Indy initiative aims to bridge gap in Black business ownership
Jan 23, 2025
Using innovative approach to grow Black businesses
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The conversation around Black business ownership in Indianapolis is also focusing on understanding the unique challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs in the community.
WISH-TV contributor Emil Ekiyor joined News 8 for a discussion, breaking down the current landscape and sharing insights on how Indianapolis-based organizations are working to address disparities and foster growth for Black-owned businesses.
Data shows a significant disparity when it comes to Black business ownership in Indianapolis, according to Ekiyor. The numbers reveal that Black entrepreneurs are underrepresented compared to other communities, he said.
One initiative leading the charge to bridge this gap is the Indy Biz Pass program. Ekiyor explained that Indy Biz Pass faims to provide Black entrepreneurs with access to critical resources they may not otherwise have.
Ultimately, the goal of these efforts is to gather data, and then translate that data into tangible support for business owners.