Women’s Month 2025: The Power of Black & Brown Entrepreneurs

A New Era of Entrepreneurial Growth

March is Women’s Month, a time to celebrate the progress, power, and potential of women worldwide. 

This year’s theme, “Marching and Moving Forward Together,” couldn’t be more fitting for Black and Brown women entrepreneurs.

Why?

Because they aren’t just building businesses—they’re building movements. They’re rewriting the rules, breaking barriers, and creating generational wealth on their own terms.

And the numbers prove it.

• Black women now lead 2.1 million businesses—making up 15% of all women-owned enterprises and generating $100 billion in revenue (Essence).

• Latina-owned businesses grew 33% from 2017 to 2021, far surpassing the 7% growth rate of non-Latina firms (Latin Times).

• Between 2019 and 2023, Black women entrepreneurs increased their revenue by 32.7%, while Latina founders saw a 17.1% jump—smashing the 12% average for all women-owned businesses (NWBC).

This isn’t just momentum—it’s a movement.

Black and Brown women aren’t waiting for seats at the table.

They’re building the table themselves.

As we celebrate Women’s Month, let’s take a closer look at how Black and Brown women are not only marching forward—but leading the way.

Industries Where Black & Brown Women Are Thriving

The industries where Black and Brown women dominate are no accident. These are the same industries that overlooked their needs for decades.

Instead of waiting for solutions, they created them.

Beauty & Personal Care: Redefining the Industry

For years, mainstream beauty brands ignored Black and Brown consumers.

But those days?

Over.

• Black consumers spend over $7.5 billion annually on beauty products, and more of that money is finally going to Black-women-led brands (CSC).

Take Black Girl Sunscreen. Founder Shontay Lundy didn’t just create sunscreen—she challenged an industry bias.

Sun protection products were notorious for leaving an ashy, white residue on darker skin, making many Black and Brown consumers feel invisible.

Her solution? A melanin-friendly sunscreen—now available at Target and Ulta nationwide.

Or look at Mielle Organics, founded by Monique Rodriguez.

What started as a homegrown haircare brand became so influential that P&G acquired it in 2023.

That’s not just success.

That’s proof that Black women aren’t just participating in the beauty industry—they’re leading it.

Tech & Digital Innovation: Breaking Barriers & Building Solutions

Black and Brown women aren’t just using technology—they’re creating it.

• They’re building apps that close healthcare gaps.

• They’re launching AI-driven tools for small business owners.

• They’re innovating in fintech, cybersecurity, and enterprise software.

Take Health in Her Hue—a digital health platform connecting women of color with culturally competent doctors.

Why does this matter?

Because Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.

Founder Ashlee Wisdom saw a system failing Black women—and built a solution (Morgan Stanley).

Or look at Angela Heath, a Black entrepreneur who launched an AI-powered "Biz Generator" toolkit to help small business owners—especially those without tech backgrounds—leverage artificial intelligence.

Considering that 96% of Black-owned businesses are solopreneurs, automation is a game-changer (Brookings).

What’s the common thread?

Black and Brown women aren’t just succeeding in tech—they’re solving long-ignored problems and reshaping the industry.

Food & Consumer Goods: Culture Meets Entrepreneurship

Food is more than sustenance.

It’s culture, community, and connection.

Black and Latina entrepreneurs are bringing their heritage into the mainstream, launching brands that deliver bold flavors and authentic experiences.

Take TK Burtin-Johnson, co-founder of Red Hazel Whiskey. She didn’t just enter the male-dominated spirits industry—she’s shaking it up (Bold Journey).

And then there’s Kayla Rogers, a top-producing Black realtor in South Carolina.

She’s not just selling homes—she’s helping Black families reclaim financial power through real estate investments.

Their success stories prove one thing:

Ownership is power.

Economic Shifts Creating New Opportunities

The landscape is shifting, and for Black and Brown women entrepreneurs, it’s shifting in their favor.

Why Now? The Key Economic Drivers of Growth

• Funding & Grants: Programs like Goldman Sachs’ One Million Black Women.

• Supplier Diversity: Corporations and government agencies are actively seeking out women-of-color-owned businesses. This isn’t charity—it’s good business (Simfoni).

• E-Commerce & Digital Platforms: With platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Shopify, entrepreneurs bypass traditional gatekeepers and reach customers directly.

• Investment Boom: If Black women had equal access to capital, it could add $1.5–$1.7 trillion to the U.S. economy (McKinsey).

The playing field still isn’t level—but these shifts?

They’re tilting the odds in favor of women of color.

From Entrepreneurship to Economic Empowerment: Building Wealth & Legacy

Starting a business is one thing. Sustaining it? That’s where the real power lies.

Why This Matters:

• Closing the Racial Wealth Gap: Business ownership is one of the fastest ways to build generational wealth—and Black and Latina women are leading the way.

• Job Creation & Community Impact: These women aren’t just making money—they’re hiring from their own communities, keeping wealth circulating where it’s needed most.

• Mentorship & Networks: Groups like Sistahbiz Global Network have already provided over $1.2 million in funding and resources to Black women entrepreneurs.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Black & Brown Women in Business?

The future is bright—but only if we keep pushing forward.

How We Move Forward Together:

• Invest in Black & Brown women-owned businesses. Every dollar you spend is a vote for equity.

• Push for better funding and business policies. Grants, supplier contracts, VC investments—these are the game changers.

• Champion collaboration. Peer mentorship, shared resources, and partnerships can break barriers faster than going solo.

Black and Brown women aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving, innovating, and leading.

Their success isn’t just personal—it’s transformational. It’s changing industries.

It’s shifting economies. It’s reshaping the future of business.

The only question left is: Will we rise to meet them?

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