Doing Business

“If we can take this story, take these plans, and turn them into something that can be

an economic basis, it will transform everything that we have in this community.”

— Africatown Region Community Member

Our goal it help the Africatown Region build generational wealth, create a healthy and sustainable place to live by investing in companies and the business ecosystems surrounding them. We take a “whole person” approach to this mission, with a focus on improving and enriching the physical, environment, mental, and social health of our community.

Our area of expertise includes:

  • Capacity Building

  • Financial Assistance

  • Access to Capital

  • Contracting and Procurement Assistance

  • Marketing

  • Operations

  • Business Development

  • Export

  • Industry Specific Training

  • Aid and Recovery for Economic Hardship

Programs

Take Classes

 

For Business Owners

Through our partnership with UPTIMA, we provide education, advising, and community to entrepreneurs in order to create thriving businesses in service to their communities. We will provide short courses to support freelancers, independent artists, and small business owners in developing their business model, creating plans, improving operations, accessing capital, and developing leadership capabilities to build resilient businesses with social impact.

For Small Scale Developers

This class teaches the nuts and bolts of small-scale real estate development to local residents. During our 6-week course, participants learn the basics of identification, acquisition, financing, leasing, and project management for neighborhood-based residential and commercial development projects.

For Community Financiers

In partnership with the Center for Economic Democracy we offer workshops on solidarity economy, economic democracy and community-controlled finance. Topics will include how capital and finance, if steered and rooted in community and non-extractive principles, can be a tool for social change. Topics will range from setting up a community-controlled investment funds to influencing investors through a campaign like equity raising to setting standards for community benefits.

Investment Partnerships

We successfully put together business deals that encourage restoration and wellbeing for Black communities.

Space Rentals

We offer office spaces for businesses; small scale kitchen usage, space for meetings and events.

Procurement Partnerships

The Port of Africatown works with established companies to develop their commitment to buy goods and services from Black Suppliers. The partnerships designates the Port of Africatown as a center for identifying, cultivating, growing, investing and scaling Black suppliers.

Cultural Exchange & Learning Program

The Port of Africatown hosts an exchange program that is focused on development of cultural goods and foods between nations. Our program brings Black innovators together from Africa, the United States, South America and the Caribbean in a cultural and economic exchange to promote partnerships and collaboration and a restorative trade relationship.

Media & Art Center

The Media Center will offer art workshops, lectures and exhibitions that will harness the storytelling and artistry of the community. POA also produces a local talk and news program that shares stories about entrepreneurship and global trade.