boxes, and meeting the criteria, only to see opportunities like grants or business loans bypass them. It’s a tale as old as time, and yet, here we stand in 2024, still wrestling with the same systemic hurdles that Black business owners have been contending with for generations.
This is not an individual’s struggle alone, it’s a community issue, one deeply rooted in history and still thriving in the present. While there are funding opportunities, particularly for those with the right connections and timing, too many Black entrepreneurs find themselves on the outside looking in, watching as doors open for others but never quite for them. One can’t help but wonder—why does the weight of these barriers continue to fall heavier on the Black community?
The frustration grows as we see announcements of programs like the Going PRO Talent Fund. Recently, Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) opened applications for $50 million in grants aimed at upskilling workers and supporting businesses across the state. Since its inception, the fund has already reached over 175,000 Michigan workers and benefited more than 7,100 businesses. This is supposed to be a beacon of hope, a sign that change is possible. But the question still lingers: Is it reaching Black businesses?
There’s no denying the need for upskilling and workforce development, especially in a fast-evolving economy where industries demand highly skilled labor. The Going PRO Talent Fund is framed as a solution, offering technical training and industry-recognized certifications to ensure workers can thrive in their careers while boosting the operational efficiency and productivity of Michigan’s businesses. For many, this program has been a lifeline, offering a clear path to wage increases and career advancement. But the glaring question remains—why is this same level of success so elusive for Black business owners?
It’s not just about skills or qualifications; it’s about access. The criteria for grants like the Going PRO Talent Fund are straightforward enough, and in theory, it sounds like the perfect opportunity for any business looking to improve its workforce. Yet, the process remains heavily competitive, with those who have already secured funding in past cycles having a clear advantage. For Black businesses, which often operate without the same historical wealth and networking advantages as their counterparts, this can be a discouraging reality. Even when the resources are technically available, they remain frustratingly out of reach.
We must ask ourselves why Black businesses consistently find themselves at the back of the line. Is it the application process? The criteria? The lack of outreach and education about these programs in Black communities? Whatever the answer, one thing is clear—the system, as it stands, is failing to equitably distribute the very resources meant to lift all businesses and workers.
But this isn’t the whole story. Yes, the barriers persist, but notable changes are sweeping through Michigan. In recent years, programs like the Going PRO Talent Fund have expanded to include more focused initiatives—training programs tied to affordable housing projects and efforts to close the digital divide by improving household access to high-speed internet. These are steps in the right direction, as they align more closely with the needs of historically marginalized communities, including Black-owned businesses.
The inclusion of industry-recognized certifications also marks a shift, ensuring that the skills workers acquire through these programs have tangible value across industries. And while it’s promising to see changes like additional consideration for businesses that haven’t received funding in the past two fiscal years, the community is left asking—are these changes enough?
For many Black entrepreneurs, the Going PRO Talent Fund and similar programs still feel like a distant possibility rather than a guaranteed opportunity. The pressure to meet the demands of running a business, combined with navigating the complex web of grant applications, creates a situation where only those with the time, resources, and connections can truly benefit. What about the single mother trying to grow her haircare line? Or the father working two jobs while developing a tech startup? These are the people who need support the most, and yet they’re often the last to receive it.
Still, the resolve of the Black business community cannot be overlooked. Despite these systemic challenges, Black entrepreneurs continue to rise, creating pathways where there were none and building networks of support among themselves. Initiatives like the Going PRO Talent Fund have the potential to be powerful tools in this journey, but they must be more accessible to those who have been historically excluded.
Susan Corbin, director of LEO, emphasizes that the fund is about “creating a stronger Michigan where all people, business, and communities have the educational and economic means to reach their full potential.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, but one that will ring hollow if Black businesses are not equitably included in this vision.
There is hope, though. Michigan Works! agencies are working closely with employers to identify training needs and develop customized plans, and there is growing recognition that programs like the Going PRO Talent Fund need to be more inclusive. This partnership between businesses and agencies is crucial, and as more Black businesses engage with these systems, the potential for meaningful change increases.
The clock is ticking. Applications for the first cycle of the 2024 Going PRO Talent Fund close on October 18th, and there’s a call for Black entrepreneurs to push through the barriers and apply. The community must remain vigilant and demand transparency in how these funds are distributed. It’s not enough for these programs to exist on paper—they must work for everyone.
This is not a call for charity or special favors. Black business owners aren’t asking for handouts. What they’re asking for is fairness, equity, and the removal of the persistent roadblocks that have hindered their progress for far too long. It’s time for Michigan to live up to its promise of creating opportunities for all its citizens, and that starts with ensuring that programs like the Going PRO Talent Fund are truly accessible to all.
In the end, the solution isn’t just about offering more grants or increasing funding. It’s about dismantling the systemic barriers that continue to hold back Black entrepreneurs. With the right resources and opportunities, there is no limit to what the Black business community can achieve. Now is the time to ensure that these opportunities aren’t just promises on paper but realities that Black business owners can count on.
About Post Author
