In this episode, Adena and Kara talk to Kristy Carter, author and principal investigator of a newly released study about women of color business owners and entrepreneurs in Arkansas. The research was conducted by the University of Central Arkansas and the report commissioned by the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas. Women of color open businesses at extraordinary rates. The qualitative study explores why. 

This episode’s Turn to Your Neighbor feature is Shunqetta Cunningham, the CEO and Lead Grant Strategist of KHARIS Grants and Services. She also leads a group for Black women entrepreneurs called Over A Cup. Shunqetta  is one of the featured women in the study. 

Patricia Ashanti is the Founder and CEO of Delta Circles, Inc. As a native of Helena, Arkansas, she has always recognized the need for community service and had a desire to help families thrive. Delta Circles is a nonprofit organization providing programs and opportunities to challenge the way Black women think about themselves, their finances, and their businesses. Her WIN program is modeled after an African practice called susu. 

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CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS

Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.

Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.

Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative

The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.