Black Business Expo Highlights Atlantic City’s Growing Entrepreneurial Community

Held during Black Business Month, the Atlantic City Black business Expo once again brought together business owners, entrepreneurs and community members all under one roof. More than 30 vendors had the chance to put their products in front of new customers, while attendees had the opportunity to discover local businesses and hear from leaders in the Black business community.

But perhaps the biggest takeaway from the evening was the connections that were made.

For a small business owner, getting in front of potential customers is important. So is meeting another business owner who has been through the same challenges, finding a new partner or simply having a chance to talk with someone who understands what it takes to build a business.

That is why events like the Black Business Expo matter.

For Nana’s Good Eats owner Samantha Prescott, the expo was an opportunity to highlight the resources available to entrepreneurs in Atlantic City.

“This is an amazing event, especially as a resource for Black-owned businesses to get up and running or grow," she said. "The city offers amazing support. There really is no limit to the resources you can gather.”

For Lakeisha Tiernan, owner of Patched Up by LA, the expo came at an important time. After launching her business earlier this year, she is looking for opportunities to get her name and products in front of more people.

“I’m looking for exposure and to get myself out there" she said. "I just launched this year. I love the opportunity for all Black businesses to shine and grow.”

Atlantic City is home to entrepreneurs who are building businesses from the ground up. They are creating jobs, serving their neighborhoods and adding to the character of the city. Giving those business owners a place to showcase what they do and connect with others helps strengthen the entire business community.

Francis Davis Harris, an Atlantic City Small Business Academy graduate who attended the expo, said events like this can also play an important role in connecting young people with business owners and potential mentors.

“Events like this are absolutely wonderful, especially for the young people," she said. "Hopefully, we can be a mentor and show them what is possible.”

During the expo, the city also introduced its first Black-Owned Dining Passport, encouraging people to visit and support Black-owned restaurants and food establishments throughout Atlantic City. The goal is to eventually expand the program into a citywide dining passport featuring restaurants across the city.

All of these efforts point to the same thing: Atlantic City is working to create an environment where businesses can start, grow and succeed.

Photos by City of Atlantic City Photographer Edward Lea

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