August was National Black Business Month, and here at Neighborhood Community Development Fund, we recognized some of our favorite Black-owned small businesses all month long on our social feeds.
From places like Wigenton Candle Co.- a custom-blended candle business in Monroeville – to Premier Energy Network – a company that helps restaurants, convenience stores and more identify where their energy is being used – there’s a wide variety of Black-owned businesses in Allegheny County that make a difference in people’s lives every day.
There are so many, in fact, that we wanted to shout out a few more right here. We’ve been fortunate to not only provide financial assistance and other resources to these small businesses, but we’ve also had the privilege of forming meaningful relationships with the great people behind them.
- Strong Funeral Home: Arlena Strong wanted to own her own funeral home ever since she and her family experienced the loss of her daughter, Tabitha. This tragic experience made Strong want to help grieving families in the community navigate the complex and emotional process of burying a loved one.
- M&A Tax: With a background in accounting, Antoinette Payne opened M&A Tax six years ago. Payne previously managed her business out of her home, but when she was able to lease a storefront in the business district of Observatory Hill, her clientele grew.
- 300 Realty: After working in human resources since graduating college, Darvin Gray wanted to be his own boss and engage in work he found satisfying. As a result, Gray teamed up with his friend Gene to start 300 Realty, a real estate and property operations business, in 2019.
Each of these businesses started with an idea and grew into something more. We’re proud to support Black-owned businesses in Allegheny County not just this month, but all year long.