[Pictured above – Jae’da Turner, Founder & Manager Black Owned Bos. & the Bos. Shop South End. Photo by Carlie Febo]
For Immediate Release: Media Contact:
August 8, 2024 Shira Burns
[email protected]
617-533-9562
BOSTON, MA—This August, Dorchester Bay Economic Development is honored to celebrate National Black Business Month, a month-long celebration dedicated to acknowledging the invaluable contributions of Black-owned businesses to our local community and the national economy. The theme for Black Business Month 2024 is “Building Legacies, Bolstering Black Prosperity.” In the spirit of enhancing Black prosperity, Dorchester Bay EDC is showcasing the profiles of several Black businesses that have received support from the organization.
“During Black Business Month, we celebrate the innovation, success, and invaluable contributions of Black entrepreneurs,” said Dorchester Bay EDC CEO Kimberly R. Lyle. “The most meaningful way to honor Black Business Month is by eliminating the barriers that block their prosperity, recognizing the achievements of, and patronizing, local Black-owned businesses in our community. It is also crucial that we continue to support Black-owned businesses throughout the year, not just during the month of August.”
“Thanks to Dorchester Bay EDC, I was awarded a life-saving amount of funding to save myself and my business… I was able to get back in black and prepare for our new space. In the last 4 years, me and my team have built a really functional and growing business… Thanks to organizations like Dorchester Bay EDC that do the work and invest in small businesses and understand the need for unconventional lending.” – Danielle Johnson, Owner, Spark FM, Hyde Park.
“Running a small business means getting creative and finding solutions for daily challenges and opportunities. That’s why I reached out to Dorchester Bay—the funding and support provided helped to stabilize my business and plan for the future” -Jae’da Turner, Founder & Manager Black Owned Bos. & the Bos. Shop South End
“Dorchester Bay played a pivotal role by providing essential funding in the amount of a $60,000 loan at a crucial moment when the economy was rebounding, and we needed capital to expand. Their support has enabled us to grow our operations and establish partnerships with notable organizations such as the City of Boston, Meet Boston, and the NHL. This evolution reflects our commitment to adapting and thriving in a dynamic landscape while maintaining our exceptional service standards. Partnering with Dorchester Bay EDC underscores the importance of investing in and supporting small local businesses in Boston. Our small businesses are the lifeline of our communities—dependable, reliable, and deeply embedded in the neighborhoods we serve. Together, our partnership is not just envisioning the future—we are actively shaping it” – Ricardo Louis – CEO, Privé Parking
Click here for headshots of all business owners.
Danielle Johnson – Owner, Spark FM in Mattapan: is a trailblazing entrepreneur and visionary leader who made history as the first Black female owner of a digital radio station with Spark FM in Boston. By leaning on her a background in marketing and media, Johnson was able to fill the need for more diverse voices and perspectives in the radio industry and took it upon herself to create a space where underserved communities could be heard. In 2023, Spark FM was awarded a $60,000 loan and a $15,000 grant from Dorchester Bay EDC, solidifying its position as a leading beacon of inclusivity. The station offers a diverse array of music, news, and talk shows that cater to a wide-ranging audience.
Dianne Austin and Pamela Shaddock – Owners, Coils to Locks: a unique wig resource located in Dorchester. The business was founded by Dianne Austin, a cancer survivor and thriver, along with her sister Pamela Shaddock. Recognizing the challenges faced by women of color with highly textured, tightly coiled hair, especially in the midst of medical hair loss, Dianne and Pamela set out on a mission to provide wigs that cater to their unique needs. In 2024, Coils to Locks received a grant of $5,000 and a $30,000 loan from the Dorchester Bay EDC. This funding will undoubtedly help the business continue to thrive and serve its community with excellence. “DBEDC has supported Coils to Locs when we were just at the idea stage of starting a business. We’ve appreciated and have greatly benefited from the business expertise and capital that DBEDC has been able to provide our startup over the years!”
Jae’da Turner – Owner, Black Owned Bos. in the South End: A boutique situated in the vibrant South End neighborhood. Established in March 2019, Black Owned Bos. serves as a platform and resource dedicated to showcasing and promoting Black-owned businesses, establishments, and individuals who are driving cultural progress. Operating as a business services and consulting agency, Black Owned Bos. specializes in creating environments that enhance, nurture, and bolster the success of its clients. In recognition of its commitment to supporting the Black business community and visionary work, Black Owned Bos. was awarded a $10,000 grant and a $25,000 loan from the Dorchester Bay EDC in 2024.
Ricardo Louis – CEO, Privé Parking based in Roxbury: Honored as the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Small Business of the Year, Prive Parking has been recognized as an exceptional valet parking and garage management company. Since establishing Privé Parking in 2012, Ricardo has been a trendsetter in the valet parking industry, dedicated to enhancing the customer experience through innovative parking solutions. Under his leadership, Privé Parking ensures safe drivers, exceptional customer service, standardized operations, and a high level of professionalism for every establishment and special event they serve. Ricardo and his team take a personalized and forward-thinking approach, tailoring their services to meet the unique needs of each client and optimize efficiency and convenience.
Ricardo’s role as CEO is characterized by a unique combination of financial expertise and entrepreneurial vision, driving the success and growth of Privé Parking. In recognition of his achievements, Ricardo received a $60,000 grant from Dorchester Bay EDC in 2024.
As we reflect on the incredible contributions that Black-owned businesses have made, we are able to celebrate the impact these contributions have on our local economy. The businesses
supported by Dorchester Bay EDC not only provide goods and services to our communities, but they also create jobs, drive innovation, and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.
About Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation
DBEDC is a Community Development Corporation (CDC) and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Founded in 1979, we work to build a strong, thriving, and diverse community in Boston’s North Dorchester and Roxbury neighborhoods. We develop, preserve, and sustain affordable rental and ownership housing. We lend capital to and coach small businesses and prepare job seekers for well-paying sustainable employment. We stabilize tenancies and foster community leadership. We’re focused on equitable development without displacement and providing opportunities for economic mobility. We are one of Boston’s oldest and most established community development organizations
In 2023, Dorchester Bay EDC supported 17 businesses with $1,505,000. To date, Dorchester Bay EDC has distributed more than $7 million to small businesses, providing loans and technical assistance to over 300 businesses per year to businesses and business owners who reside in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, and Roslindale.
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