Recent Blog Posts

Reflections from the CEO of Black BRAND: Embracing 2025 as Our Regional Renaissance

Reflections from the CEO of Black BRAND: Embracing 2025 as Our Regional Renaissance The future seems uncertain. The present is chaotic. The past is out of reach. At Black BRAND, I do not deny the reality where we find ourselves. These times are turbulent and unprecedented, and denial does not serve any of us well.…

Black BRAND Graduation 2025: Empowering Black Entrepreneurs and Professionals in Hampton Roads

Black BRAND Graduation 2025: Empowering Black Entrepreneurs and Professionals in Hampton Roads On Feb. 1st, 2025, Black BRAND, the Black Chamber of Commerce for Hampton Roads, hosted its first-ever combined graduation ceremony at the stunning Founder’s Inn. Graduates from three transformative programs – B-Force Accelerator, Surge Business Academy, and Women Who Lead – prepared for…

How will Pandemic-Generated Tax Programs Impact Small Businesses in 2022?

Two major pieces of tax legislation passed in the years 2020 and  2021, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic – the  Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) and its offspring, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Also gaining congressional approval was the Coronavirus Response and Consolidated Appropriations Act. All were intended to provide…

Marketing on Tik Tok – Is it Worth it?

Covid-19 was a boon for social media platforms like Tik Tok. The allure may have been a way to connect with the greater world when real-time connection was limited. The app has been installed over 800 million times since the novel coronavirus first appeared in 2020, and the videos hosted on its site have earned…

Ten Reasons Your Small Business Needs a CPA

Distinguished from accountants by the stringent qualifications and licensing requirements they must meet, CPAs (certified public accountants) are widely recognized and highly trusted professionals in the business world. Not only do they play the critical role of a tax preparer, CPAs can be partners and strategists with small business owners in charting a path for…

Five Reasons you Need a Lawyer on Your Business Team

While many small businesses have a CPA or finance expert on board, fewer are likely to have an attorney. Most small business owners (SBOs), especially those in operation for less than five years, don’t account for legal representation until an unwelcome situation arises. Ideally, a SBO thinks proactively and secures legal counsel before they find…

Google Analytics for Black Business Owners Part II

In this blog post, we will continue our walkthrough of Google Analytics. This platform offers multiple methods of presenting information that can be helpful for your business.    Terms  First, let’s start with some explanations of some essential terms to know. While you analyze your dashboard, keep these metrics in mind!    Bounce Rate: This…

4 Reasons to Join a Business Association

Inc.com defines a business association as an organization that promotes its members’ business interests, gathers information, researches, provides educational opportunities, and networking. Although there is often a misconception that business associations are strictly for larger corporations, because of the cost, small businesses benefit as well! One example of a business association is Black BRAND! As…

March Contract Opportunities in the 757

Many exciting informational events for black business owners interested in contract opportunities are coming to our community in March! From the Tidewater Gardens Redevelopment to the up and coming Rivers Casino, we have listed three major opportunities to get involved.  Tidewater Gardens Redevelopment – March 10th  With the redevelopment of the Tidewater Gardens public housing,…