Cooperative Economics

Ujamaa! That's the news for the day.  The principal of
Cooperative Economics. 

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On this 4th day of Kwanzaa I highlight 3 business owners I met this year through The Runway Project. I heard about this small business loan and business development program through Oakland's Inner City Advisors where I've taken a few business courses.

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Helping African American entrepreneurs take flight', is emblazed across The Runway Projects's webpage.  I applied and was approved for a loan and was soon introduced to a dynamic cast of cohorts who had businesses of their own.  The Runway Project has monthly group meetings that support the success of our endeavors and we get to connect with fellow entrepreneurs as we are building our dreams. I'm grateful for the loan I received from this project.  Getting a loan from traditional banks had proven fruitless or difficult with terms that leave much to be desired.  The Runway Project’s terms include building community with other African American business owners and well as ongoing support with business advisors that support your process for the life of the loan.  These practices embody the principal of Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics and it’s intention to build businesses, and control the economics in our community.   I am grateful for being a part of this program.

Last week I purchased products from 3 of my cohorts at Uptima Business Bootcamp's holiday party.  As I look at our pictures and the products for sale I'm thrilled to be a female business owner who is growing her business in the presence of other sister queens!  I purchased earring from Candid Arts, the Goddess pallet of eye shadow from Glo Girl cosmetics, and a head-wrap with a vibrant  display of color from Azteca Negra.  I will definitely post pictures when I wear their products. 
 
Happy Kwanza yall!