Local Professionals Share Insights and Challenges at National Black Business Month Expo

Dozens of local business professionals shared advice and challenges during the first National Black Business Month Expo in Philadelphia, writes Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza for the WHYY.

The event was hosted by the African-American Chamber of Commerce for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

One common theme during a panel discussion about retail business development was about determination despite pitfalls.

Entrepreneur Tari Wright started a business to support his autistic daughter after he lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has continued to build Not Wright Brand, which sells basketballs, socks, and sneaker backpacks, for the last three years.

His gear is currently being used by several local charter schools and YMCAs in Philadelphia. His goal is to take on an industry that is dominated by major brands, such as Spalding and Wilson.

Meanwhile, Tiffany Green, who also started her fresh juice company Dillonades during the pandemic and has now expanded her wholesale sales, noted that the best advice she can give to entrepreneurs is to have a thick skin.

“Not everybody is going to like your product,” she said. “That is absolutely okay.”

Read more about the National Black Business Month Expo in the WHYY.

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