Number 340 August 29th, 2025 St. Louis

August is Black Business Month: Let’s Celebrate, Support, and Uplift

This month, we are honoring National Black Business Month, a time to celebrate the strength, legacy, and influence of Black-owned businesses throughout the nation. For over a century, Black entrepreneurship has been a significant force in shaping the American economy, and it continues to make a lasting impact today.

The roots of this movement can be traced back to visionaries like Booker T. Washington, who founded the National Negro Business League in 1900 to champion Black economic empowerment. Out of these efforts grew thriving communities such as Tulsa’s Black Wall Street, which became enduring symbols of prosperity, innovation, and resilience in the face of systemic barriers.

This month, we encourage you to take action by supporting local Black-owned businesses, hiring Black professionals, or amplifying their work on social media. Every choice you make helps honor the past, strengthen the present, and build the future of Black entrepreneurship.

Client Spotlight: Mandela’s Soul Food

We’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Mandela’s Soul Food, where every dish is a true celebration of flavor, culture, and community!

See the Story: Fox2 recently featured Mandela’s Soul Food, capturing the heart and passion behind the café.
Watch the video here

From savory classics to comforting favorites, Mandela’s brings authentic soul food to the community with a dedication that inspires us all.

Exclusive Offer:
Through Fox2’s Be Our Guest segment, you can access special deals to enjoy more of what Mandela’s has to offer.
Check out the exclusive deals

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, there’s no better time to stop by, show your support for local business, and treat yourself to a plate of comfort food that warms the heart.

Join us, your neighbors, and communities across the nation in honoring Black Business Month. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive economy, one that reflects the full diversity and talent of our country.

Many Black-owned businesses in St. Louis are clients. We encourage you to explore these establishments for their food, hair care, entertainment, and retail offerings.

Upcoming Events

The Ignite Illinois Webinar Series is going strong!

To register, go to bit.ly/46n1w8i. All are welcome!

Happy Labor Day!

Take time to spend with family, friends, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Making Your Way to a Wonderful Financial Future!

The My Credit Compass Program is a 12-month membership designed to enhance credit awareness for entrepreneurs and help manage their FICO® Score. Through your Experian® CreditCenterTM subscription, you’ll access a dashboard to view your FICO® Score anytime without impacting it.

How Credit Compass and Save2Build work together to improve your credit and help you achieve financial freedom.

While My Credit Compass provides the knowledge and tools to monitor and manage your credit, Save2Build offers a practical way to improve your credit score. Through Justine PETERSEN’s CDFI, Great Rivers Community Capital, eligible clients receive a $300 credit builder loan placed into a locked savings account. Clients repay the loan over 12 months (around $29/month), with payments reported to two credit bureaus. This repayment activity directly supports the credit monitoring and management strategies taught in My Credit Compass.

After a year, clients have not only improved their credit score but also saved $300, which can be used for financial goals like opening a secured credit card, turning credit knowledge into real financial growth.

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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA