In August, the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice (SDARJ) and the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce (DEBCC) hosted a Town Hall on The State of Black-Owned Businesses in Delaware.
Photo: SDARJ August 2025 Town Hall Panel and Speaker
DEBCC President Aynna Khan urged collective advocacy and resource sharing, while local entrepreneurs — William “Manny” Smack, Jr. (Malani Clothing Co), Yolanda McKoy (Hands of Faith Massage), Charletta Speaks-Floyd (The Gate of Beautiful LLC, Toney Floyd Trucking), and Latisha Dismuke (A Taste of Jazz) — shared honest insights on challenges and triumphs.
Their stories reflected issues many Black business owners across Delaware continue to face:
- Access to capital and loans remains one of the biggest hurdles. Larry Fletcher of Walt’s Flavor Crisp Chicken Express explained that starting and maintaining a business is difficult without adequate funding and generational wealth to bridge financial gaps. He noted that few Black entrepreneurs have “hereditary funds” or enough network resources to survive the ups and downs of business【via Whyy].
- Supplier and vendor diversity programs exist, but owners say they are often sidelined in state contracts, with over 90% of vendor dollars still going to non-minority firms.
- Networking and mentorship gaps leave many entrepreneurs uncertain of where to find resources or connections.
- High rents and operating costs add pressure, especially for businesses in Wilmington neighborhoods with limited foot traffic.
- Complex procurement systems in government contracting can exclude smaller Black-owned firms from opportunities that could help them grow.
At the same time, the conversation highlighted solutions. Community support networks — including churches, local markets, and co-ops — continue to play a vital role in sustaining Black businesses when formal systems fall short. Panelists and attendees also pointed to changes state and city officials could implement to make procurement and funding more accessible, such as smaller bond requirements, simplified applications, and pro bono mentoring for emerging entrepreneurs.
The event, held during National Black Business Month, wasn’t just a conversation, it was a candid exchange of strategies, inspiration, and calls for action. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of both the systemic challenges and the resilience of Delaware’s Black entrepreneurs, as well as a renewed commitment to collective support.
 and the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce (DEBCC) hosted a Town Hall on The State of Black-Owned Businesses in Delaware.){kind=link}