“From what I know as the daughter of a Black woman who owns a Black business, I feel like Seattle has improved on supporting Black businesses, but there’s always more that can be done. You know, more funding and more government and federal support. But as far as the community that lives here, there has always been somewhere for Black businesses. But in the city of Seattle, yes, there is always more that can be done.”
“By being a Seattle resident for more than 50 years, I have seen nothing but a decline from the Liberty banks, and nothing is left here. As I drive down the street, I see the fluctuation of Mexican-Latin American businesses and how they can have taco stands on the corner, which is good. But every time a Black man has that, there are always police around. How can we have Black businesses when Seattle, in the eyes of the residents, is not letting the entrepreneur achieve? They keep taking away our clubs, and with anything else, we’re always influenced by the police, and it’s always something negative associated with us. So they need to make Black people more positive in the neighborhood.”
“There is always more that can be done for Black business owners. Access to capital, advertising capital, grants and loans, if necessary. But I would advise that if a business can avoid debt, they would be better off. I think government should do more to help businesses. Without the success of businesses, what would America be? The business community suffered during COVID, and I believe more should be done to help ensure the future.”
“After the pandemic, businesses suffered — particularly Black businesses. Rebuilding or recovering has probably been difficult for business owners, and now we have a government imposing tariffs on goods and services, which can hinder businesses as well. Right now, the environment is unstable, and that can promote problems for business owners. So access to capital, in the form of loans or grants, would help them immensely.”
“Black businesses across the country, comparatively, are doing well — particularly Black women-owned businesses. But maybe if we fight for reparations, that money infused into our communities could help immensely. I’m getting ahead of myself, but Black businesses in Seattle — Black business in general — can always use a shot in the arm.”
“Capital is out there. The government prints money every day, so why shouldn’t some of that be accessible to Black business owners? History shows discrimination against Black business success — look at examples such as Tulsa. If nothing else, local and federal government owe Black entrepreneurs and business owners. So yes, do more.”
