U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley joined a roundtable discussion in Roxbury on Monday to call attention to the benefit of a $1 million investment to the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, which will support local minority-owned small businesses.
“Your insights, your expertise, your DNA is all over everything the Senator and I advocate for because we do want to be intentional about actively listening to you and making sure that we’re advancing change that you can feel,” Pressley said.
Some of Massachusetts’ top political and financial leaders gathered at the 6th Mass Black Expo conference on Friday to discuss the racial wealth gap and how to
“We have changed our theme slightly. It does align with our mission, which is to build Black wealth, but we’re, because of the year that
Last year’s tagline for the expo was “Building Black Wealth,” which BECMA had adopted as a slogan for the work it does, said Xavier Andrews,
Black entrepreneurship is crucial to addressing this inequity, said Nicole Obi, executive director of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts. Black business owners have 10 times
Massachusetts is on the verge of enacting a landmark overhaul of its liquor laws, which will significantly reshape Boston’s cultural and economic landscape. The legislation,
Thank you to Trajan Warren and the Boston Business Journal for writing about efforts across sectors to support the development of Nubian Square and the
City Councilor Brian Worrell last week filed an ordinance that would require the city to review proposed policies with an equity lens to ensure people
Economic development in the Commonwealth must address barriers that limit the ability of young people who have been tried in the court system as adults
Supplier diversity goals — benchmarks around how many businesses from diverse backgrounds that larger entities like the city or state contract with — are key
Governor Maura Healey today signed into law the most ambitious legislation in Massachusetts history to tackle the state’s greatest challenge – housing costs. The Affordable
BECMA President & CEO Nicole Obi spoke with Comcast Newsmakers about BECMA’s programming, the challenges our members face and the support we provide, our policy
The amendment has drawn support from the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts and Franklin Cummings Tech, which have sent letters to legislative leaders.
Today the Massachusetts Senate voted to raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction to include residents who are 18-years-old. The initiative, known as “Raise the Age”
“While this report demonstrates that the Commonwealth has experienced growth in diverse and small business spending and in the number of relationships with diverse and
Companies and government agencies trying to diversify contracting often call up Black and brown business leaders and ask for a list of minority-owned businesses. Why
The suit, filed on behalf of three Massachusetts-based Black women business owners, the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) and the African Community Economic Development
Everybody wants to team up with Obi, who has quickly become the city’s most visible advocate for racial equity since taking the helm of BECMA
The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts ramped up efforts to help expand Black wealth over the past year, confronting disparities in a state with a
When the NAACP National Convention came to Boston last summer, it coincided with a time of controversy for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, as there
The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts and Boston Impact Initiative have jointly invested $325,000 in And Still We Rise, a Massachusetts-based mental health practice. And
Talking with the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts during an event focused on prioritizing equitable economic development, Michlewitz provided updates on the House’s plans for
A new state Office of the Energy Transformation will help lead the clean energy transition, the Healey administration announced Friday. Once launched, it will pick
Worker-owned cooperatives have the potential to be a boon to Black employees. That’s according to Nicole Obi, president and CEO of the Black Economic Council
Like the U.S. as a whole, Boston has a long legacy of racism and discrimination, and a pair of new reports dig into the lasting
Nicole Obi, MCP ’95, SM ’95, urges Black entrepreneurs to find support in their business networks. “It’s really important to have somebody who’s standing up
What Quincy Market ends up looking like is of great interest to Nicole Obi, the president and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts.
The Chair of this Board will be Nicole Obi, President, and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA). “I’m thrilled to join the
Nicole Obi, president and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA), said the findings speak to the importance of making this data more
One person thinking about the economic potential of the area is Nicole Obi, president and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts. The organization
BECMA President and CEO Nicole Obi told GBH News there is not a shortage of minority contractors, but many of them have given up trying
Earlier this year the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts moved our offices to the Bolling Building. As an organization committed to supporting and empowering Black-owned businesses, we
Business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and families took part in the Mass Black Expo, put on by The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts or BCMA. Their
The three-day Mass. Black Expo at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center brings together hundreds of Black entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders to network
More than 1,000 people registered for the conference, which began Friday at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in South Boston, said Nicole Obi, president
Nearly a decade ago, a group of Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and allies formed the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, a collaborative effort to close the
Nicole Obi, President and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts joined WBUR’s Morning Edition ahead of the council’s annual Mass Black Expo to talk about the pandemic’s
Confidence among business leaders in the Commonwealth remains steady as we head into fall, according to a new monthly report from Associated Industries of Massachusetts. Does
“I think it is a perfectly reasonable thing to do, to follow up on the commitments made in the wake of the racial awakening the country
Nicole Obi, president and chief executive of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, and Anne Rousseau, chief financial officer at Metro Housing Boston, gave an
Nicole Obi, president of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, said companies looking for suppliers often ask her whether there are enough qualified Black vendors.
With billions of federal dollars flowing into green infrastructure through legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act over the next few years, there has been a
Black-owned businesses have amassed debt in the past couple years, and with an economic downturn, it is “incredibly difficult for these folks to get the
As communities across Greater Boston feel the effects of the MBTA’s 30-day Orange Line shut down we the representatives of the Black Economic Council of
The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts is hosting a forum Thursday featuring the three Democratic candidates for Massachusetts attorney general. The event will take place
On Monday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee released its version of the biennial economic development bill. Similar to the bill passed unanimously by the
Three Massachusetts biotech firms are ringing in the new year by ringing the bell on the Nasdaq, Rowan Walrath reports.
Before you dig into today’s cannabis news, I wanted you to know you can keep this resource free and published daily by subscribing to Marijuana
Social equity advocates in Boston released a letter to state Senate President Karen Spilka citing an “urgent need to support local entrepreneurs and reform local cannabis licensing.” The advocates’ coalition includes Equitable
How would you create the perfect day in the city? We asked five people who would know.
A few years ago, I wrote about the Barr Foundation’s enduring commitment to racial equity. Since that time, we have outlined various ways in which this
To date, Cummings Foundation has awarded more than $375 million in grants to nonprofits based in greater Boston. It seeks to provide vital funding to mostly local
Dig into a heaping plate of spiced teff with charred kale, fried okra, and harissa and date-braised lamb prepared by a local chef. Mingle with
1. Michelle Wu, Mayor It’s not just that she’s the new mayor that makes Wu this year’s most influential Bostonian; it’s that she is a
Massachusetts lawmakers are finalizing the VOTES Act, a bill aimed at increasing access to the ballot box. It includes mail-in voting and extended early voting,
Senator Mitt Romney of Utah had been leading negotiations with the White House over new pandemic relief funding.Credit…Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times WASHINGTON — The
The Boston Business Journal’s all-women “STEM: The Opportunity Gap” panel included, clockwise from top left: Carolyn Jones, market president and publisher of Boston Business Journal,
State Senate President Karen Spilka continued to duck questions on legalizing sports betting, instead shifting the focus to where senators — who will ultimately be tasked with
Chang-Díaz spoils for a debate By LISA KASHINSKY 03/25/2022 07:22 AM EDT TIMING IS EVERYTHING — When Sonia Chang-Díaz challenged Democratic gubernatorial rival Maura Healey to three televised
A trio of Black and Brown economic development organizations on Thursday applied new pressure on Massachusetts lawmakers to legalize sports betting in the commonwealth while
Dews is Black. This is where the Berkshire Black Economic Council hopes that it can make a difference. The objective of the small nonprofit formed in May
EASTHAMPTON – In late February, Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle provided her state of the city address for 2022 through a pre-recorded collaboration with Easthampton Media.
The legislation will advance the offshore wind industry and modernize the electrical grid and energy storage infrastructure.
What a day! Our President Nicole Obi & our amazing policy team held a roundtable w/ @RepPressley , @Senwarren , & @Ruthzee to discuss the
What a day! Our President Nicole Obi & our amazing policy team held a roundtable w/ @RepPressley , @Senwarren , & @Ruthzee to discuss the
What a day! Our President Nicole Obi & our amazing policy team held a roundtable w/ @RepPressley , @Senwarren , & @Ruthzee to discuss the
BOSTON — Banks, engineering firms, an outdoor equipment manufacturer, energy companies and environmentally-minded organizations this week launched a new regional business alliance they hope will
Tune in for a webinar presented by LISC and Next city on how local governments and partners can help advance an equitable small business recovery.
EASTHAMPTON — With public meeting spaces still closed until April 1, Mayor Nicole LaChapelle reflected on the past year in her annual “state of the
When it comes to building businesses many Black and brown Bostonians have run into persistent barriers. These obstacles are often related to access to capital
Good morning, Boston. Here are the five things you need to know to start your busy workday.
Phillip Payton was one of the grandfathers of Black real estate development. Working in Harlem, helped build a working- and middle-class community in segregated New
When the pandemic forced in-store sales to drop at Care Beauty Supply – located in The Point neighborhood of Salem, Mass., – owner Jorge Ortiz
When the pandemic forced in-store sales to drop at Care Beauty Supply – located in The Point neighborhood of Salem – owner Jorge Ortiz received
Due to a reporting error, an earlier version of this story gave the incorrect date for the initial poll on the so-called millionaire tax. The
Small Boston-based businesses met with local financial advocacy groups to establish partnerships with potential investors during a Feb. 11 virtual event. The meeting was hosted
MOVING ON — State Rep. Carolyn Dykema bid the House farewell yesterday, adding to the growing list of mostly female lawmakers who are either retiring
It’s not just the NFL. Executives and entrepreneurs of color say they see themselves in Brian Flores, the former Miami Dolphins head coach who says
With Massachusetts residents continuing to struggle in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, advocates and lawmakers have taken the opportunity to promote an out-of-the-box solution
J.Jill has come a long way in the short time since the Quincy-based retailer flirted with bankruptcy, and the company’s stock price shows it. To
Since 1976, the United States government has officially recognized February as Black History Month, and with each passing year, incredible displays of Black art and
Bloomberg Baystate Business for Tuesday, January 18, 2022 – Tom, Joe and Kim talk about the news of the day (0:00) – Marthan Sheridan, President
With help from Anne Brandes ATTENDANCE RECORDS — A mayor, two state senators, a state representative and a businessman are running for a job with
A Hyde Park couple is one step closer to making their financial dreams come true. A deal set to become final next month between the
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s administration is finalizing the job posting for a chief of planning role, a newly created cabinet-level position that could “help oversee”
PUT TO THE TEST — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is about to face two of the biggest tests yet of her young administration. Wednesday is
BOSTON – The Board of Directors of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) announced Nicole Obi as the new President and Chief Executive Officer
The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts has named Nicole Obi as its new president and CEO, effective Monday, BECMA announced on Thursday. Obi grew up
FROM THE 413 — Some of the biggest changes in state politics are happening in the west. Eric Lesser’s entrance into the lieutenant governor’s race
The Boston business community is encouraged by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s selection of Segun Idowu, president and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts
We in the Bay State need to work harder to encourage people who currently live here to stick around, and one way to do that
A new face is here to lead the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts. Nicole Obi stepped into the role of president and CEO Monday, after
Good morning! Most schools are open, Elizabeth Holmes was found guilty on four counts, and the sun will shine for the first time since last
Some of Massachusetts’ top political and financial leaders gathered at the 6th Mass Black Expo conference on Friday to discuss the racial wealth gap and how to
“We have changed our theme slightly. It does align with our mission, which is to build Black wealth, but we’re, because of the year that
Last year’s tagline for the expo was “Building Black Wealth,” which BECMA had adopted as a slogan for the work it does, said Xavier Andrews,
Black entrepreneurship is crucial to addressing this inequity, said Nicole Obi, executive director of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts. Black business owners have 10 times
Massachusetts is on the verge of enacting a landmark overhaul of its liquor laws, which will significantly reshape Boston’s cultural and economic landscape. The legislation,
Thank you to Trajan Warren and the Boston Business Journal for writing about efforts across sectors to support the development of Nubian Square and the
City Councilor Brian Worrell last week filed an ordinance that would require the city to review proposed policies with an equity lens to ensure people
Economic development in the Commonwealth must address barriers that limit the ability of young people who have been tried in the court system as adults
Supplier diversity goals — benchmarks around how many businesses from diverse backgrounds that larger entities like the city or state contract with — are key
Governor Maura Healey today signed into law the most ambitious legislation in Massachusetts history to tackle the state’s greatest challenge – housing costs. The Affordable
BECMA President & CEO Nicole Obi spoke with Comcast Newsmakers about BECMA’s programming, the challenges our members face and the support we provide, our policy
The amendment has drawn support from the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts and Franklin Cummings Tech, which have sent letters to legislative leaders.
Today the Massachusetts Senate voted to raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction to include residents who are 18-years-old. The initiative, known as “Raise the Age”
“While this report demonstrates that the Commonwealth has experienced growth in diverse and small business spending and in the number of relationships with diverse and
Companies and government agencies trying to diversify contracting often call up Black and brown business leaders and ask for a list of minority-owned businesses. Why
The suit, filed on behalf of three Massachusetts-based Black women business owners, the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) and the African Community Economic Development
Everybody wants to team up with Obi, who has quickly become the city’s most visible advocate for racial equity since taking the helm of BECMA
The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts ramped up efforts to help expand Black wealth over the past year, confronting disparities in a state with a
When the NAACP National Convention came to Boston last summer, it coincided with a time of controversy for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, as there
The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts and Boston Impact Initiative have jointly invested $325,000 in And Still We Rise, a Massachusetts-based mental health practice. And
Talking with the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts during an event focused on prioritizing equitable economic development, Michlewitz provided updates on the House’s plans for
A new state Office of the Energy Transformation will help lead the clean energy transition, the Healey administration announced Friday. Once launched, it will pick
Worker-owned cooperatives have the potential to be a boon to Black employees. That’s according to Nicole Obi, president and CEO of the Black Economic Council
Like the U.S. as a whole, Boston has a long legacy of racism and discrimination, and a pair of new reports dig into the lasting
Nicole Obi, MCP ’95, SM ’95, urges Black entrepreneurs to find support in their business networks. “It’s really important to have somebody who’s standing up
What Quincy Market ends up looking like is of great interest to Nicole Obi, the president and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts.
The Chair of this Board will be Nicole Obi, President, and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA). “I’m thrilled to join the
Nicole Obi, president and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA), said the findings speak to the importance of making this data more
One person thinking about the economic potential of the area is Nicole Obi, president and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts. The organization
BECMA President and CEO Nicole Obi told GBH News there is not a shortage of minority contractors, but many of them have given up trying
Earlier this year the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts moved our offices to the Bolling Building. As an organization committed to supporting and empowering Black-owned businesses, we
Business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and families took part in the Mass Black Expo, put on by The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts or BCMA. Their
The three-day Mass. Black Expo at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center brings together hundreds of Black entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders to network
More than 1,000 people registered for the conference, which began Friday at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in South Boston, said Nicole Obi, president
Nearly a decade ago, a group of Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and allies formed the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, a collaborative effort to close the
Nicole Obi, President and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts joined WBUR’s Morning Edition ahead of the council’s annual Mass Black Expo to talk about the pandemic’s
Confidence among business leaders in the Commonwealth remains steady as we head into fall, according to a new monthly report from Associated Industries of Massachusetts. Does
“I think it is a perfectly reasonable thing to do, to follow up on the commitments made in the wake of the racial awakening the country
Nicole Obi, president and chief executive of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, and Anne Rousseau, chief financial officer at Metro Housing Boston, gave an
Nicole Obi, president of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, said companies looking for suppliers often ask her whether there are enough qualified Black vendors.
With billions of federal dollars flowing into green infrastructure through legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act over the next few years, there has been a
Black-owned businesses have amassed debt in the past couple years, and with an economic downturn, it is “incredibly difficult for these folks to get the
As communities across Greater Boston feel the effects of the MBTA’s 30-day Orange Line shut down we the representatives of the Black Economic Council of
The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts is hosting a forum Thursday featuring the three Democratic candidates for Massachusetts attorney general. The event will take place
On Monday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee released its version of the biennial economic development bill. Similar to the bill passed unanimously by the
Three Massachusetts biotech firms are ringing in the new year by ringing the bell on the Nasdaq, Rowan Walrath reports.
Before you dig into today’s cannabis news, I wanted you to know you can keep this resource free and published daily by subscribing to Marijuana
Social equity advocates in Boston released a letter to state Senate President Karen Spilka citing an “urgent need to support local entrepreneurs and reform local cannabis licensing.” The advocates’ coalition includes Equitable
How would you create the perfect day in the city? We asked five people who would know.
A few years ago, I wrote about the Barr Foundation’s enduring commitment to racial equity. Since that time, we have outlined various ways in which this
To date, Cummings Foundation has awarded more than $375 million in grants to nonprofits based in greater Boston. It seeks to provide vital funding to mostly local
Dig into a heaping plate of spiced teff with charred kale, fried okra, and harissa and date-braised lamb prepared by a local chef. Mingle with
1. Michelle Wu, Mayor It’s not just that she’s the new mayor that makes Wu this year’s most influential Bostonian; it’s that she is a
Massachusetts lawmakers are finalizing the VOTES Act, a bill aimed at increasing access to the ballot box. It includes mail-in voting and extended early voting,
Senator Mitt Romney of Utah had been leading negotiations with the White House over new pandemic relief funding.Credit…Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times WASHINGTON — The
The Boston Business Journal’s all-women “STEM: The Opportunity Gap” panel included, clockwise from top left: Carolyn Jones, market president and publisher of Boston Business Journal,
State Senate President Karen Spilka continued to duck questions on legalizing sports betting, instead shifting the focus to where senators — who will ultimately be tasked with
Chang-Díaz spoils for a debate By LISA KASHINSKY 03/25/2022 07:22 AM EDT TIMING IS EVERYTHING — When Sonia Chang-Díaz challenged Democratic gubernatorial rival Maura Healey to three televised
A trio of Black and Brown economic development organizations on Thursday applied new pressure on Massachusetts lawmakers to legalize sports betting in the commonwealth while
Dews is Black. This is where the Berkshire Black Economic Council hopes that it can make a difference. The objective of the small nonprofit formed in May
EASTHAMPTON – In late February, Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle provided her state of the city address for 2022 through a pre-recorded collaboration with Easthampton Media.
The legislation will advance the offshore wind industry and modernize the electrical grid and energy storage infrastructure.
What a day! Our President Nicole Obi & our amazing policy team held a roundtable w/ @RepPressley , @Senwarren , & @Ruthzee to discuss the
What a day! Our President Nicole Obi & our amazing policy team held a roundtable w/ @RepPressley , @Senwarren , & @Ruthzee to discuss the
What a day! Our President Nicole Obi & our amazing policy team held a roundtable w/ @RepPressley , @Senwarren , & @Ruthzee to discuss the
BOSTON — Banks, engineering firms, an outdoor equipment manufacturer, energy companies and environmentally-minded organizations this week launched a new regional business alliance they hope will
Tune in for a webinar presented by LISC and Next city on how local governments and partners can help advance an equitable small business recovery.
EASTHAMPTON — With public meeting spaces still closed until April 1, Mayor Nicole LaChapelle reflected on the past year in her annual “state of the
When it comes to building businesses many Black and brown Bostonians have run into persistent barriers. These obstacles are often related to access to capital
Good morning, Boston. Here are the five things you need to know to start your busy workday.
Phillip Payton was one of the grandfathers of Black real estate development. Working in Harlem, helped build a working- and middle-class community in segregated New
When the pandemic forced in-store sales to drop at Care Beauty Supply – located in The Point neighborhood of Salem, Mass., – owner Jorge Ortiz
When the pandemic forced in-store sales to drop at Care Beauty Supply – located in The Point neighborhood of Salem – owner Jorge Ortiz received
Due to a reporting error, an earlier version of this story gave the incorrect date for the initial poll on the so-called millionaire tax. The
Small Boston-based businesses met with local financial advocacy groups to establish partnerships with potential investors during a Feb. 11 virtual event. The meeting was hosted
MOVING ON — State Rep. Carolyn Dykema bid the House farewell yesterday, adding to the growing list of mostly female lawmakers who are either retiring
It’s not just the NFL. Executives and entrepreneurs of color say they see themselves in Brian Flores, the former Miami Dolphins head coach who says
With Massachusetts residents continuing to struggle in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, advocates and lawmakers have taken the opportunity to promote an out-of-the-box solution
J.Jill has come a long way in the short time since the Quincy-based retailer flirted with bankruptcy, and the company’s stock price shows it. To
Since 1976, the United States government has officially recognized February as Black History Month, and with each passing year, incredible displays of Black art and
Bloomberg Baystate Business for Tuesday, January 18, 2022 – Tom, Joe and Kim talk about the news of the day (0:00) – Marthan Sheridan, President
With help from Anne Brandes ATTENDANCE RECORDS — A mayor, two state senators, a state representative and a businessman are running for a job with
A Hyde Park couple is one step closer to making their financial dreams come true. A deal set to become final next month between the
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s administration is finalizing the job posting for a chief of planning role, a newly created cabinet-level position that could “help oversee”
PUT TO THE TEST — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is about to face two of the biggest tests yet of her young administration. Wednesday is
BOSTON – The Board of Directors of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) announced Nicole Obi as the new President and Chief Executive Officer
The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts has named Nicole Obi as its new president and CEO, effective Monday, BECMA announced on Thursday. Obi grew up
FROM THE 413 — Some of the biggest changes in state politics are happening in the west. Eric Lesser’s entrance into the lieutenant governor’s race
The Boston business community is encouraged by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s selection of Segun Idowu, president and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts
We in the Bay State need to work harder to encourage people who currently live here to stick around, and one way to do that
A new face is here to lead the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts. Nicole Obi stepped into the role of president and CEO Monday, after
Good morning! Most schools are open, Elizabeth Holmes was found guilty on four counts, and the sun will shine for the first time since last
