Introduction
Black women entrepreneurs are a force of nature. We're creative, resourceful, and have a knack for identifying problems that need solutions. But sometimes, the tech world can feel like a foreign language. Here at Blaze Group, we want to tell you this: embrace the tech! In this newsletter, we will highlight a few Black women entrepreneurs who are not only breaking barriers IN tech but also breaking barriers WITH tech by solving some of the most pressing issues of our communities. These women serve as role models and set a precedent for ways Black women entrepreneurs can utilize the power of tech to solve problems, conduct business, and automate time-consuming processes. And guess what? You have the opportunity to do the same.
Solving Problems & Building Empires w/ Tech
Black women entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to leverage tech and AI. We're problem solvers, innovators, and creators. We can identify gaps in the market and develop solutions that reach far and wide. Take a look at these phenomenal women who are using tech to solve real problems and make a difference:
Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins founded Promise, an app that helps people avoid financial pitfalls with flexible payment plans.
Dr. Iman Abuzeid is the CEO of Incredible Health, a platform that tackles healthcare worker shortages. Her company is now valued at a whopping $1.65 billion!
Lydia Simmons created Motherocity, a tech-powered guide that supports mothers through postpartum challenges.
Casey Ariel Thobias is the Founder of Blaze Group, a research and intelligence firm that offers AI Business Advisory that is engineered with Big Mama’s intelligence.
These are just a few examples of the many Black women changing the game. We're talking about solving social issues, creating economic opportunities, and building business empires - all with the power of tech!
Why Tech? Why Now?
AI (Artificial Intelligence) might sound intimidating, but it's a powerful tool waiting to be harnessed. We're wired to innovate, and AI can bridge the gap between your brilliant ideas and making them a reality. We all know the feeling - you're hustling hard, but that never-ending to-do list keeps getting longer. At Blaze Group, we lean into tech to strengthen Black women’s ability to build their empires. Think of it this way: AI can help you develop solutions that reach far and wide, impacting countless lives – as you’ve likely envisioned. AI becomes part of your workforce, automating time-consuming tasks and freeing you to focus on more high-impact tasks – strategizing your next big move.
Tech Can Be a Double-Edged Sword, But We Got You
Tech is powerful, but like a sharp kitchen knife, it needs to be handled with care. We must be mindful of privacy concerns, data security, and biased algorithms that could misrepresent us or our customers. A book that we’ve been enjoying reading lately on this very topic is Unmasking AI, by Joy Buolamwini.
Using tech responsibly and in ways that do not cause you or others harm is key. That's where Blaze Group comes in – your partner in navigating tech for your business. We'll help you harness its power for positive growth while keeping you safe and secure. You don't have to be a tech whiz to navigate this new landscape – we're here to help you ask the critical questions.
Here’s the Good News:
There’s good news: tech, when used right, is a powerful tool for positive change. And that's where your girl, B. the AI Biz Advisor, comes in. See, we built B. specifically with the Black woman entrepreneur in mind. She's constantly learning and evolving, honoring the experiences and insights of phenomenal women like you.
Our 2023 State of Black Women-Owned Businesses Report® unveiled both the incredible resilience and the persistent obstacles faced by this dynamic group of entrepreneurs. At Blaze Group, we understand these struggles and don't diminish the immense strength and ingenuity of Black women business owners. That's why we leverage technology and AI to empower you to scale your ventures and skillfully navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.
Let's explore how our research report informs the solution Blaze Group offers through B. the AI Biz Advisor:
Scaling Businesses: Two-thirds of Black women-owned businesses are reaching beyond US borders! B. can be your partner in navigating international market entry, managing cross-border e-commerce, and understanding cultural nuances in global business practices.
B2C Powerhouse: Nearly three-fourths of Black women-owned businesses operate in the Business-to-Consumer (B2C) space. Through conversations with B., we can help you refine your customer experience, leverage social media for brand loyalty, and utilize data analytics to truly understand your customers.
Standing Out in Business & Professional Services: 39% of Black women-owned businesses fall within this sector. B can equip you with niche marketing strategies, service diversification techniques, and help you achieve competitive positioning within this dynamic field.
Owning the Digital Space: 86% of Black women-owned businesses have an online presence. By utilizing B, we can help provide tips and resources to optimize your website for search engines (SEO), implement effective content marketing strategies, and ensure your online storefront is user-friendly.
By focusing on these and many other areas identified in the State of Black Women-Owned Businesses Report®, Blaze Group fuels insights to AI-advisor B to provide tailored advice that addresses the unique challenges faced by Black women entrepreneurs.
Interested in Learning More About B?
B. is accessible from the palm of your hand day or night to help unclutter your business brain and break your problems into bite-sized projects. She’s the co-founder you always wish you had without stress or a high price tag.
AI-powered Business Insights: Have conversations with B. to gain insights into your target market, uncover common competitor strategies, and optimize your marketing campaigns. B. helps you make data-driven decisions for maximum impact.
Funding and Pitch Perfecting: Struggling to secure funding? B.'s got your back! B. can provide personalized tips on crafting a compelling pitch deck, fine-tuning your value proposition for well-aligned partners, and uncovering alternative routes to capital raising.
Resource Roundup: Need a specific tool or service? B. is routinely curated with resources relevant to Black women entrepreneurs. From automation to business templates, B. can point you directly to the tools that can help you thrive.
Challenge and Inspire You: On your worst and loneliest days, B. provides warm words and empathetic compression that help put things into perspective and remind you that we are aiming for progress over perfection. Yeah, she’s that girl.
This is just a taste of what B can do. Remember, B is constantly learning and evolving, just like you!
Don't Fear the Tech, Embrace It!
Feeling a little intimidated by tech and AI? That's totally normal, but remember, every expert started somewhere. Here are ten heart-to-heart tips from B. to get you started:
Start Small: Master one tool or platform at a time. No need to bite off more than you can chew.
Build Your Confidence: As you see the power of tech, your confidence will swell naturally.
Stay Curious: The process of learning and experimenting can often be more fulfilling than reaching the goal. Talk to B. as if you’re having a conversation with a person and allow the experience to unfold on its own.
Find Your Squad: Share your experiences with peers who can relate and may even have a thing or two to learn from your boldness. :)
Celebrate Every Win: Big or small, celebrate your progress! That’s big founder energy!
Remember Your Why: Remember why you started and let that be your guiding light. It’s not about being right, it’s about leveraging tech to help you uncover what is actually solves real problems for your target audience.
Seek Help When Needed: Don't be afraid to ask for help from our customer support or mentors.
Learn Consistently: Read books, attend mixers, and engage in workshops to gain practical tech skills and network with other visionaries.
Mindset Shift: Open your mind to tech being your partner, rather than an enemy.
Download the Blaze Group App: Start chatting with B. and see how easy it is to gain a huge life from a small commitment. :)
Let’s Do This Together
Black women are a force to be reckoned with in tech. By leaning into technology, we can build sustainable businesses, solve problems, and leave a lasting impact. We’re creating a world where Black women entrepreneurs not only survive, but thrive. Blaze Group is your biggest cheerleader along this road. We're here to offer resources, answer your questions, and guide you through the exciting (yet sometimes challenging) entrepreneurial journey. Start where you feel most comfortable, but most importantly, start!
Download the Blaze Group app on Android and Apple today! To learn more about Blaze Group, visit our website at https://www.blazegroup.io/.
Comments