Confronting Racism & Building Equitable Communities
As a values-driven business coalition, Good Business Colorado condemns racism in all of its forms. Our organization was founded on the principle that businesses can be voices of good in their communities while working toward a prosperous economy, sustainable environment and equitable communities.
Our communities will not be equitable until we acknowledge and change the systemic barriers faced by people of color in the United States.
We have heard member experiences and recognize the Black community is traumatized. Black business owners are struggling financially right now, experiencing compounded health risks, and safety threats. Every level of financial, physical, and emotional wellness are under attack on an ongoing basis. However in this moment, the ongoing legacy of police brutality and the inequities of COVID-19 are inescapable. Communities of color are exhausted. They are worried, they are stressed, they are grieving, and they are rightfully angry.
This weekend, GBC staff engaged in activities to address racism and its most recent manifestation. However, engaging in activities in this moment is NOT enough. Black Lives Matter Everyday. We don’t just talk about equity when people are murdered, but strive to institutionalize it in our work. In alignment with our mission, GBC is focused on the intersection of small business success for impacted and marginalized communities, and building allyship amongst the larger values-driven business community.
Here’s three things we are doing at GBC.
Increasing access to capital: Businesses owned by communities of color have not had equal access to federal loans and COVID relief funds. Even Forbes magazine highlights the discrepancies. This is a continuation of under-resourcing, discrimination, and violence that has been inherent since the inception of our nation. We are challenging this status quo by making sure we raise the issue of unequal access to resources in every single conversation we have with elected officials and other people currently holding power.
Walking the talk: GBC is committed to diversity and inclusion and equity training for all our staff, leadership and members. We know that both privilege and microaggressions take many forms and we are committed to holding each other accountable, and being open to tough criticism. We put our money where our mouths are because nonprofit organizations hold power/responsibility in vendor contracting. GBC will always prioritize doing business with impacted communities. But we can and will do more.
Advocating for equity-focused policies: GBC will continue to advocate for policies that create an equitable business environment. For example, in the 2020 legislative session, GBC supported House Bill 1048 to prohibit workplace hair discrimination historically associated with race. Three GBC members directly lobbied legislators in support, and the bill was passed into law. Our work on House Bill 1143 remains more important than ever, as marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by air and water pollution. Furthermore, GBC is committed to creating ongoing member dialogue regarding the public policy agenda and ensuring engagement opportunities. We know that the people closest to the inequities are the best poised to know the solutions. But it's not on them to fix it. That’s our job as allies.
We ask our broader network to join us or take actions accessible to you. Here are some ideas:
Support Black-owned businesses: Here is a list to get started in the Denver metro area. Folks outside of the Denver metro area, email us other Black-owned businesses in your communities that we can spotlight, and/or consider making an online purchase or pick up a gift card for the next time you are in the city.
Provide financial support to Black women entrepreneurs: GBC member SistahBiz provides a suite of services, resources, and supports for Black women entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs often have less access to funding from friends and family, and experience barriers to securing loans. When they are able to get financing, it’s often for smaller amounts with higher interest rates. Donate today to help extend the runway for Black women business owners and entrepreneurs and/or contribute to the crowdfunding campaigns that support the first cohort of SistahBiz businesses.
Listen, learn, act: Continue to educate yourself and take personal action to confront racism and its many manifestations. There are plenty of good reading lists out there. Here’s one to start.