Black Entrepreneurs

Perhaps Oprah Winfrey, one of the most famous black entrepreneurs today, was talking about the rewards that come with turning your life to business, when she said that "if you want your life to be more rewarding, you have to change the way you think." Certainly, the self-made billionaire and richest African-American, has reaped more financial and societal rewards since she became the chairman of Harpo Inc., which includes Harpo Productions, Harpo Studios, Harpo Films and Harpo Videos.

Oprah's connections with ABC have landed her 39 Daytime Emmy Awards, and her Oprah 'O' Magazine has become one of today's leading women's lifestyle publications - being credited as the most successful magazine launches in modern times.

Her global influence is most definitely admiring, and her astounding success as a black entrepreneur can be a huge comfort to aspiring minority entrepreneurs. If Oprah Winfrey can make it by herself, there's nothing stopping anybody else with a good idea, and a passion for business.

The first thing to suggest for an aspiring black entrepreneur would be to use the various resources open to you. There are many organisations that exist primarily, and indeed solely, to promote the growth of business and to assist with new ventures. The Minority Business Development Agency, a part of the US Department of Commerce, intends to "to actively promote the growth and competitiveness of minority-owned businesses by providing access to public/private debt and equity financing, market opportunities, and management and business information; coordinating and leveraging public and private resources; and, facilitating strategic alliances."

Equally, the Florida National Minority Supplier Development Council assists the development of the private sector, and installs and improves benchmark supplier diversity programs.

There is also the Small Business Administration that provides numerous resources for entrepreneurs at each and every stage of their business venture. There are Small Business centres and offices throughout the US - with popular services like counseling from Service Corps of Retired Executives, who can offer invaluable advice to support and assist entrepreneurs.

There's a huge black entrepreneur community out there. And you don't have to be alone in the business world, with Black Enterprise holding an Entrepreneurs Annual Conference and Expo.

The Black Enterprise Conference is in its fifteenth year, and provides both great experience and opportunity for aspiring black entrepreneurs. Hundreds of deal makers are expected to attend once again this year, all of whom are looking to build networks and seek opportunities for growth. Attending could mean a huge surge in interest for your business, a huge surge in demand for your product, rapid growth and sustainable maturity for your business - giving you the rewards that Oprah was talking about.

Expect innovative sessions at these expeditions, with high-powered and well known speakers, and peeks at upcoming products and trends that can keep you on top of the competition.

Remember, there is every opportunity for you as a black entrepreneur to succeed. Also, remember you're not alone.

Success stories

• Most famous of black entrepreneurs, Oprah Winfrey
• Music mogul from Bad Boy Entertainment, Sean Combs
• Building a business on your personal brand like Jay-Z, aka Shawn Carter
• Basketball legend Michael Jordan
• Rapper and actor, Will Smith
• Supermodel, actress and talk show host, Tyra Banks
• Billionaire golfer, Tiger Woods
• Other famous entrepreneurs