“The African American Entrepreneurs Association (AAEA), a 501(C)3 Nonprofit organization that was formed on January 1, 2018, to develop and create economic development through entrepreneurship within the underserved African American community through education, mentoring, workshops, group economics, and access to micro-financing opportunities.”
What began as a single, membership-based support resource for minority business owners in Palm Coast, Florida has steadily become a model for expanding opportunities throughout the nation.
Leslie Giscombe, founder and CEO of the African American Entrepreneurs Association, says it’s a dedication to staying focused on the mission that has enabled the organization to build partnerships with some of the nation’s largest lenders and most influential community organizations over the past five years.
Working with lenders like the TD Charitable Foundation to create the ‘Business Relief Funding Program’, and Truist to create the ‘Access to Capital’ program, the AAEA has served hundreds of businesses since inception.
Continuing to expand the support resources available, the AAEA has launched a membership campaign for the new chapters established in key strategic markets.
Open to all businesses across the nation, interested businesses can select one of the five chapters to join, and save on new member fees by using a promotional code now through September 30, 2023.
“We are offering a 50% discount on new memberships in five locations with existing members and ambassadors, Alabama, Baltimore, Florida, Georgia, and the Greater DMV (Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia),” said Giscombe.
Businesses are also invited to register at no cost on the AAEA National Business Directory Listing Service. While the free listing provides national exposure, the AAEA’s enhanced benefits such as access to AAEA funding resource programs, workshops, and the annual business awards recognition program, are only available as an AAEA member.
“The AAEA continues to review and revolutionize how it brings value to its mission and serves members nationwide,” said Giscombe.
“We have made strategic moves with our membership software and are now fully capable of promoting members in all fifty states. One of the most impressive opportunities is the free Business Directory listings. This nationwide listing will further enable the businesses we serve to reach clients across the nation, while increasing the public’s awareness of the AAEA’s many services and programs we provide through corporate and private partnerships.”
“Being able to promote your business on a national level is very important for all entrepreneurs. For the AAEA to be able to offer this additional free service aligns with our mission to Advocate, Educate, and Connect entrepreneurs on a national level.”