Why should we care about the status of minority business? 

Commerce is the life-blood of our economy and we can't have a vibrant economy unless it's an inclusive one.  Minority businesses are growing more rapidly than business overall but they still don't have their share of the economic pie, and entrepreneurial parity is elusive.

For years, public policy encouraged the growth and development of minority businesses.  But recently, with a resistance to affirmative action, resistance of minority business set asides, some experts fear that the pace of growth will slow.

Despite the growth we've seen among minority businesses in the past five years, the fact is most minority businesses are tiny, sole proprietorships that generate thousands, not millions of dollars in income.  So for all the progress there's been, if the nation's top 100 businesses sat down, there wouldn't be an African-American at the table.

Although the playing field is hardly level, the passage of the civil rights act just 40 years ago helped support significant progress in most areas.  There were just a handful of African-American elected officials in 1965, for example.  Now there are thousands.  University faculities were almost exclusively white in 1965.  While people of color are still unrepresented as professors, African-Americans, Asians and Latinos, represent at least 3% of college faculities.  With a growth in diverse populations, people of color are well represented in entertainment and sports, but when it comes to business ownership, the numbers don't yet reflect the population.

There is a large demographic shift in our country which will play a role on our nation's business and commercial landscape.  People of color have 1.8 trillion dollars in buying power -- 21 percent of our nation's spending.  If that money were directed to minority-owned business, imagine the expansion and capacity.

We invite you to explore our website, take a look at various data and trends affecting minority business.  Also find profiles, advice, and more information both from our expert panel on minority business and minority business owners themselves.  Finally, we have also provided you with some resources: further reading and links to other websites that can help as we push forward to make sure that minority business has a strong and vibrant future in the 21st century and beyond.

Altria Group is the parent company of Kraft Foods, Philip Morris International, Philip Morris USA and Philip Morris Capital Corporation.  In addition, Altria Group, Inc. has a 28.7% economic and voting interest in SABMiller.
.....................................

The program seeks to transform the way entrepreneurship is taught and experienced so that any student, regardless of their field of study, will have the opportunity to participate.
.....................................

Sodexho is the leading food and facilities management services company in North America and a member of Sodexho Alliance. Every day more than 120,000 Sodexho employees work to improve the quality of daily life for our clients and customers all over the U.S. and Canada.

Since 1979, NBPC has been a leading provider on American public television of quality, intelligent and compelling programming that celebrates the cultural heritage of African Americans and the African Diaspora.