#SharetheMicandtheMoneyNow Aims to Elevate Black Women Owned Businesses

Published Aug 20, 2020 by Melissa Fox

Houston is considered the most diverse city in the world. In order to become the most inclusive city, local organizations and businesses are coming together to elevate minority voices within our community.

In honor of National Black Business Month, Waste Management, the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce, and Leadership Houston have partnered together to launch “Share The Mic and The Money Now.” This four-day virtual event is aimed at advancing the power of allyship and bringing Black women business owners and leaders to a network of decision-makers that can provide them with significant and lucrative opportunities for their businesses.

Through the support from corporations around the region that are looking to diversify their suppliers, “Share the Mic and the Money Now” seeks to secure $40 million worth of corporate contracts for the selected Black women-owned businesses within the next couple of years.

"The number of companies started by Black women has increased by over 160% in the last 13 years, so this group has forged a path in the business world,” said Carol Guess, Chair of the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce. “Despite these inroads, Black women still do not see the same level of revenue as their White counterparts, which is why I am excited about the ‘Share The Mic and The Money Now’ initiative. Elevating Black women-owned firms will help elevate not just the Black community, but the community as a whole."

Starting on August 25, “Share The Mic and The Money Now,” will begin with Black women executives having live Twitter chats with White women executive counterparts, followed by 40 Houston-based Black women business owners pitching their services to participating companies for the opportunity to earn lucrative business contracts. Additionally, the businesswomen will walk away with a business mentorship provided by Leadership Houston Alumni.

“Waste Management’s support of ‘Share The Mic and The Money Now’ aligns with our values and vision for a future that is one of inclusion. We are excited to collaborate with Houston area business leaders to ensure that this experience can successfully connect Black and White Women Executives and help local Black women-owned businesses to grow further and elevate their brands," said Tamla Oates-Forney, senior vice president and chief people officer for Waste Management.

You can follow the live Twitter conversations using the hashtag #ShareTheMicAndTheMoneyNow.

Click here to learn more about the Partnership’s racial equity initiative.