By Lindsey Rose
Every February for the past three years, community activist and entrepreneur Sheletta Brundidge has celebrated Black History Month and a significant movement for Black business owners by hosting Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Minnesota Capitol. Sheletta founded the event as a platform for change, bringing together over 400 business owners, community leaders, and policymakers to advocate for Black entrepreneurs and providing them with direct access to critical resources and legislators.
Her efforts organizing Black Entrepreneurs Day earned her and her event production team a prestigious Board of Governors Emmy Award last year. Despite its success, the event faced several hurdles this year. Just days leading up to the event, Sheletta made a bold decision to return major corporate sponsorships from Amazon after the company rolled back its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The move resulted in a funding gap. Sheletta needed to raise approximately $25,000 to cover costs, including a $5,000 Black entrepreneur grant, which is awarded at the event each year.
Despite the financial risk, she trusted in her faith. “I didn’t believe God would bring me all the way out to the Capitol and leave me out to dry,” she said. Her decision resonated widely, attracting donations from organizations like Project Success and individual supporters.
There was also doubt this year over whether Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) leaders would be present due to a political stalemate. Sheletta turned political uncertainty into opportunity by securing the attendance of three of Minnesota’s most powerful Democrats—Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Attorney General Keith Ellison. Additionally, she invited U.S. Congresswomen Betty McCollum (MN-04) and Kelly Morrison (MN-03), who is a member of the House Committee on Small Business.
“The DFL House boycott was a blessing in disguise,” said Sheletta. “We’d never had federal legislators show up before, and Rep. Morrison provided key insights into federal programs and funding we wouldn’t have heard about otherwise.”
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz addressed the urgency of dismantling systemic barriers, stating, “I refuse to erase our shared history for short-term political talking points. We’re here now to improve people’s lives.” Attorney General Keith Ellison echoed that sentiment, emphasizing unity over division.
Additional event speakers included Sen. Clare Oumou Verbeten (DFL-St. Paul), one of the first Black women elected to the Minnesota Senate, as well as Sen. Judy Seeberger (DFL-Afton), House Republican Whip Rep. Jim Nash, and community leaders Nancy Lyons, CEO of event sponsor Clockwork, and Adrienne Diercks, founder of Project Success.
Event attendees Rep. Dawn Gillman (R-Dassel) and Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) met with attendees at the event and acknowledged it is a tough environment for small businesses in Minnesota. Both are working to help lower taxes for small business owners.
“It’s a great event—it brings so many people to the Capitol and brings so much joy and energy to hear from folks in our community, and hear both their successes and their struggles,” said Rep. Kristin Robbins. “A lot of them have to close down to come to the Capitol and it’s important as legislators to hear their stories and show up for them, and I love doing it.”
Attendees also heard inspiring stories from past grant recipients. Realtor Michael Roberts shared how winning the Black Entrepreneurs Day Grant in 2023 validated his journey. “I may not have come from a wealthy family, but I promise you all, a wealthy family will come from me,” said Michael. Quintarias Lester, owner of Hilltop Dental—one of the few Black-owned dental practices in the Twin Cities—also spoke about his path to success.
This year’s Black Entrepreneurs Day $5,000 grant was awarded to Tommy McNeal, founder of Flame Mobile Kitchen, a Black-owned mobile restaurant and catering service. Tommy’s business, like many others in attendance, represents the innovation and resilience of Black entrepreneurs in Minnesota.
“It is a blessing to have been chosen to receive this grant out of hundreds of entrepreneurs who showed up to support each other in one collective voice,” said Tommy. “Flame Mobile Kitchen is grateful for Sheletta’s generosity and her advocacy to put businesses like ours in front of legislators and the minority business community to network.”
Sheletta’s ability to overcome adversity and bring together state and federal leaders, business owners, and community members demonstrates the power of collective advocacy. Black Entrepreneurs Day continues to grow as a vital platform for ensuring that Black businesses thrive.
To learn more about Sheletta and Minnesota Black Entrepreneurs Day, visit www.shelettamakesmelaugh.com and follow @shelettabrundidge on Instagram.
Photo: Tom Northenscold
Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Lindsey Rose is a mom, writer and longtime public relations professional. After recovering from colon cancer in 2012, she launched a communications consultancy that supports purpose-driven brands. She is a passionate autism awareness advocate, dog lover, yoga teacher and cookie baking aficionado. Follow her on Instagram: @lindseyrosepr.
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