Monroe, La (KTVE/KARD)– August is recognized as Black Business Month, emphasizing the support and resources needed for minority entrepreneurship across the region. Organizations like the Northeast Louisiana Black Chamber of Commerce focus on clearing operational hurdles for minority-owned enterprises.
Many minority-owned businesses often start on a small scale and face challenges regarding funding, licensing, and general business education. The chamber provides assistance to help entrepreneurs navigate these early obstacles and establish sustainable operations.
Kenya Roberson, executive director of the Monroe Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, said the awareness month highlights the dedication of local business owners. “It is a time for us to celebrate African Americans who have been in the trenches to actually showcase their talents in a creative way, as well as to be able to provide for themselves, their business and their community,” Roberson said.
Timez Kitchen and Kocktail opened earlier this year with limited resources and quickly built a reputation for its food and atmosphere. Breshatta Davis, owner of Timez Kitchen and Kocktail, sought guidance from local business organizations when establishing the restaurant. “I did not know much about the restaurant business, but I was able to reach out to the Black Chamber of Commerce in the Monroe City, the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and they just provided so many resources,” Davis said.
The restaurant was designed to encourage guests to reflect on how they spend their time, which is reflected in its decor and its motto, “Where Time is Well Spent.” Davis noted that the atmosphere is structured to foster direct human interaction. “What I love about my restaurant is when people are together, they’re not on their cell phones, they’re not on social media, but they’re actually enjoying the company of one another and they’re being able to experience that time with one another. And it’s so important is definitely one of the things money can’t buy,” Davis said.
Davis hopes that Black Business Month inspires area residents to invest back into local enterprises. “I think is very important that when entrepreneurs invest and bring something to the city, that the community back them and understand someone has taken their dreams, their hard work and they have invested in something to make the community better,” Davis said.
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