Author: kevin

Growing your business means you can’t stay in the family forever. You have to work with people who see success differently than you do, and if you refuse to adapt, you’ll stall. For Black entrepreneurs building from the ground up, this shift is the hardest part of scaling: accommodating a wide range of perspectives without compromising your brand’s identity [Source].

Mike Feazel, who started Roof Maxx as a family business with his brother Todd to offer a unique restoration solution for asphalt shingle roofs, faced this exact challenge. As their dealer network expanded to all 50 U.S. states, they now work with hundreds of roofing contractors who run their own businesses with unique goals [Source]. When you work with relatives, you know people too well; when you scale, you need a way to handle personalities and life experiences very different from your own [Source].

Accept That Success Looks Different to Everyone

The single most important rule for scaling is realizing that your definition of success isn’t the same as your partner’s. You likely won’t define success exactly the same way as another person, but that doesn’t mean you can’t work together [Source].

One Roof Maxx dealer might want to build a $10 million company, while another is fine growing to $500K. Neither is better than the other. Feazel is happy to work with both as long as they take care of customers and meet partnership obligations [Source]. The key is knowing their definition of success is compatible with yours before you sign an agreement [Source].

Assess Compatible vs. Divergent Goals

Right business relationships are symbiotic, even when goals differ. In nature, clownfish feed on leftover food inside sea anemones and protect the anemone from predators; one gets food, the other gets protection [Source]. Both entities have different goals, but the relationship serves both [Source].

Wrong relationships become parasitic, where one entity’s goals are served at the expense of the other, like marine leeches draining blood from sharks [Source]. You must look for ways to support potential partners instead of looking for reasons not to [Source]. Caution helps you avoid unhealthy partnerships, but cynicism is not a good way to grow a business [Source].

What You Can Do Right Now

Stop filtering partners based on whether they want the same size business as you. Instead, ask if their goals are compatible with your core values. If they will meet obligations and serve customers well, the dollar amount of their growth target doesn’t matter [Source]. Adapt your culture to support diverse talent pools without giving up the core of what you are [Source].

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Wall Street firm Susquehanna International Group (SIG) is offering 2027 summer interns a staggering $8,600 per week ($34,400 monthly) for quantitative trading roles, plus free housing and two daily meals. While this specific opportunity targets PhD candidates, a brutal reality for all entrepreneurs: top-tier talent is being bought at prices that dwarf the median U.S. worker’s income, forcing small businesses to rethink how they attract and retain high-value employees.

The Unfair Pay Gap You Can’t Ignore

The numbers here are not just high; they are disruptive. SIG’s PhD interns will earn $86,000 total over a 10-week summer program [1]. In contrast, the median U.S. worker earned only about $1,235 per week in the first quarter of this year [1]. A typical worker would need to clock in for two months to match what a SIG PhD intern takes home in a single week [1].

This isn’t unique to SIG. Other firms are matching this intensity. Jane Street offers summer intern pay at $300,000 annually (roughly $5,700 weekly), while Citadel interns earn $4,300 to $5,800 per week in base salary [1]. Undergraduate interns at SIG can still take home up to $7,600 weekly, depending on the role [1]. For Black business owners, this creates a direct challenge: if you cannot match these salaries, you must offer something else of equal value to compete for skilled talent.

How to Land a Spot When Competition Is Ruthless

Getting into these roles is harder than getting into Harvard. Goldman Sachs boasted an acceptance rate below 1% for its intern class over the past three years [1]. The selection process is intensely competitive, filtering for candidates with PhDs graduating by summer 2026 or postdocs in fields like mathematics, physics, computer science, or economics [1].

SIG isn’t just paying for math skills; they are investing in leadership. Goldman Sachs views hiring interns as a long-term investment, with 40% of current partners originating from on-campus recruiting [1]. The firm actively seeks diverse cohorts, including high-level athletes, musicians, and nonprofit founders, proving they want more than just narrow quantitative focus [1].

What Small Business Owners Can Do Right Now

You likely cannot pay $34,400 a month, but you can compete on culture and flexibility. SIG reduces pressure by providing free housing, two complimentary meals daily, and access to social events like poker tournaments [1]. These perks lower the intern’s living costs and build community.

If you are hiring, focus on the “full person” behind the application. Look for candidates with wider academic backgrounds and lived experiences rather than just elite college pedigrees [1]. Offer flexible schedules, mentorship, and a clear path to leadership. If you can’t match the cash, match the value. Watch for firms like Jane Street and Citadel as they continue to drive up the baseline for what “top talent” expects, and adjust your compensation models accordingly.

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Most Black entrepreneurs chase freedom, only to end up building businesses that trap them in a cycle of stress and endless responsibility. You likely started your company to escape the 9-5 grind, envisioning Tuesdays at your child’s school event or months working from a beachside resort. Instead of creating a business that serves you, many accidentally build a prison filled with huge amounts of pressure. Your new “job” ends up demanding more time than any corporate boss ever did, leaving you in the engine room patching leaks instead of steering the ship.

The solution isn’t to double down and burn out even further. Truly free entrepreneurs do the complete opposite: they design the life they want first and then build a business model forced to support it.

Define Your Non-Negotiable Champagne Moments

Stop obsessing solely over growth and revenue numbers that can cost you your sanity. Ask yourself: what is the point of achieving massive revenue if you haven’t seen your family in six months? You must define your Champagne Moments—non-negotiable lifestyle milestones that set the trajectory for how you build your business. These moments become your North Star to drive ongoing business decisions. When you anchor your strategy to these specific life goals, you shift from high-touch delivery to productized systems that allow you to scale without losing your autonomy.

Hire Outcome Owners, Not Just Task Doers

A major bottleneck in most companies is the founder’s brain. If your services require your specific expertise to be delivered, you are operating a high-paid freelance gig, not a business. This creates a hard growth ceiling. To reclaim freedom, you must productize your expertise into a repeatable system executed by your team. This requires hiring outcome owners instead of task doers. Do not hire people who wait for a checklist before taking action; that environment forces every tiny decision onto your shoulders. Instead, hire people capable of taking responsibility and owning specific results.

Reevaluate High-Demand Clients and Plan Your Exit

Not all revenue is good revenue. You must reevaluate high-demand clients who pay well but are counterproductive to true freedom. Monitor your time-to-value generation ratio and have an exit strategy in place. By shifting to productized delivery and hiring owners who can turn expectations into actions, you stop being the one doing the work and become the one who owns the machine. This is how you build a business that actually grants you the freedom you promised yourself.

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The death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells in Mississippi is sparking a critical debate about media narratives and truth, a lesson every Black entrepreneur must heed when managing their brand reputation. While authorities believe Wells drowned with no foul play suspected, his friends are aggressively fighting viral theories that claim his case is being unfairly turned into a “race thing” due to his Black identity among a group of white friends [1][2]. For business owners, this situation highlights the immediate danger of letting unverified social media speculation dictate your story before facts are confirmed.

Friends Defend Character Against Viral Theories

Jayvon Williams, Wells’ best friend, told TMZ that the investigation’s inconsistencies are being weaponized to paint a racial narrative that harms the actual inquiry [1]. Williams emphasized that investigators have not contacted him despite his knowledge of Wells’ relationships on Horn Island, leaving him shocked by the lack of communication [1]. Another friend, Tracestin Shepherd, clarified that a viral video showing an argument did not involve Wells, but rather Shepherd himself, who was held back from a fight by Williams and a family member [1]. Shepherd insisted that “nobody would ever hurt Nolan in our friend group” and that the group would “die for him,” directly countering the hostile online speculation [1].

Disputing Misinformation and Timeline Claims

The friends are also correcting specific factual errors circulating online, including a photo civil rights attorney Ben Crump shared. Crump captioned a pool party image as occurring on July 5, but Shepherd confirmed the event actually took place on June 27 in Pass Christian, Mississippi [1]. Regarding Wells’ phone, Shepherd stated it was left on the boat dash with about 15 other phones when Wells entered the water, addressing claims that a teenager stole it [1]. Authorities have not released the official cause of death, as the medical examiner awaits a toxicology report to finalize the autopsy [1][2].

What Entrepreneurs Must Do Now

When your business faces public scrutiny, do not let rumors replace your verified facts. The Wells case shows that rushing to a conclusion based on racial assumptions or incomplete video clips can damage trust and obscure the truth.

– Verify your timeline: Ensure every date and event you share is accurate before publishing.

– Control the narrative: Respond to misinformation with direct, factual corrections from credible witnesses.

– Demand transparency: If authorities or partners are withholding information, publicly request a thorough investigation.

Watch for the release of the toxicology report, which will provide the final official cause of death and potentially end the speculation [1][2].

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Improving your accounting skills is one of the fastest ways to secure your small business’s financial future. For Black entrepreneurs, mastering financial management means you can make informed decisions on tax regulations, cash flow, and strategic planning without relying entirely on expensive outside help. Seven specific accounting courses stand out as essential tools to streamline expense tracking, optimize tax savings, and drive real growth for your operation.

Why Accounting Training Matters for Your Business

Broadening your knowledge through training courses directly improves your grasp of fundamental industry practices. When you engage in accounting courses designed for small businesses, you gain vital insights into financial regulations and market trends that enable smarter decision-making. These classes improve your comprehension of necessary tools, which is essential for maintaining competitiveness in a fast-evolving marketplace.

Online accounting and finance courses offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace, allowing you to integrate skill development into a busy schedule. Continuous learning cultivates adaptability, helping you adjust your strategies to avoid obsolescence and stay ahead of the curve.

Tax Classes and QuickBooks Training You Can’t Skip

Comprehending tax obligations is a fundamental part of managing a small business. Tax classes designed specifically for owners help you navigate this complex terrain by keeping you updated on ever-changing regulations. These courses provide valuable insights into filing returns accurately and optimizing tax savings, which greatly improves your financial health. Understanding how different business structures impact tax obligations is vital for compliance, and region-specific courses guarantee you are aware of local laws.

QuickBooks training is another critical investment that enhances your financial management skills. This training offers insights into expense tracking, budgeting, and financial reporting, streamlining how you handle daily expenses. By comprehending cash flow management and strategic planning through these courses, you become better prepared to make informed decisions that drive growth.

What You Can Do Right Now

Start by enrolling in accounting fundamentals courses to understand financial statements and basic terminology. Look for tax classes that reveal potential deductions to improve profitability. If you are on a budget, free online courses provide foundational business principles without financial burden. Continuous training is vital for adapting to evolving market strategies, and many online business classes are designed to fit into busy schedules so you can acquire knowledge without disrupting daily operations.

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If you’re financing equipment for your Black-owned business, know this: current leasing rates swing wildly from 4.90% to 34.00% APR, and your credit score and loan size will determine where you land. For leases between $5,000 and $24,999, fixed rates typically sit at 7.25% to 7.45%, but larger deals over $250,000 can drop to 5.95% to 6.15%. This isn’t just math—it’s cash flow. Every percentage point you save stays in your business, funding growth instead of interest.

How Loan Size and Credit Shape Your Rate

Your credit score is the biggest driver of your rate. Scores above 700 open doors to competitive terms because lenders see you as low risk. If your history is thin or your score is lower, you’ll likely face higher rates due to perceived risk. But there’s good news: even a small credit bump can shift your terms favorably, saving you real money over the lease term.

Loan amount matters just as much. Smaller financings cost more per dollar:

– $5,000–$24,999: 7.25%–7.45%

– $25,000–$99,999: 6.75%–6.95%

– $100,000–$249,999: 6.25%–6.45%

– Over $250,000: 5.95%–6.15%

Larger loans get better rates because they’re less risky for lenders. If you’re close to a threshold, consider bundling equipment to hit a higher tier and lock in a lower rate.

What You Can Do Right Now

Lease terms run three to seven years, giving you flexibility to manage cash flow. You can also prepay without penalties if your lease is under $500,000—a powerful option if you get a cash surge. If you’re worried about variable rates starting at 6.25% and fluctuating with market conditions, switch to fixed rates at no extra cost for stability.

Before signing, use a lease to own calculator to estimate your true financial commitment. Don’t just look at monthly payments—factor in the total cost, including interest and fees. Shop around: banks, credit unions, SBA lenders, and online lenders all offer different trade-offs. The goal is to keep more of your revenue in your business, not in interest payments.

Watch Federal Reserve actions and market trends, since they can push variable rates up or down. Stay informed, protect your credit, and size your loan strategically to get the best rate possible.

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Minnesota small business owners are facing a reality check: optimism has slipped below the national average, driven primarily by crushing tax burdens and new government mandates. The latest data shows the Winter 2025-26 Small Business Optimism Index for Minnesota hit 97.2, falling 1.3 points short of the U.S. average [1]. For Black entrepreneurs and independent business owners in the state, this isn’t just a number—it signals that high costs and regulatory pressure are actively blocking growth and capital investment.

Taxes and Regulations Are Stifling Growth

The top issue holding Minnesota business owners back is taxes, followed closely by inflation. While labor quality is actually less of a concern here than nationally (an 8-point difference), government regulation has become a much bigger problem for the North Star State [1]. Specifically, the new Paid Family & Medical Leave mandate that started this year is adding unnecessary stress to Main Street. NFIB Minnesota State Director Jon Boesche notes that these mandates are forcing owners to reconsider hiring plans and expansion strategies, creating a cycle of uncertainty that kills momentum [1].

Capital Plans Remain Strong Despite Headwinds

Despite the drop in overall optimism, Minnesota owners are showing resilience in one key area: capital outlays. The data reveals that small business owners in the state are reporting more plans for capital spending compared to the U.S. overall [1]. However, four critical components of the index are dragging down the score: Current Openings, Economic Expectations, Good Time to Expand, and both inventory metrics are down [1]. This suggests that while owners want to invest in their businesses, the regulatory environment is making them hesitant to take the next step.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you are a small business owner in Minnesota, you need to audit your regulatory exposure immediately. The Paid Family & Medical Leave mandate is a specific cost driver that requires you to adjust your hiring budget and operational cash flow. Don’t let uncertainty freeze your capital plans; review your inventory metrics and economic expectations to see where you can tighten costs without sacrificing growth. Watch for upcoming state-level tax relief discussions, as taxes remain the single biggest complaint among your peers [1].

The stress on Main Street is real, but understanding these specific hurdles allows you to plan around them rather than get stopped by them. Keep your capital outlay plans active, but be strategic about when you expand until the regulatory pressure eases.

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Florida small business owners are outpacing the rest of the country with higher optimism, even as they grapple with rising insurance costs and a tough labor market. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) released new data showing the Sunshine State holds clear advantages in optimism, employment, and declining uncertainty compared to the national average [1]. For Black entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to expand or relocate, this signals a business-friendly environment where growth expectations are strong, provided you can navigate specific local hurdles.

Optimism and Sales Expectations Lead the State

Florida’s Optimism Index currently scores at 100.3, comfortably ahead of the U.S. overall score of 98.5 [1]. This isn’t just a slight edge; it reflects a massive outperformance in real sales expectations, where Florida leads the country by 16 points [1]. While the state underperforms slightly on earnings trends by 9 points, the overall health of businesses is reported as “good” by more owners than in other states, with fewer reporting it as merely “fair” [1]. If you are planning your next quarter, the data suggests customers are ready to buy, but you must manage your cost structures carefully to protect those earnings.

Taxes Are a Win, But Labor and Insurance Are the Real Battles

The biggest advantage for Florida entrepreneurs is the tax climate. Only 7% of Florida owners cite taxes as their top problem, compared to 17% nationwide [1]. Bill Herrle, NFIB’s Florida Executive Director, notes that despite challenges like rising insurance costs, the business-friendly tax environment keeps owners at an advantage [1]. However, the trade-off is significant: labor cost and labor quality stand out as the top challenges for Florida employers [1]. These are the only concerns meaningfully worse in Florida than the rest of the country, and they have worsened more significantly than the national average [1].

What You Can Do Right Now

If you operate in Florida, lean into the tax advantage but build a strategy to secure qualified workers. The labor market has tightened, making it harder to find and retain talent [1]. You may need to adjust compensation or invest in training to solve the quality gap. For those considering a move to Florida, the declining Uncertainty Index offers a more predictable business climate than the rest of the nation [1]. Watch your insurance premiums closely, as that remains a specific pain point, but trust that the sales pipeline is stronger here than anywhere else in the country.

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Small business owners need to understand the power of intentional branding in real-time moments. When DJ Jay Shalé played specific songs for former Vice President Kamala Harris at an LA Sparks game, she didn’t just drop a track; she created a viral moment that resonated with millions of Black entrepreneurs and community members who feel the same way. This isn’t just about celebrity recognition; it’s about strategic audience connection that any Black business owner can replicate.

The Power of Deliberate Song Selection

On July 10, VP Harris attended the Sparks’ game against the Chicago Sky with her husband, Doug Emhoff. She wore a crisp white blazer, dark denim, and a blowout, looking radiant from her courtside seat [2]. As DJ Jay Shalé announced Harris, she played Aaron Hall’s “I Miss You,” a song that instantly triggers emotion with its opening melody [2]. The chorus hit while Harris smiled and waved, sending a clear message: We miss her [2]. Shalé then transitioned into Bootsy Collins’ “I’d Rather Be With You,” doubling down on the sentiment [2].

Shalé confirmed her choices were deliberate, not accidental. She stated she didn’t know Harris was coming until a production meeting three hours before the game [2]. She recalled Harris mentioning in a previous interview that she loves Bootsy Collins, making “Rather be with you” a fitting addition [2]. This proves that knowing your audience and preparing for unexpected opportunities is key to success.

Turning a Moment Into Business Value

The video spread across social media, with viewers praising the playlist for capturing their exact thoughts [2]. Shalé received a million messages and tags on every platform, validating her strategy of creating intentional spaces through music [2]. The moment gained even more weight when Harris herself responded: “I did indeed feel the love. Thank you for the good vibes” [2].

For Black entrepreneurs, the takeaway is clear: Be ready to pivot. Shalé used a three-hour window to craft a message that aligned with her audience’s feelings and the VIP’s preferences. You don’t need a stadium to do this; you need the discipline to research your customer’s likes and the courage to execute when the moment arrives. Whether you’re hosting a local event or launching a product, intentionality drives engagement. Watch how Shalé turned a surprise guest into a viral brand moment, and apply that same focus to your next business launch.

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If you’re a Black entrepreneur who fronts costs for team trips, client outings, or group events, this new data hits hard: 76% of Gen Zers never fully repay friends who pay upfront for group travel. That’s not just a social awkwardness—it’s a direct threat to your cash flow and business relationships.

The $2,501 Problem for Young Travelers

Gen Z spends more on group trips than any other generation, averaging $2,501 per person for major events like music festivals and sporting competitions [1][2]. But when they don’t front the cost themselves, they often don’t pay up. Among those who did front money, 76% said they were never fully reimbursed [1][2]. More than half—55%—reported that unpaid expenses caused tension or permanently damaged relationships [1][2]. Nearly half (47%) said covering these costs pushed them into debt [1][2].

This isn’t just about friends skipping out on dinner. For small business owners, this behavior mirrors what happens when clients or team members delay payments on shared expenses. The result? Strained trust, financial stress, and in some cases, 14% ended friendships over unpaid bills [1].

Payment Avoidance Is a Business Risk

The survey, commissioned by Zelle, identifies “payment avoidance” as a key social behavior: 20% of Gen Zers mute group chats or cancel plans to dodge repayment conversations [1][2]. That’s the same mindset you see when a client ghosts you after a project or a team member ignores a payment request.

Financial experts and therapists stress that delaying repayment creates bigger problems than the debt itself. Dr. Traci Williams, a certified financial therapist, notes that avoiding these talks only increases financial anxiety [1]. The fix? Talk about money upfront, set clear repayment timelines, and use simple tools to track payments [1].

What You Can Do Right Now

Before you book any group getaway, client event, or team trip:

– Set a budget and decide who pays for what before spending begins.

– Agree on repayment dates and payment methods in writing.

– Make sure you can afford to front the cost without going into debt.

– Be honest if you need more time to pay—and communicate when you’ll repay.

Don’t let shared experiences turn into unpaid bills. Protect your relationships and your bottom line by treating group expenses like business transactions: clear terms, upfront agreements, and accountability.

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