Melinda Emerson

We’re excited to share that our President & CEO Amber Banks was recently featured on The SmallBizChat Podcast hosted by @smallbizlady. 🎙️ Listen and share: shorturl.at/hHJiC #BlackCDFIs #SmallBusinesses

@fedirnikovai :o)

@SmallBizLady Thanks for sharing these inspiring verses! Such a great reminder to keep faith at the center of our business journey. #FaithInBusiness

10 Bible Verses Every Small Business Owner Needs in 2026 succeedasyourownboss.com/10-bible-verse… #faithbased #womeninbusiness #believer #businessbibleverses

Corporate advancement for women has slowed. At the same time, women now own 15.7 million U.S. businesses, representing 40% of all firms. Here's why entrepreneurship is rising—and what could help more women-owned businesses scale: forbes.com/sites/caroline… @Codie_Sanchez @SmallBizLady @LinkedIn @WellsFargo @Forbes

Choosing a marketing vendor shouldn’t feel like a gamble. Your business deserves better. This curated Clutch directory highlights agencies that know how to attract customers, build visibility, and drive sales. So you can stop stressing about marketing. clutch.co/agencies/digit…

Aisha “Pinky” Cole, the Baltimore native behind plant-based restaurant chain Slutty Vegan, has filed for bankruptcy, court records show. The Chapter 11 filing lists a total of $1.2 million owed to the United States Small Business Administration, as well as a total of $192,000 to the Georgia Department of Revenue. Cole’s Slutty Vegan has six locations across the United States, including two that opened in late 2024 in Baltimore Peninsula: a Slutty Vegan location and dining and cocktail lounge Bar Vegan 2.0. Representation of Cole did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Read more: bit.ly/3OVDElj 📸Baltimore Sun staff

Aretha Franklin was a surprise guest performer at the Kennedy Center Honors tribute to Carole King, who co-wrote “Natural Woman.” Aretha noted in a Vogue interview, “Carole didn’t know I was going to be there at all. That’s one reason she was excited.”

@HBCUSports1 Love this.

Erin Jackson the first Black Woman to win Olympic Gold Medal in Speed Skating

Happy President’s Day to the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama!

5 Black women have made history in St. Louis, rising to the rank of Fire Captain together. Licole McKinney, Jessica Jackson, Pamela Saunders-Isaac, Elizabeth McCormick, and Cicely Tucker are breaking barriers in a field where Black women remain vastly underrepresented. They are not just opening doors, they are redefining what leadership looks like.

For the first time, five African American surgeons now lead the Trauma Service at the preeminent Johns Hopkins Hospital. 🏥

This #MLKDay, let’s join my father in having the AUDACITY TO BELIEVE…and to be love in acting according to our belief. #MLK #MartinLutherKingJr

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his life fighting for equity and justice. He taught us that even in the face of intimidation and discrimination, we must never stop working towards a better future – a lesson that feels especially relevant today. Change has never been easy. It takes persistence and determination, and requires all of us to speak out and stand up for what we believe in. As we honor Dr. King today, let’s draw strength from his example, and do our part to build on his legacy.

@JamelleSanders :O)

@SmallBizLady 🎊Happy New Year! Wishing you a year of extraordinary favor, unprecedented opportunities and lavish abundance!

Tired of waiting for the next promotion? Time to own something. The Next Act CEO Summit (Jan 22–24, 2026) will teach you how to buy a business or franchise. Hosted by @SmallBizLady this virtual event is your reinvention.  Learn more: SmallBizLadyUniversity.com/NextActCEOSumm… Use Code BUY47

FREE Webinar Tonight: How to Skip the Startup Struggle Are you ready to build a real path to financial freedom—not just another side hustle? Join me tonight at 6pm ET, to learn smarter alternatives to starting from scratch Register: SmallBizLadyUniversity.net/skipthestartup…

Last FREE webinar of the year. Tomorrow, Dec. 11th 6 pm ET How to Buy a Business or Franchise. Register today. smallbizladyuniversity.net/HowtoBuyaBusin…

@lady_valor_07 I see Godzilla!!!

Apparently if you’re right-brained you see a rabbit, if you’re left-brained you see a turtle. What do you see

Watch out for scams this holiday season! #techtips #holiday #scams

Join my LinkedIn Live Event tomorrow, Dec. 11, 1 pm ET: Sales Strategies to Grow Your Coaching Business, with co-hosts Chris Williams and Melinda Emerson. Learn how to break free from the 1-to-1 grind. us02web.zoom.us/j/87181296253?…