[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 27 (Thursday, February 9, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H803]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING CONTRIBUTIONS OF BLACK BUSINESS OWNERS DURING NATIONAL 
                         ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK

  (Ms. STRICKLAND asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
contributions of Black business owners during National Entrepreneurship 
Week.
  Black entrepreneurs have been at the forefront of innovation, 
introducing new products, services, and industries that drive economic 
progress. Yet, many face barriers accessing equity capital and 
financing with affordable interest rates to sustain their growth.
  According to the Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity, Black startups 
receive a mere 1 percent of total venture financing. Most start with 
just one-third of the capital available to their White counterparts.
  This Black History Month, I want to recognize Makieda Hart, a startup 
founder and Black businessowner in my district. Through her tenacity 
and determination, she continues to grow her business and makes an 
impact in the 10th Congressional District of Washington State.
  Knowledge about capital and resources are essential to all small 
business owners, and she encourages young people to seek a mentor and 
to always learn.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in Congress to take a closer look 
at the challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs and to work together to 
build a stronger, more equitable economy for all because economic 
justice is, indeed, social justice.

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