Black Business Expo partners with new foundation | News [Video]

The fifth annual Black Business Expo happened today at Columbia College, where vendors of all backgrounds set up tables showing off their unique products and advertising their companies.

The diverse businesses sold merchandise such as pastries, jewelry and skincare to others ranging from fitness training, mental health counseling and even financial literacy courses.

Those who felt hungry for lunch could step outside and grab a meal from black-owned restaurants in Columbia.

Each organization corroborated each other’s sentiments: not only do their products address a need, but supporting cultural businesses benefits everyone involved.

While this expo is a mainstay for minority-owned businesses in Columbia, this year, Columbia College joined forces with The James and Annelle Whitt Entrepreneurial Development Foundation to market the event more. The foundation provides seed grants – which give companies that are just starting out the necessary equipment to operate – along with training and workshop courses.

James …